Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make recipe that’s packed with flavor and sure to impress? Look no further than this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice. Whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a quick dinner after a long day, this dish is perfect for any occasion. The combination of juicy, pan-seared chicken strips coated in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, paired with fluffy jasmine rice, will transport you straight to comfort food heaven.
Inspired by the classic Italian shrimp scampi, this chicken version brings all the rich, garlicky goodness without the seafood. With a touch of red pepper flakes for a little kick and a burst of fresh parsley and lemon for brightness, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of savory and fresh. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s the perfect way to create a memorable meal with minimal effort!
Ingredients for Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients for a meal that’s bursting with flavor. This recipe serves 4 people, so it’s perfect for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or just a special treat for yourself!
For the Chicken Scampi:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (make sure it’s warm for the best texture)
How to Make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process! This recipe is simple yet full of flavor, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights or a casual weekend dinner.
1. Season the Chicken Strips
Start by seasoning the chicken strips. In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Rub the spice mix onto the chicken strips, making sure each piece is evenly coated. This seasoning blend will add a savory depth to the chicken, ensuring every bite is flavorful and juicy.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken strips. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. The goal is to get a crispy, slightly caramelized exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Keep the skillet hot, as it will be used to create the delicious garlic sauce that will bring everything together.
3. Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Lower the heat slightly to medium. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté the mixture for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and starts to turn golden. This will infuse the oil with garlic’s rich aroma, setting the stage for the creamy sauce to come.
4. Create the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to lift any caramelized bits left from the chicken. These bits are packed with flavor and will add richness to the sauce. Let the broth simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Next, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up just a bit. This creates a creamy, velvety sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
5. Add the Chicken Back In
Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir the chicken into the sauce, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Add the chopped fresh parsley and lemon juice, and stir again to combine. The parsley will add a fresh, vibrant color and flavor to the dish, while the lemon juice gives the sauce a bright, tangy lift that cuts through the richness of the cream and Parmesan.
6. Serve Over Rice
Now comes the fun part! Spoon the garlic Parmesan rice onto each plate. Warm, fluffy jasmine rice is the perfect base for this dish. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce, making every bite a perfect combination of creamy chicken and tender grains.
Top the rice with the creamy chicken scampi, making sure to drizzle plenty of sauce over the chicken and rice. For an extra burst of flavor, you can sprinkle some additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately, and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
While this recipe is simple and straightforward, a few tips can elevate it to restaurant-quality perfection:
- Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic has a much stronger and more aromatic flavor than pre-minced or powdered garlic, so make sure to mince your garlic cloves yourself for the best taste.
- Choose the right chicken: For the juiciest chicken, be sure to slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. This ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly, without drying out.
- Rice tip: If you want to save time, use a rice cooker or Instant Pot to prepare your jasmine rice while you cook the chicken. This will keep the rice fluffy and warm, without any extra fuss.
- Customize the spice level: If you like more heat, feel free to add extra red pepper flakes to the sauce. Alternatively, for a milder version, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or skip them altogether.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Quick and Easy to Make
With only 25 minutes of prep and cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. The simplicity of the recipe doesn’t mean you’ll sacrifice flavor—this dish delivers a rich, satisfying meal in record time.
Packed with Flavor
From the savory garlic Parmesan sauce to the tender, juicy chicken, every bite of this dish is bursting with flavor. The subtle heat from the red pepper flakes pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce, and the bright lemon juice adds the perfect finishing touch.
A Crowd-Pleaser
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or preparing a meal for guests, Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is sure to impress. The creamy sauce and comforting rice make it a dish that everyone will love, even picky eaters!
Customizable
This dish is easily customizable to suit your preferences. You can swap the chicken for shrimp or even add in some vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. The garlic Parmesan sauce can also be made spicier or milder, depending on your taste.
Nutritional Information
This recipe is not only delicious but also balanced in terms of nutrition. Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving (out of four servings):
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 780mg
While this dish is rich in flavor, it’s still relatively moderate in calories and provides a good amount of protein from the chicken. You can adjust the serving size or substitute ingredients to make it even more nutritious if desired.
Final Thoughts: A Recipe to Share and Enjoy
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. It brings together the comforting flavors of creamy garlic sauce, tender chicken, and fluffy rice, making it perfect for any time you crave something satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something tasty, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and enjoy a bowl of this irresistible dish. Your taste buds will thank you!
Feel free to share this recipe with friends and family—once they try it, they’ll be asking for the recipe too! Happy cooking!