Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a savory dish that features chicken cooked in a buttery garlic sauce. The dish is served with rice that’s infused with Parmesan and garlic, creating a creamy, flavorful base. It’s a comforting meal that pairs the richness of butter with the sharpness of Parmesan, offering a balanced, satisfying experience.
The total time for preparing Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is approximately 40-50 minutes. This includes about 10 minutes for preparation and 30-40 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and easy meal for those who are short on time but still want a delicious, homemade dish.
The combination of garlic and Parmesan in the rice truly enhances the dish. The creamy texture of the rice complements the tender, juicy chicken perfectly. Cooking this recipe fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, making it a great dish for any occasion. The simplicity of the recipe makes it easy to tweak to personal preferences, whether you want to add more garlic or a dash of spice for an extra kick.
Why You’ll Love It Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
- Delicious Flavor: Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is packed with bold, savory flavours. The tender chicken blends perfectly with the creamy garlic Parmesan rice. This combination creates a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.
- Easy and Quick to Make: This recipe is simple and fast. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying dinner in no time. It’s perfect for busy nights when you still want a home-cooked meal that’s both tasty and fulfilling.
- Versatile Meal Option: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or cooking for your family, Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice suits any occasion. You can easily adjust the recipe to fit your taste preferences, making it a versatile favourite.
Ingredient Notes for a Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
- Chicken Breasts: Tender chicken breasts are the main protein in this dish. They are quick to cook and take on the rich, creamy sauce beautifully.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a bold, savory flavour. It’s the key to creating that delicious garlicky taste in the sauce.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to sauté the chicken and garlic, giving the dish a smooth texture and enhancing its natural flavours.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds depth to the sauce, providing a savoury base to balance the richness of the cream.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream brings a creamy and smooth texture to the sauce, making it velvety and indulgent.
- Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter is used to enrich the sauce, adding a creamy richness that blends well with the other ingredients.
- Lemon Zest: The zest from a fresh lemon gives a refreshing, citrusy kick to the dish, brightening up the rich flavours.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds acidity, helping to balance out the creaminess and enhancing the overall flavour.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley is used as a garnish, adding a burst of colour and a fresh, herbal note that complements the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: These are basic seasonings that bring out the flavours of all the ingredients, ensuring the dish is well-seasoned.
Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch
When making Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice, ensure that your chicken is tender and juicy. Use fresh, high-quality chicken breast for the best taste. Sauté the chicken in butter and garlic for extra flavour.
For the garlic Parmesan rice, cooking it in chicken broth will enhance its flavour. Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper will give it a nice kick without overpowering the dish.
To make your Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice even more special, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil. These herbs will not only add colour but also elevate the dish with a fresh, aromatic touch.
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Variations
While the classic Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a hit, you can switch things up with these variations:
- Shrimp Scampi: Replace the chicken with shrimp for a seafood version of the dish. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a light yet rich flavour.
- Veggie Version: Swap the chicken for roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
- Spicy Chicken Scampi: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick, making the dish even more exciting.
How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is best served immediately while it’s hot and fresh. Here are a few tips on how to serve it:
- Garnish: Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a burst of colour and added freshness.
- Side Dishes: Pair with a simple salad or garlic bread to complement the rich, creamy flavours of the dish.
- Presentation: Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of garlic parmesan rice, drizzling the scampi sauce generously over both.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers, Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To Store: Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain the texture of the chicken and sauce. You can add a splash of cream or chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, defrost overnight in the fridge and then reheat in a skillet or microwave.
FAQs About Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
How long does it take to make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice?
It typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes to make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice. This quick recipe is great for a fast and satisfying meal.
Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even fish. The garlic Parmesan rice pairs well with various proteins.
Is Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice spicy?
No, this dish is not spicy. It has a rich and savory flavor from the garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese, but it is not hot or spicy.
Can I make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice and chicken ahead of time and reheat them when needed. This dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts to the pan and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until golden and fully cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Scampi Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the Chicken Back: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and coat it with the sauce. Stir in lemon juice and zest, letting the chicken absorb the flavors. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then sprinkle fresh parsley on top for garnish.
- Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice: In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice and a pinch of salt, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender. In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir this garlic butter into the cooked rice along with the Parmesan cheese. Fluff the rice with a fork to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the Garlic Parmesan Rice first, then top it with the Chicken Scampi. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the comforting, delicious flavors.
