There’s something magical about a dish that blends the perfect balance of tender chicken, rich garlic sauce, and creamy Parmesan-infused rice. Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is just that kind of meal a restaurant-quality dish that you can easily whip up in your own kitchen. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the idea of scampi, let this recipe put your worries to rest. It’s much easier than you’d think, and the result is an indulgent and flavorful dish that your family will rave about.
I first fell in love with chicken scampi during a cozy dinner at a little Italian restaurant. The buttery sauce, the tender chicken, and the perfectly cooked rice everything about it felt like comfort on a plate. I was determined to recreate that feeling at home, and after a few tweaks, this version became a staple in my household. It’s a dish that works equally well for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Imagine serving this at your next family dinner, the creamy garlic Parmesan rice complementing the perfectly seared chicken tenderloins. The richness of the sauce, balanced by a hint of spice from the red pepper flakes, makes each bite heavenly. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice at home.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
the Sauce:
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chicken broth (use in place of white wine)
For the Rice:
- 1½ cups uncooked white rice
- 3½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation:
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken tenderloins dry with a paper towel. This helps them sear beautifully. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. A little seasoning goes a long way in bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken tenderloins to the pan. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through. The goal here is to achieve a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. You’ll add it back into the dish later.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Let it melt completely before adding the minced garlic. Stir the garlic frequently for about 1-2 minutes, allowing it to soften and become fragrant but not brown. Next, add the red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, along with salt to taste. Pour in the chicken broth, deglazing the pan by scraping up any brown bits from the chicken. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and thicken.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
While the sauce is simmering, start on the rice. In a medium-sized saucepan, bring 3½ cups of chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the uncooked white rice and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the rice simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until all the broth has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the hot rice, creating a creamy, luscious texture. Season the rice with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine the Chicken with the Sauce
Now that your sauce is ready, return the cooked chicken tenderloins to the skillet. Coat the chicken in the garlic butter sauce, spooning it over the top to ensure every piece is covered. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm through and absorb the flavors.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the chicken tenderloins over a bed of the creamy garlic Parmesan rice. Drizzle any extra sauce from the skillet over the top for added flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Variations
One of the great things about Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is its flexibility. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few variations you might want to try:
- Gluten-Free: Simply swap out the regular white rice for a gluten-free alternative like quinoa or brown rice. Ensure that the chicken broth you use is certified gluten-free.
- Low-Carb/Keto: For a low-carb version, replace the rice with cauliflower rice. You’ll still get that creamy, cheesy goodness without the extra carbs. Just cook the cauliflower rice as you would regular rice and stir in the Parmesan at the end.
- Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, skip the chicken and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or tofu. You’ll still get the same creamy, garlicky goodness, and the dish will be just as satisfying.
- Spicy Version: If you like your food with a little extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper for an added kick.
- Herbed Chicken Scampi: Incorporate some fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme into the garlic butter sauce for an extra layer of flavor. The fresh herbs pair beautifully with the richness of the garlic and Parmesan.
Cooking Notes
- Searing the Chicken: Make sure the skillet is hot enough before you add the chicken tenderloins. A good sear locks in the juices and creates that golden-brown crust, which enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Rice Consistency: The key to the perfect creamy Parmesan rice is to cook it slowly on low heat and stir in the Parmesan at the very end. This ensures a smooth, creamy texture that complements the garlic butter chicken perfectly.
- Garlic: Be careful not to overcook the garlic in the sauce. If it browns too much, it can turn bitter, which will affect the flavor of the entire dish. Cook it just until fragrant to keep the garlic’s sweetness intact.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can make the meal even more special by serving it with a few complementary sides:
- Garlic Bread: A classic side dish that pairs beautifully with the garlicky flavors of the chicken scampi.
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of broccoli, green beans, or asparagus can add a pop of color and some extra nutrients to your plate.
- Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the scampi sauce and the creamy rice.
For drinks, a chilled glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, is the perfect accompaniment. Alternatively, serve with a refreshing iced tea or sparkling water with lemon.
Tips
- Ingredient Storage: Store any leftover chicken and rice in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to keep it from drying out.
- Meal Prep Idea: You can prep the chicken and the garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the fridge, and when you’re ready to eat, reheat the chicken in the sauce while the rice is cooking.
- Leftover Ideas: If you have any leftovers, turn them into a quick chicken and rice stir-fry the next day. Just toss everything together in a hot skillet and stir in some extra vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts, just make sure to slice them into smaller pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
You can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor, or even Asiago if you prefer a milder taste.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth to keep everything moist.
Conclusion
Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or looking to impress guests, this meal will hit the spot every time. The richness of the garlic butter sauce, the tender chicken, and the creamy Parmesan rice create a harmonious blend of flavors that everyone will love.
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Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
the Sauce:
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chicken broth (use in place of white wine)
For the Rice:
- 1½ cups uncooked white rice
- 3½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken tenderloins dry with a paper towel. This helps them sear beautifully. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. A little seasoning goes a long way in bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken tenderloins to the pan. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through. The goal here is to achieve a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. You’ll add it back into the dish later.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Let it melt completely before adding the minced garlic. Stir the garlic frequently for about 1-2 minutes, allowing it to soften and become fragrant but not brown. Next, add the red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, along with salt to taste. Pour in the chicken broth, deglazing the pan by scraping up any brown bits from the chicken. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and thicken.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
While the sauce is simmering, start on the rice. In a medium-sized saucepan, bring 3½ cups of chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the uncooked white rice and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the rice simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until all the broth has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the hot rice, creating a creamy, luscious texture. Season the rice with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine the Chicken with the Sauce
Now that your sauce is ready, return the cooked chicken tenderloins to the skillet. Coat the chicken in the garlic butter sauce, spooning it over the top to ensure every piece is covered. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm through and absorb the flavors.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the chicken tenderloins over a bed of the creamy garlic Parmesan rice. Drizzle any extra sauce from the skillet over the top for added flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Searing the Chicken: Make sure the skillet is hot enough before you add the chicken tenderloins. A good sear locks in the juices and creates that golden-brown crust, which enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Rice Consistency: The key to the perfect creamy Parmesan rice is to cook it slowly on low heat and stir in the Parmesan at the very end. This ensures a smooth, creamy texture that complements the garlic butter chicken perfectly.
- Garlic: Be careful not to overcook the garlic in the sauce. If it browns too much, it can turn bitter, which will affect the flavor of the entire dish. Cook it just until fragrant to keep the garlic’s sweetness intact.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes