We absolutely love Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice for its irresistible blend of tender chicken and creamy garlic-infused grains that deliver bold Italian-American flavors right to your table. It’s a fresh twist on a classic, merging juicy seared chicken with cheesy rice for a comforting yet elegant meal we turn to time and again.
Drawing from simple pantry staples, we’ve crafted this recipe to be straightforward and satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. Join us as we explore how a few key ingredients create a dish that’s as flavorful as it is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
We carefully select fresh, pantry-friendly ingredients to bring our Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice to life, ensuring a simple yet flavorful dish that captures the essence of Italian-American cooking.
For the Chicken Scampi
To prepare the tender chicken scampi, we start with these key ingredients, listed in the order they are used for seamless prep:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 1-inch strips for quick cooking
- 4 cloves garlic, minced for aromatic flavor
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, used for searing the chicken to golden perfection
- 1/2 cup dry white wine, added to deglaze the pan and enhance the sauce
- Juice of 1 lemon, freshly squeezed for a bright, tangy note
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (like oregano and basil), mixed in for authentic seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste, for balancing flavors
- Fresh parsley, chopped, as a final garnish for a pop of color and freshness
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed to remove excess starch for fluffy results
- 2 cloves garlic, minced and sautéed first to infuse the base with robust flavor
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted to coat the rice and add silky texture
- 2 cups chicken broth, simmered to cook the rice and deepen its savoriness
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirred in at the end for a nutty, cheesy finish
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional, for a subtle hint of heat
- Salt, to taste, for enhancing the overall profile
- Fresh basil leaves, torn, as a simple topping to complement the garlic notes
Required Tools and Equipment
To prepare our flavorful Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice, we need a selection of essential tools and equipment. These items help us execute the recipe efficiently and safely, ensuring that our tender chicken and creamy rice turn out perfectly every time. Below, we outline the key tools, organized by category for easy reference.
Basic Prep Tools
- Cutting board: A sturdy, non-slip board for slicing chicken breasts and mincing garlic, allowing for precise prep work.
- Sharp knife: Essential for cutting ingredients evenly; we recommend a chef’s knife to handle everything from dicing herbs to portioning chicken.
Cooking and Mixing Tools
- Large skillet or frying pan: Ideal for searing the chicken scampi; opt for a 12-inch non-stick or stainless-steel version to achieve that golden-brown sear.
- Medium saucepan: Used for cooking the garlic Parmesan rice; a heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heat distribution for fluffy results.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Perfect for stirring the rice and scampi mixtures without scratching cookware, helping us build rich flavors.
Measuring and Specialized Tools
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate for portioning ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, and rice; we suggest a set that includes both dry and liquid measures.
- Box grater or microplane: Necessary for grating fresh Parmesan cheese, which adds that irresistible nutty finish to our rice.
- Garlic press: Makes quick work of crushing garlic cloves, infusing our dish with bold, aromatic flavors.
By having these tools on hand, we streamline the process from prep to plate, making our Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice a seamless culinary adventure. Always ensure tools are clean and in good condition for the best results.
Instructions
Now that we have our fresh ingredients and essential tools prepared, we guide you through creating this flavorful Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice. Follow these steps for a perfectly balanced dish full of garlic and Parmesan goodness.
Prep Work
Before we start cooking, let’s get everything organized for efficiency. Begin by chopping 4 cloves of garlic into fine pieces for both the rice and the scampi. Slice 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch strips to ensure even cooking. Measure out 1 cup of long-grain white rice, grate 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese using a box grater, and juice 1 lemon to yield about 2 tablespoons. Wash and chop 1/4 cup of fresh parsley and 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves for garnishing. This preparation sets the stage for a seamless process making our Chicken Scampi shine with vibrant flavors.
Cook the Garlic Parmesan Rice
First, we heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it melts and begins to bubble. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden infusing the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Stir in the measured rice and cook for another minute to toast it lightly. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth along with 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if desired, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and fluffy. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a creamy texture creating a rich savory base that pairs perfectly with our Chicken Scampi.
Prepare the Chicken Scampi
In a large skillet, we heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced chicken strips and season with 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and *1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through releasing juicy tenderness with every bite. Push the chicken to one side of the skillet and add 1/2 cup of dry white wine and the lemon juice, letting it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir everything together to coat the chicken in the glossy sauce enhancing its bright zesty notes that complement the garlic-infused rice.
Assemble and Serve
To bring it all together, spoon the hot Garlic Parmesan Rice onto plates as a base. Top it with the prepared Chicken Scampi and drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top for extra flavor. Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley and basil adding a pop of color and fresh herbal essence that makes the dish visually appealing and aromatic. Serve immediately to enjoy the Chicken Scampi at its peak while the textures and flavors meld harmoniously.
Make-Ahead Tips
To streamline our Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe and make it even more convenient for busy schedules, we often prepare components in advance without compromising flavor or texture. This approach allows us to enjoy a fresh, restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort on the day of serving.
Prepping Ingredients Ahead
We recommend starting by prepping the key ingredients the night before or earlier in the day. This includes:
- Chopping garlic and herbs: Finely chop 4-6 cloves of garlic and fresh parsley or basil, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps their pungent aroma intact and saves precious prep time.
- Slicing chicken: Cut 1-1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into even strips, season lightly with salt and black pepper, and place in a sealed bag or container. For added flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and dried Italian herbs for up to 24 hours in the fridge.
Cooking Components in Advance
Certain elements of the dish can be fully cooked ahead and reheated, ensuring the creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice and tender Chicken Scampi retain their vibrant tastes.
- Garlic Parmesan Rice: Cook the rice as outlined in our steps—sauté 2 cups of long-grain white rice with garlic and butter, simmer in chicken broth, and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore its fluffy, cheesy texture and savory garlic notes.
- Chicken Scampi: Prepare the chicken by cooking it in olive oil until golden, then deglaze with dry white wine and lemon juice to create the sauce. Cool the mixture and store it separately in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of broth if needed to maintain the bright, tangy sauce that coats each piece perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Proper storage is crucial to preserve the dish’s fresh flavors and safe consumption. Here’s a quick overview in table form for optimal results:
| Component | Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garlic Parmesan Rice | Refrigerate in an airtight container | Up to 2 days | Reheat on stovetop over low heat; add broth to prevent drying. |
| Chicken Scampi | Refrigerate in a sealed container | Up to 1 day | Warm in a skillet; stir frequently to keep the sauce emulsified and flavorful. |
| Prepped Ingredients (e.g., chopped garlic) | Refrigerate in sealed bags or containers | Up to 24 hours | Use directly; no reheating needed for raw items. |
By following these tips, we can minimize hands-on time while ensuring our Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice remains a delightfully aromatic and satisfying meal. Always check for freshness before reheating to maintain food safety.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe. It’s a versatile dish that adds excitement to your meals without the fuss.
By combining simple steps with bold flavors we’ve outlined you’ll create something truly special.
We’re confident it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen so dive in and savor the results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice?
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken in a garlic, wine, and lemon sauce, paired with creamy rice infused with Parmesan. It’s a simple, satisfying recipe perfect for quick dinners or special meals.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
For Chicken Scampi, you’ll need boneless chicken breasts, garlic, olive oil, white wine, lemon juice, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and parsley. The Garlic Parmesan Rice requires long-grain rice, garlic, butter, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, optional red pepper flakes, and basil. All are common pantry items for easy preparation.
What tools are required to make this dish?
You’ll need basic tools like a cutting board and sharp knife for prep, a large skillet and medium saucepan for cooking, a wooden spoon or spatula for mixing, and measuring cups/spoons for accuracy. A garlic press and grater help with efficiency and safety.
How do I prepare Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice?
Start by prepping ingredients like chopping garlic and slicing chicken. Cook the rice by sautéing garlic, toasting rice, simmering in broth, and adding Parmesan. For the chicken, sear it in olive oil, season, and deglaze with wine and lemon. Serve rice topped with chicken and fresh herbs.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients like garlic, herbs, and chicken in advance, or cook components fully and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve texture and flavor, making it ideal for busy schedules without losing taste.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely, it’s straightforward with simple steps, common ingredients, and clear instructions. Even novice cooks can master it quickly, as it uses basic techniques like sautéing and simmering for a professional result.