Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice in 30 Min

You know those nights when you’re craving something fancy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly why my Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice became my go-to weeknight hero. It’s got all the indulgent flavors of your favorite Italian restaurant dish – garlicky butter sauce, tender chicken, that irresistible parmesan-kissed rice – but comes together faster than it takes to get takeout delivered.

The first time I made this, my kitchen smelled so good my neighbor actually knocked to ask what I was cooking (true story!). Now it’s my secret weapon for impressing last-minute guests or just treating myself after a long day. What I love most is how the golden chicken soaks up that glorious garlic butter sauce while the rice gets all creamy and cheesy – pure comfort in every bite.

Best part? You probably have most ingredients already. Just grab some chicken, rice, and that forgotten wedge of parmesan hiding in your fridge. Trust me, this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice will make you feel like a kitchen rockstar with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

This dish is my weeknight dinner MVP for so many reasons – let me count the ways:

• Restaurant taste, home cook effort: That golden chicken swimming in garlic butter sauce? The parmesan rice that makes you close your eyes after the first bite? All achievable in your kitchen faster than waiting for delivery.
• Pantry hero: No fancy ingredients here – just simple staples transformed into something magical. (That block of parmesan you’ve been meaning to use? Its time has come!)
• One-pan wonder: We’re using the same skillet for chicken and sauce – fewer dishes means more time enjoying your masterpiece.
• Customizable spice: Love heat? Extra red pepper flakes. Prefer mild? Skip ’em. The garlic butter base makes everyone happy.

Seriously – this is the dish that’ll make your family think you’ve been secretly taking cooking classes.

Ingredients for Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this garlicky, cheesy dream come true. I’m pretty obsessive about my ingredients for this recipe – trust me, these little details make all the difference between good and “oh-my-gosh-what-sorcery-is-this” delicious:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – about 6 oz each (look for plump, even-sized ones so they cook evenly)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice – I swear by jasmine rice for its lovely fragrance
• 2 cups chicken broth – way better than water for cooking the rice!
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – yes, really four (we’re not garlic-shy here)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese – please, please use freshly grated if you can (the pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt the same)
• 3 tbsp butter – divided (that’s 1 tbsp for the rice, 2 for the glorious sauce)
• 2 tbsp olive oil – for getting that perfect golden sear on the chicken
• 1/2 tsp salt + 1/4 tsp black pepper – basic but essential
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes – optional but oh-so-good (I usually add a sneaky extra pinch)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – for that final pop of color and freshness

See? Nothing crazy – just simple ingredients prepped right. Now let’s make some magic!

How to Make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Alright, let’s get cooking! This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice comes together like a dream when you follow these simple steps. I’ve made this dish so many times I could do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through every detail to make sure yours turns out perfect.

Cooking the Rice

First things first – let’s get that rice going because it takes the longest. I cook mine in chicken broth instead of water – it adds SO much flavor right from the start. Just combine 1 cup of rice with 2 cups of broth in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it sit (don’t peek!) for another 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. That resting time is key for perfect, separate grains.

Preparing the Chicken

While the rice cooks, season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers – about 2 minutes. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil – this keeps them juicy while we make the sauce.

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet (those browned bits = flavor gold!), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for just 30 seconds – no more! Burnt garlic is bitter garlic, and we want fragrant, golden perfection. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells amazing.

Combining Everything

Reduce heat to low and add your cooked rice to the garlic butter mixture. Stir gently to coat every grain, then sprinkle in the parmesan cheese. Slice your rested chicken and nestle it back into the pan. Give everything a gentle toss, garnish with fresh parsley, and prepare to fall in love with your dinner!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Want to take your Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice to the next level? Here are my tried-and-true tips for making it absolutely perfect every single time:

• Use a meat thermometer for the chicken: It’s the best way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked without overdoing it. Aim for 165°F in the thickest part.
• Don’t skimp on fresh parmesan: The pre-grated stuff just doesn’t melt the same way. Trust me, the extra minute of grating is worth it.
• Cook garlic low and slow: Keep the heat medium and don’t let it brown too much. Burnt garlic = bitter garlic, and we don’t want that!
• Let the chicken rest: After cooking, give it 5 minutes under foil. This keeps it juicy and tender.
• Add a splash of cream: For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream with the parmesan. It’s optional but oh-so-indulgent!

With these tips, you’ll have a dish that’ll make your family think you’ve been trained by an Italian nonna!

Variations for Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can mix it up! Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried (and loved):

• Shrimp scampi style: Swap the chicken for 1 pound of large shrimp – they cook in just 2-3 minutes per side and soak up that garlic butter sauce beautifully.
• Veggie boost: Toss in a handful of baby spinach right at the end – the residual heat wilts it perfectly. Mushrooms sautéed with the garlic are amazing too.
• Lemon lover’s version: Add zest from half a lemon to the rice and squeeze fresh juice over the finished dish for brightness.
• Protein swap: Thinly sliced steak or even scallops work wonderfully if you’re feeling fancy!

The basic garlic parmesan rice is so versatile – once you master it, the possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Honestly, this dish is so flavorful it can stand alone, but I love rounding it out with a couple simple sides. A crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that buttery sauce – just saying! For something lighter, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. My go-to? Arugula with shaved parmesan and a squeeze of lemon. And if you’re feeling extra, roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans make it feel downright fancy with almost no extra work!

Storing and Reheating Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Here’s my no-fail method for keeping leftovers just as delicious as the first time around. Store everything in an airtight container – I swear by glass ones – and it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back that creamy texture (the rice tends to soak up moisture). Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, or warm gently in a skillet over low heat. Pro tip: If you’ve got extra parmesan, sprinkle a little fresh on top after reheating – it makes all the difference!

Nutritional Information for Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Here’s the scoop on what you’re eating – remember these are estimates since ingredient sizes and brands vary. One generous serving packs about 550 calories with 35g protein, 25g fat (mostly from that glorious butter and olive oil), and 45g carbs. Got dietary needs? Skip the cheese or use less butter to lighten it up!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

I get asked about this recipe ALL the time – here are the most common questions with my tried-and-true answers:

Can I use pre-grated parmesan instead of freshly grated?
You can, but I really recommend taking the extra minute to grate it fresh. Pre-shredded parmesan has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly. Freshly grated gives you that dreamy, creamy texture we’re after.

My garlic keeps burning – what am I doing wrong?
Turn down your heat! Garlic burns crazy fast. Keep it at medium (not medium-high) and stir constantly for just 30 seconds until fragrant. If it starts browning too quickly, pull the pan off the heat immediately.

Can I make this with brown rice?
Absolutely! Just adjust the liquid and cooking time according to your rice package directions. The texture will be a bit chewier, but still delicious. I sometimes do half brown, half white rice for more nutrients.

How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer – 165°F in the thickest part is perfect. No thermometer? Make a small cut – the juices should run clear, with no pink in the center.

Can I freeze leftovers?
The rice freezes okay, but the chicken can get dry. If you must freeze, add extra sauce and reheat gently with extra broth. Fresh is always best though!

Share Your Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Experience

Did you make my Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below with your tweaks or questions – and don’t forget to rate the recipe if you loved it as much as I do. Happy cooking!

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