This Easy Chicken Scampi is a tasty delight! Juicy chicken with a buttery garlic sauce is simply mouthwatering, and the creamy garlic parmesan rice is the perfect companion.
You’ll love how quickly this meal comes together! I often make it for special nights when I just want to impress without all the fuss. It’s like a fancy dinner at home! 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe as they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, use thighs instead, as they’re often more flavorful.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for the scampi sauce’s flavor. When in a pinch, you can use garlic powder, but fresh really gives the best taste. I recommend using a garlic press for convenience.
White Wine: Dry white wine adds acidity and depth to the sauce. If you prefer not to use wine, just double the chicken broth instead. I often skip the wine altogether to keep things simple, and it tastes great!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese gives creaminess to the rice. For a stronger flavor, consider using Pecorino Romano. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can be a good substitute.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Getting the chicken just right is important. Start by patting it dry; this helps it brown nicely. Here’s a simple guide:
- Heat oil until it shimmers, then carefully add the chicken.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side. You want it golden brown.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s cooked through without being dry.
This method gives you that perfect juicy bite every time!
Easy Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Scampi:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4 pieces)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 25 minutes of cooking time. So total, you’re looking at about 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This helps to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. When it’s hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked all the way through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Scampi Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant but not browned, as overcooking garlic can make it bitter.
4. Deglaze the Pan:
Pour in the white wine or chicken broth along with the lemon juice. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces, thickening up nicely.
5. Return Chicken to the Pan:
Put the chicken back into the skillet. Let it soak up the delicious sauce by cooking for another 2 minutes. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top before moving on to the rice!
6. Cook the Rice:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until aromatic. This will add a wonderful flavor to the rice.
7. Add Rice and Broth:
Stir in the rice, ensuring it’s well-coated. Then, pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it cook according to package instructions, usually about 15-18 minutes, or until the broth is fully absorbed.
8. Make Rice Creamy:
Once the rice is cooked through, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover again and let it sit for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the rice to become creamy.
9. Plate and Serve:
To serve, spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan rice onto each plate and top it with the chicken and scampi sauce. Feel free to garnish with more parsley if you like!
Enjoy your delicious, comforting Easy Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking. The best way to thaw is overnight in the fridge or by using the cold water method: seal the chicken in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. Pat it dry before seasoning and cooking!
What Can I Substitute for White Wine?
If you’d prefer not to use wine, chicken broth works wonderfully as a substitute! It maintains a similar flavor profile and keeps the sauce rich. Just use an equal amount of broth in place of the wine.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave; just add a splash of broth or cream if it looks dry to keep it creamy!
Can I Make the Rice Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rice up to 2 days in advance. Just let it cool completely, then store it in the fridge. Reheat it on low heat with a little extra cream or broth to bring back its creamy texture when you’re ready to serve!
