Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe
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If you’re craving a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting, the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe is going to steal your heart. Imagine tender chicken tenderloins perfectly cooked and nestled atop creamy, flavorful rice, all infused with the buttery garlic goodness and the sharp tang of Parmesan cheese. This dish brings together bright notes from white wine, a subtle kick from red pepper flakes, and a luscious sauce that just sings with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or looking to impress friends, this recipe is a one-pan wonder that delivers big on flavor without fussing over complicated steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe truly shine are the simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role—from succulent chicken to savory garlic and the rich creaminess of Parmesan cheese—combining to create an irresistible medley of textures and flavors.
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins: Tender and quick-cooking, perfect for absorbing the sauce flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, layered garlic flavor during chicken prep.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the chicken with just the right golden crust.
- 1 stick butter (1/2 cup): The rich base for the creamy scampi sauce.
- 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic: The fresh garlic punch that makes this dish unmistakably vibrant.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a gentle heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances all the savory notes in the sauce.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine: Adds acidity and depth—Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc work beautifully.
- 3 1/2 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that cooks the rice and enriches the whole dish.
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice: Absorbs the sauce, becoming tender and infused with scampi flavors.
- 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that melts into the rice perfectly.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A fresh green touch that brightens the presentation and flavor.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken tenderloins evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heating up olive oil in your skillet to a medium heat, gently sauté the chicken until it is cooked through with a beautiful golden-brown exterior, about 6 to 8 minutes. Cooking the chicken this way seals in its juiciness while giving you a tasty crust. Set the cooked chicken aside and let it rest.
Step 2: Prepare the Scampi Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the fresh minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes until the aroma fills your kitchen—which means it’s time to add the red pepper flakes, salt, white wine, and chicken broth. Let this savory mixture simmer and reduce slightly to concentrate those vibrant flavors. Be sure to set aside about 2 tablespoons of this sauce to drizzle over the chicken later, adding a luscious finish.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
Next, add the uncooked white rice right into the skillet with the remaining sauce. Stir everything briefly so that each grain gets coated beautifully. Cover the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors while cooking tender, about 18 to 20 minutes. Stir just occasionally to prevent sticking, but let the rice do its magic soaking up all the scampi goodness.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Once your rice is perfectly tender, sprinkle the fresh grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir it in to create a creamy, cheesy texture that makes this dish soul-satisfying. Arrange the cooked chicken on top of the cheesy rice and drizzle that reserved sauce over each piece. Cover the skillet once more and let everything meld together for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled over the top not only adds a pop of vibrant green but also a refreshing herbal note that balances the richness. A little extra grated Parmesan just before serving is always a winner — it melts slightly and adds a gorgeous savory touch that guests will appreciate.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe stands wonderfully on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Something like steamed asparagus or garlic green beans pairs beautifully, adding texture and color to your plate without competing with those bold chicken and rice flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it family-style straight from the skillet for a cozy, rustic feel. Alternatively, plate the rice as a base and fan the chicken over the top, drizzling the sauce artfully. For a special touch, place it in individual shallow bowls and garnish with a lemon wedge to squeeze over just before eating — it adds a bright, fresh contrast to the buttery sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they rest overnight, making for a tasty next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to freeze it, package the chicken and rice separately if possible to maintain the best texture. Frozen, it stays good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep everything tender and flavorful.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat the dish on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. This method ensures the chicken stays juicy and the rice doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice for the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe?
Yes, but keep in mind that cooking times and liquid ratios will vary. Long-grain white rice works best, but you can experiment with jasmine or basmati for a different aroma.
Is white wine necessary in this recipe?
While white wine adds a lovely acidity and depth, you can substitute with additional chicken broth and a squeeze of lemon juice if you prefer a non-alcoholic version that still tastes bright.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Just be sure to adjust cooking time since chicken breasts are thicker and may take longer to cook through while maintaining juiciness.
How spicy is the red pepper flakes’ addition?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that livens up the dish without being overpowering. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference or omit them entirely.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses rice instead of pasta and fresh ingredients without any hidden gluten-containing additives.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe has become such a beloved favorite in my kitchen because it manages to feel special without being complicated. It’s the kind of meal that brings warmth to the table and gets everyone asking for seconds. If you’re looking for a flavorful, satisfying recipe that feels like a hug in dinner form, this one deserves a spot on your regular rotation.
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi is a flavorful, one-pan meal featuring tender chicken cooked in a savory garlic butter sauce with a hint of white wine, served over creamy Parmesan-infused rice. It’s an elegant yet easy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce & Rice
- 1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
- 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
Finish & Garnish
- 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season the chicken tenderloins evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chicken until fully cooked through and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add fresh minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in red pepper flakes, salt, white wine, and chicken broth. Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce slightly to concentrate the flavors. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of this sauce for drizzling over cooked chicken later.
- Cook the Rice: Add the uncooked white rice directly to the skillet with the remaining sauce. Stir briefly to coat the rice evenly. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 18-20 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: When the rice is fully cooked, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the rice and stir thoroughly to incorporate the cheese into the creamy mixture. Arrange the cooked chicken pieces on top of the rice, then drizzle the reserved sauce over the chicken. Cover the skillet and let the dish stand for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use dry white wine varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc for the best flavor.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing it in butter as it can become bitter.
- For a richer flavor, fresh grated Parmesan is preferred over pre-grated options.
- This dish can be adapted by using brown rice, but cooking times will be longer.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, a splash of cream can be added with the Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
