Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Chicken Scampi served over creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice. This Italian-American dish combines tender chicken strips sautéed in garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine, paired perfectly with cheesy, fragrant rice. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels gourmet.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Scampi:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or tenders, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 ¼ cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the rice and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour in the chicken broth and add salt, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the Parmesan cheese. Cover and keep warm.
- Cook the Chicken: While the rice cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Scampi Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, if using. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Combine and Finish: Stir in the lemon juice, then return the chicken strips to the skillet. Toss the chicken in the sauce to coat well. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top.
- Serve: Plate the garlic Parmesan rice and top with the chicken scampi and pan sauce. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor.
Notes
- Add sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli for a vegetable boost.
- You can use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- If you prefer no alcohol, use chicken broth instead of white wine.
- To make this dish nut-free, ensure Parmesan cheese is sourced without cross-contamination.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
