Name: Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice: 30-Minute Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless chicken breasts; 4 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup white wine; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup rice; 2 cups water; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner—chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice! It’s this heavenly dish that combines tender chicken simmered in a buttery garlic sauce with the most decadent, cheesy rice. I remember the first time I made it; I was just playing around in the kitchen, and I had no idea it would turn into a family favorite! The aroma of garlic wafting through the air is simply irresistible, and the flavors just come together so beautifully. You’ve got the richness of the butter and parmesan, balanced with a hint of acidity from the lemon juice—trust me, it’s a flavor explosion! This dish is perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to something special. Let’s dive into making this delicious meal together!

Ingredients for Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients to whip up your chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice:

2 boneless chicken breasts
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup white wine
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup rice
2 cups water
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Trust me, using fresh ingredients makes all the difference in flavor, especially with that garlic and parmesan combination!

How to Prepare Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Now let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens. Start by cooking your rice according to the package instructions—it’s super straightforward! Set a pot over medium-high heat, bring your water to a boil, add the rice, then cover and let it simmer. It usually takes about 15-20 minutes, so while that’s happening, you can work on the chicken and sauce!

Cooking the Rice

In a medium pot, combine 1 cup of rice with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to fluff it up with a fork when it’s done!

Sautéing the Chicken

In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned and cooked through. You want that golden color!

Making the Sauce

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for just about a minute until fragrant. Then pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 1/2 cup of white wine, and a teaspoon of lemon juice, along with 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Let that simmer for a few minutes to blend those beautiful flavors!

Combining with Rice

Now it’s time for the grand finale! Add your cooked rice into the skillet with the chicken, then stir in 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese until it’s all well combined. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for that fresh touch, and voilà—your chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice is ready to shine!

chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly flavorful with rich garlic and buttery notes.
Easy to prepare in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
Comfort food that feels fancy enough for special occasions.
One-pan meal means less cleanup, yay!
Versatile—great for family dinners or impressing guests.
Cheesy garlic parmesan rice is a deliciously creamy sidekick!

Tips for Success

To make sure your chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice turns out perfectly, always use fresh garlic and high-quality parmesan—trust me, it really amps up the flavor! Don’t rush the browning of the chicken; that golden crust adds so much depth to the dish. Also, taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to your liking, especially with the red pepper flakes for that perfect kick. And remember, letting the sauce simmer helps those flavors meld beautifully!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delightful chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice: approximately 550 calories, 27g of fat, 30g of protein, and 48g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients used. Enjoy every delicious bite!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even cooking and flavor absorption.

What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for that acidic kick.

Can I make the garlic parmesan rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before mixing it with the chicken and sauce.

How spicy is this dish?
It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount to your taste—feel free to leave it out if you prefer no spice!

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes during the sauce-making step for added nutrients and flavor.