Chicken Scampi with Garlic Rice

This Italian-inspired chicken scampi with garlic Parmesan rice combines tender chicken strips in a buttery lemon-garlic sauce over creamy, cheesy rice. It's the perfect dish when you want restaurant quality flavor at home without hours in the kitchen.

I first made this recipe when trying to recreate my favorite restaurant dish, and it's since become my go-to when hosting dinner parties. The look on my friends' faces when they taste that first bite of garlic-butter chicken over creamy rice tells me everything I need to know.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: sliced thin for quick cooking and maximum tenderness
• Fresh garlic cloves: for that irreplaceable aromatic punch both in the rice and sauce
• Fresh lemon juice: brings brightness that balances the richness of the butter sauce
• White wine: adds complexity to the sauce but can be omitted if preferred
• Unsalted butter: creates the silky sauce texture while letting you control the saltiness
• Long grain white rice: provides the perfect fluffy texture to absorb the flavorful sauce
• Parmesan cheese: adds nutty depth and creamy richness to the rice
• Fresh parsley: brightens both components with color and fresh herb flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:

Generously season thin chicken strips with salt and pepper on both sides. This foundational seasoning ensures the meat itself has flavor, not just the sauce. Make sure strips are even thickness for consistent cooking.

Sear the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering but not smoking. Arrange chicken pieces without overcrowding the pan to get a proper golden sear. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until the exterior is beautifully browned and the interior reaches 165°F. Remove and set aside on a plate tented with foil.

Create the Scampi Sauce:

In the same pan with all those delicious chicken bits, add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant about 60 seconds. Moving quickly prevents garlic from burning. Add chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and white wine if using. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful fond from the pan bottom as the liquid simmers and reduces by about one-third.

Finish the Sauce:

Add butter to the reduced liquid, swirling the pan gently as it melts to create an emulsified, silky sauce. The butter should incorporate completely without separating. Return the chicken to the pan, turning pieces to coat thoroughly in the sauce. Finish with fresh parsley just before serving.

Prepare the Rice:

In a separate saucepan, combine rice, chicken broth, and minced garlic. The garlic-infused cooking liquid ensures flavor in every grain. Bring to a boil before reducing to a gentle simmer. Cover tightly and cook undisturbed for 15-20 minutes until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.

Complete the Rice:

Remove rice from heat while keeping the lid on. Let stand 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Gently fold in Parmesan cheese while the rice is still hot so it melts evenly throughout. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Serve the Dish:

Spoon the creamy rice onto warmed plates, creating a bed for the chicken. Arrange chicken pieces over rice and drizzle with extra sauce from the pan. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for color and flavor. Serve immediately while everything is hot.

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The secret to this dish's incredible flavor is deglazing the pan after cooking the chicken. Those browned bits might not look like much, but they contain concentrated flavor compounds that dissolve into the sauce, creating that depth that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is. My grandmother taught me this technique, and I've never skipped it since.

Make-Ahead Options

This dish separates beautifully into components that can be prepared in advance. Cook the rice up to two days before serving, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, add a splash of broth when reheating to restore moisture, then stir in the Parmesan cheese. The chicken can be sliced and seasoned up to a day ahead, stored covered in the refrigerator. The entire dish reheats well, though fresh parsley should always be added just before serving.

Perfect Substitutions

This recipe welcomes several adaptations to suit dietary needs or pantry limitations. Chicken thighs provide a more forgiving option for those concerned about overcooking, as they remain juicy even with longer cooking times. For a gluten free version, ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten free. Vegetarians can substitute pan seared tofu or mushrooms for the chicken, using vegetable broth throughout. The white wine adds complexity, but additional chicken broth with a teaspoon of white wine vinegar makes an excellent alcohol free alternative.

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Serving Suggestions

Transform this into a complete meal by adding a simple side of steamed asparagus or broccoli florets. The vegetables benefit from a drizzle of the same lemon garlic sauce, creating cohesion across the plate. A crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette offers textural contrast to the rich main dish. For a special occasion, serve with garlic bread to capture every drop of the delicious sauce. A chilled Pinot Grigio or light Chardonnay makes the perfect beverage pairing, highlighting the lemon notes in the dish.

The Italian Connection

While "scampi" traditionally refers to a method of cooking large shrimp or langoustines in Italy, this chicken adaptation captures the same bright, garlicky butter sauce that makes the original so beloved. This version represents the kind of practical adaptation Italian American cooks made when recreating homeland flavors with available ingredients. The addition of Parmesan to the rice reflects the Italian philosophy of building flavor in every component of a meal, not just the main protein. This approach creates a harmonious dish where each bite delivers satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used. They may take a little longer to cook but will still result in a flavorful dish.

→ What can I use instead of white wine?

If you prefer not to use white wine, simply replace it with an equal amount of chicken broth or water with a splash of apple cider vinegar.

→ Can I prepare the garlic rice ahead of time?

Yes, the garlic Parmesan rice can be made a few hours before serving. Reheat gently, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain its creamy texture.

→ How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Ensure you do not overcook the chicken strips by heating them only until golden on each side. Tossing them in the sauce at the end helps keep them moist.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

A fresh green salad, sautéed vegetables, or roasted asparagus pair wonderfully with this dish for a complete meal.