Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Absolutely! Here is a full, detailed guide for the delicious and comforting Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe — a savory dish that blends zesty chicken scampi flavors with rich, cheesy rice.

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Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

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A zesty, creamy one-pan wonder that delivers restaurant-level comfort at home.

Introduction

This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a mouthwatering combination of tender chicken sautéed with garlic, butter, and lemon — reminiscent of classic shrimp scampi — served over creamy, cheesy rice. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal that fuses Italian-American comfort food with bold, savory elements. Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or meal prep!

Origin of the Recipe

Scampi originated in Italy as a method for preparing small shellfish (like langoustines) with garlic, butter, and white wine. In American cuisine, the dish evolved into shrimp scampi, which dropped the crustacean altogether and focused on the preparation style. This variation uses chicken instead of seafood for a heartier, more accessible protein — paired with garlic-Parmesan rice for a creamy base reminiscent of risotto or buttery pilaf.

Ingredients

🐔 For the Chicken Scampi:

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips or bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ⅓ cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or chicken broth
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

🍚 For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1½ cups long-grain white rice (e.g., jasmine)
• 2½ cups chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for richness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

• ½ cup spinach, wilted into the rice
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (for extra herby flavor)
• ¼ cup mozzarella or asiago cheese added to the rice
• 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning for added zing

Instructions

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Step 1: Cook the Garlic Parmesan Rice

1. In a saucepan, heat 1 tbsp oil or butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
2. Stir in rice and toast for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until rice is cooked.
4. Once done, stir in Parmesan, heavy cream (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Cover and keep warm.

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Step 2: Cook the Chicken Scampi

5. While the rice cooks, season chicken with salt and pepper.
6. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
7. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
8. Reduce heat, add remaining 2 tbsp butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute.
9. Deglaze with white wine or chicken broth, add lemon zest, lemon juice, and bring to a simmer.
10. Return chicken to skillet and coat in sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in chopped parsley.

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Step 3: Assemble

11. Spoon garlic Parmesan rice onto plates.
12. Top with chicken scampi, spoon over extra sauce, and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the chicken—sauté until golden and just cooked through.
• Deglaze the pan well to pull up those flavorful browned bits.
• Add a splash of cream to the scampi sauce for a creamy variation.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
• For extra lemon zing, serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Serving Recommendations

• Serve with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
• A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully.
• For a lighter meal, skip the rice and serve the chicken scampi over zoodles, cauliflower rice, or quinoa.

Nutrition Estimate

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

Nutrient	Approximate Value
Calories	560–620 kcal
Total Fat	26g
Saturated Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	45g
Sugars	2g
Protein	42g
Sodium	750–900mg
Fiber	1–2g

Nutrition varies based on ingredient brands and optional add-ins.