Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

🍗 Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a rich and comforting Mediterranean-inspired dish. Juicy chicken is cooked in a buttery garlic lemon sauce, similar to classic scampi flavors, and served over creamy garlic parmesan rice. The combination of garlic, herbs, lemon, and cheese creates a flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners but elegant enough for guests.

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🧾 Ingredients

For the Chicken Scampi

• 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice

• 1 cup long-grain rice

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Rice

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Stir in the rice and toast for 1 minute.

4. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat.

5. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender.

6. Stir in parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.

2. Prepare the Chicken Scampi

1. Season the chicken with paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.

4. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute.

5. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the pan to release flavor.

6. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

7. Sprinkle with parsley and red pepper flakes.

3. Assemble the Dish

Spoon the garlic parmesan rice onto plates and top with the chicken scampi and sauce.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs perfectly with:

• Roasted asparagus or broccoli

• Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad

• Warm flatbread or garlic bread

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💡 Tips

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

• Add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for more flavor.

• For a richer sauce, add 2 tablespoons cream.

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❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. Store chicken and rice separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I substitute shrimp?
Absolutely! Replace chicken with shrimp to make a classic scampi-style dish.

Q: How do I keep the chicken tender?
Cook it quickly over medium-high heat and avoid overcooking.

Q: Can I make this low-carb?
Yes. Replace the rice with cauliflower rice.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
The chicken freezes well for up to 2 months, but rice is best eaten fresh.