Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a delightful twist on the classic shrimp scampi, offering tender chicken strips cooked in a buttery garlic sauce, served over flavorful Parmesan-infused rice. This dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to create this savory meal.

INGREDIENTS

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 1 pound, sliced into thin strips for a tender and juicy bite.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, used for cooking the chicken and infusing it with rich flavor.
• Garlic: 6 cloves, minced, adding a fragrant and savory depth to both the chicken and rice.
• Chicken Broth: 2 1/2 cups, divided, providing a flavorful base for both the scampi sauce and the rice.
• Lemon Juice: Juice of 1 lemon, adding a bright and tangy note to the scampi sauce.
• White Wine (Optional): 1/4 cup, for deglazing the pan and adding an extra layer of flavor to the sauce.
• Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted into the sauce for a rich and creamy texture.
• Long-Grain White Rice: 1 cup, cooked in chicken broth for a tender and flavorful base to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated and stirred into the rice for a savory and cheesy finish.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped, used both in the dish and as a garnish for a fresh and vibrant touch.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, seasoning the chicken and rice to enhance all the flavors.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the seasoned chicken strips to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
4. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Scampi Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
2. Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth, lemon juice, and white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
3. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and the sauce is smooth and well combined.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat evenly.
6. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken just before serving.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of long-grain white rice, 2 cups of chicken broth, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low.
3. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Season the rice with salt and pepper to taste, and fluff with a fork.

Serving and Storage Tips

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is best enjoyed fresh, with the chicken hot and the rice perfectly fluffy. Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to complement the rich flavors of the scampi sauce. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm the chicken and rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist. Alternatively, you can microwave the dish in a covered microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Helpful Notes

This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to your taste. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the scampi sauce. You can also substitute the white wine with additional chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.

For a more indulgent version, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the scampi sauce for a richer, creamier texture. You can also swap out the chicken for shrimp or even a combination of both for a seafood twist.

Tips from well-known chefs

Chef Ina Garten: Recommends using freshly squeezed lemon juice for the scampi sauce to enhance the freshness and flavor of the dish.

Chef Giada De Laurentiis: Suggests toasting the rice slightly before cooking it with the broth to add a subtle nutty flavor to the garlic Parmesan rice.

Chef Gordon Ramsay: Advises to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking, which helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender and flavorful.