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
Scale
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
