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Chicken Scampi Recipe with Garlic Parmesan Rice

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This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a creamy, comforting weeknight dinner featuring juicy, garlicky chicken in a tangy, buttery sauce served over cheesy, luscious rice. It’s quick, easy, and sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth as a substitute)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (plus a splash for deglazing if needed)
  • 1 medium lemon, juiced (about 3 tbsp)
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (for sprinkling over finished dish)
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for rice)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (for rice)
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (for rice)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (for rice)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mince all garlic. Juice the lemon and measure out wine (or broth), butter, and parmesan. Rinse rice under cold water.
  2. Start the Rice: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in rice to coat with butter and garlic. Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, stir, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook 15-18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  3. Dredge and Brown the Chicken: Combine flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper on a plate. Dredge chicken pieces lightly in the mixture, shaking off excess. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear until golden brown and just cooked through, 3-4 minutes per side. Remove to a plate.
  4. Make the Scampi Sauce: In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add 4 tbsp butter and remaining 6 cloves garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in 1/2 cup white wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2-3 minutes until reduced by half. Add 1/4 cup chicken broth, lemon juice, and optional red pepper flakes. Return chicken (with juices) to the pan.
  5. Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Stir to coat chicken in sauce. Simmer until chicken is just cooked through and sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon as needed.
  6. Finish the Rice: Once rice is done, fluff with a fork. Stir in 1/2 cup grated parmesan and a splash of broth if needed to make it creamy. Add black pepper and more salt to taste.
  7. Serve: Mound creamy garlic parmesan rice on plates. Top with chicken scampi and a generous spoonful of sauce. Sprinkle with more parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute olive oil for butter and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative. Brown rice can be used with extra cook time. Add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for variation. Double the rice for leftovers—it reheats well. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth. Taste and adjust lemon, salt, and parmesan to your liking.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken scampi, garlic parmesan rice, creamy chicken dinner, easy weeknight meal, Italian chicken recipe, skillet chicken, parmesan rice, comfort food, gluten-free option, meal prep

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/chicken-scampi-recipe-with-garlic-parmesan-rice-easy-creamy-dinner-idea/