Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice is a dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of home cooks everywhere. This mouth-watering combination of juicy chicken, rich and creamy scampi sauce, and fluffy, parmesan-infused rice is a surefire way to elevate your weeknight dinners to new heights.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting and satisfying meal, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Its perfect balance of flavors and textures will have your family and guests raving about your culinary skills.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
This chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice recipe stands out for its exceptional flavor, convenience, and versatility. The tender chicken and creamy, garlicky scampi sauce provide a delightful contrast to the fluffy, parmesan-infused rice, creating a harmonious dining experience. Plus, with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this dish can be whipped up in no time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.
The make-ahead options and dietary adaptations further enhance the appeal of this recipe, allowing you to cater to your specific needs and preferences without sacrificing the delicious outcome.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice ❓
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
The beauty of this chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, garlic-infused scampi sauce, and creamy parmesan rice creates the Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made scampi-style recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the scampi sauce. Reduce heat to low and let the chicken simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has further thickened.
• Step 5: While the chicken is simmering, prepare the garlic parmesan rice. In a medium saucepan, combine the uncooked rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
• Step 6: Remove the rice from heat and stir in the 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, unsalted butter, and garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Step 7: Serve the chicken scampi immediately over the garlic parmesan rice. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
Compared to traditional chicken scampi dishes that can take up to an hour to prepare, this chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice saves you 15% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fat: 31g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 787mg
These chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice provide approximately 60% of your daily protein requirements and 22% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute cauliflower rice for the white rice to create a keto-friendly or low-carb option.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream, and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative.
• Added protein: Serve the chicken scampi over a bed of quinoa or brown rice to boost the protein content.
• Boost vegetables: Sauté spinach, broccoli, or zucchini with the garlic to add more nutrients and fiber.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a crisp, fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal
• Complement the dish with a crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls
• For a family-style gathering, serve the chicken scampi and garlic parmesan rice alongside a Caesar salad and a bottle of your favorite white wine
• Create an Italian-inspired platter with the chicken scampi, a selection of antipasti, and a variety of olives and marinated vegetables
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Burning the garlic: Garlic can quickly burn, so be mindful of the cooking time and keep the heat at medium or lower to prevent the garlic from becoming bitter or acrid.
• Oversimplifying the rice: While the garlic parmesan rice is a simple addition, don’t skimp on the key ingredients like parmesan cheese and butter, as they contribute greatly to the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
• Failing to deglaze the pan: Deglazing the pan with the white wine is an important step, as it helps to incorporate all the flavorful browned bits into the scampi sauce.
• Forgetting to season properly: Don’t be afraid to season the chicken, sauce, and rice with salt and pepper to taste. Proper seasoning is crucial for bringing out the full flavor profile of the dish.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the chicken scampi and garlic parmesan rice components separately. Allow the rice to cool completely, then transfer both to separate freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked chicken scampi and garlic parmesan rice to cool completely. Transfer to separate freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat the chicken scampi in a skillet over medium heat, and the rice in a saucepan over low heat, until heated through.
• Reheating: For the chicken scampi, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. For the garlic parmesan rice, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. You can also reheat both components in the microwave, stirring and checking for doneness at 1-minute intervals.
❓ FAQs
Can I prepare the chicken scampi and garlic parmesan rice in advance?
Yes, both components of this dish can be prepared ahead of time. The chicken scampi can be made up to 4 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, or frozen for up to 3 months. The garlic parmesan rice can also be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen. When ready to serve, simply reheat the components according to the storage instructions.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! This recipe can be easily adapted to use other proteins, such as shrimp, scallops, or even firm white fish like cod or halibut. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the protein is cooked through, and enjoy the same delicious scampi-inspired flavors.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of this chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice. Instead of heavy cream, use unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream. For the parmesan cheese, look for a dairy-free alternative made from nuts or soy. These substitutions will allow you to enjoy the same great flavors without the dairy.
What can I do if the scampi sauce is too thin?
If the scampi sauce is not thickening to your desired consistency, try the following: 1) Simmer the sauce for a few minutes longer to allow it to reduce and thicken naturally. 2) Create a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch or all-purpose flour with a tablespoon of water, then stir it into the sauce. 3) Add a small knob of cold butter and whisk it into the sauce to help emulsify and thicken it.
Can I add any additional ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! This chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking. You can add sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, or even a splash of lemon juice to the scampi sauce. For the rice, consider stirring in fresh herbs, roasted garlic, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
Conclusion
These chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion meal, they’re sure to impress with their rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fluffy, parmesan-infused rice. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So, go ahead and indulge in this delectable dish, and prepare to delight your taste buds and impress your guests with your culinary prowess.
Print
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
• Step 1: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Step 2: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the scampi sauce. Reduce heat to low and let the chicken simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has further thickened.
• Step 5: While the chicken is simmering, prepare the garlic parmesan rice. In a medium saucepan, combine the uncooked rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
• Step 6: Remove the rice from heat and stir in the 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, unsalted butter, and garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Step 7: Serve the chicken scampi immediately over the garlic parmesan rice. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
