Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe

If you’re craving something undeniably comforting, but with enough sparkle to steal the show at any dinner table, you have to try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe. Imagine tender golden chicken nestled atop buttery, garlicky rice, kissed with fresh parmesan and a hint of white wine – it’s weeknight easy, but tastes like you ordered from your favorite Italian spot!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe is in its simplicity: every ingredient is there for a reason. Each one weaves in a flourish of flavor, tender texture, or that extra pop of color, so don’t skip the details!

• Chicken tenderloins (1 lb): These cook up quickly and stay tender, delivering juicy bites in every forkful.
• Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and brightening up all those rich, bold flavors.
• Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Adds a background note of garlicky warmth alongside the fresh garlic.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): For perfectly searing the chicken and layering in Mediterranean aroma.
• Butter (1 stick/½ cup): The real backbone of the sauce, it makes everything so silky and savory!
• Fresh minced garlic (2 tbsp): Don’t use jarred – fresh garlic truly elevates the scampi to the next level.
• Red pepper flakes (¼ tsp): For a subtle heat that keeps things exciting without overpowering.
• Salt (½ tsp): Boosts the flavor of both sauce and rice.
• Dry white wine (½ cup): Adds complexity and a bright, tangy depth to the scampi sauce.
• Chicken broth (3½ cups): The rice absorbs all this goodness, making it flavorful and extra comforting.
• Uncooked white rice (1½ cups): It’s the perfect blank canvas for soaking up all those garlicky, cheesy flavors.
• Fresh grated parmesan cheese (½ cup): Sprinkled at the end, it melts in a creamy, savory blanket over the rice.
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional): Adds freshness and a little color to your finished plate.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe? It’s endlessly flexible! Whether you’re working around dietary needs or just want to play with flavors, there are so many tasty ways to switch things up.

• Shrimp Scampi Swap: Replace the chicken with peeled shrimp for a seafood version — just sear shrimp until pink and juicy, then finish as usual.
• Lemon Lover’s Twist: Stir in a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice with the wine for a bracing pop of citrusy brightness.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute cauliflower rice for the white rice for a lighter, veggie-packed take.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Add a blend of parmesan and mozzarella for extra gooeyness and depth in your rice.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken tenderloins dry, then sprinkle them generously with salt, pepper, and a dusting of garlic powder. Heat up your olive oil in a large skillet – once it sizzles, arrange the chicken in a single layer and sauté until both sides are beautifully golden and just cooked through. Set that gorgeous chicken aside and keep it cozy under a foil tent.

Step 2: Build the Garlicky Scampi Sauce

In the same skillet, drop in the butter, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together, letting the butter melt and the garlic sizzle gently on medium heat (but don’t let it brown!) for about 3 minutes. Then, turn up the heat, pour in that dry white wine, and use a spatula to scrape up every last flavorful bit from the bottom of the pan. Let it bubble away for 5 minutes, reducing by half and becoming gloriously fragrant. Don’t forget to set aside a couple tablespoons of this sauce to drizzle over the finished chicken later!

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Now, toss the uncooked rice into the pan with your remaining scampi sauce. Stir frequently for 3–4 minutes, letting those grains toast just a touch and soak up every hint of garlicky, buttery flavor. The rice should smell absolutely divine at this point!

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour in your chicken broth and bring the whole mixture to a gentle boil. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for 20 minutes. Peek under the lid just once or twice in the first 15 minutes to make sure nothing is sticking, but don’t fuss with it too much – this keeps the rice perfectly fluffy and tender.

Step 5: Add Parmesan, Finish & Serve

Sprinkle your freshly grated parmesan over the hot rice, letting it melt right in. Nestle the chicken tenderloins back overtop, then drizzle everything with the extra reserved pan sauce. Cover, remove from heat, and let it all stand for 5 minutes so the flavors can fully marry. Finish with extra parmesan and chopped parsley for that final flourish!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe

Garnishes

A shower of freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley will make your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe look absolutely irresistible. If you’re feeling extra fancy, scatter on a few lemon zest curls or an extra pinch of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair this rich and savory rice skillet with something light and bright – a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, garlicky green beans, or roasted asparagus make perfect partners. Warm, crusty bread on the side is never a bad idea for mopping up that luscious buttery sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I love serving Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe in a large, rustic dish in the center of the table, letting everyone dig in family-style. For date night, spoon individual portions into shallow bowls and finish with an extra drizzle of sauce and fresh herbs—extra points for a wedge of lemon on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours; your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. Keep the chicken and rice together so the flavors keep mingling!

Freezing

While you can freeze this recipe, keep in mind that rice may soften a bit upon thawing. Portion out cooled scampi into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice creamy, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between each. Add a sprinkle of fresh parmesan and parsley to bring everything back to life!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something simply swoon-worthy about digging your fork into a bowl of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe, with its comforting rice and golden, juicy chicken. I hope this becomes a new go-to in your kitchen – it’s every bit as doable on a busy weeknight as it is impressive for a cozy dinner with loved ones. Go on, give it a try – your tastebuds will thank you!

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