Chicken Scampi Garlic Rice

This hearty Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice has become my go-to weeknight dinner whenever I need something impressive yet simple. The combination of garlic-infused chicken and creamy, cheesy rice creates a restaurant-quality meal that always satisfies even my pickiest eaters.

I first created this dish when trying to replicate my favorite restaurant scampi at home. What started as an experiment has turned into our Monday night tradition, with my husband requesting it almost weekly.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Scampi

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Sliced into thin strips ensures quick and even cooking
• Olive oil and butter: Combination creates the perfect flavor base and prevents burning
• Fresh garlic cloves: Provide essential scampi flavor that dried versions cannot match
• Red and yellow bell peppers: Add sweetness and vibrant color to make the dish pop
• Italian seasoning: Contains the perfect blend of dried herbs to complement the garlic
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Add a gentle heat that balances the richness
• Fresh lemon juice: Cuts through the buttery sauce and brightens all flavors

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice

• Long grain white rice: Stays fluffy and separate when cooked properly
• Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory flavor from the start
• Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty richness and creamy texture without making it heavy
• Fresh parsley: Provides color contrast and herbaceous freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

In a medium saucepan melt butter over medium heat until it foams slightly but does not brown. Add minced garlic and cook for exactly 30 seconds stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not colored. Add rice and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until each grain is coated with butter and becomes slightly translucent around the edges. This toasting step is crucial for developing flavor and ensuring the rice cooks evenly.

Simmer the Rice:

Pour chicken broth into the rice mixture and bring to a full rolling boil. Immediately reduce heat to low maintaining just a gentle simmer. Cover with a tightfitting lid and cook undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes. Resist the urge to lift the lid as this releases necessary steam. The rice is done when tiny holes appear on the surface and all liquid is absorbed.

Finish the Rice:

Remove the rice from heat keeping the lid on and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the moisture to distribute evenly. Uncover and fluff gently with a fork. Stir in Parmesan cheese while the rice is still hot so it melts completely. Season with salt and pepper remembering that the broth and cheese already contain salt. Replace the lid to keep warm while finishing the chicken.

Prepare the Chicken:

While rice cooks heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat until butter melts completely. Add chicken strips in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure proper browning. Season evenly with salt pepper and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2 minutes without disturbing then flip and cook 2 to 3 minutes more until golden outside and just cooked through inside. The chicken should reach 165°F but remain juicy.

Add the Aromatics and Vegetables:

Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic and both bell peppers to the skillet with chicken. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using. Cook while stirring frequently for 3 to 4 minutes until peppers begin to soften but still maintain some crispness. The garlic should be golden and aromatic without burning which would create bitterness.

Finish the Scampi:

Squeeze fresh lemon juice directly over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together allowing the juice to deglaze the pan and create a light sauce with the butter and chicken juices. This brightens the dish and balances the richness. Taste and adjust seasoning adding more salt pepper or lemon juice as needed.

Serve the Complete Dish:

Spoon a generous portion of garlic Parmesan rice onto each plate creating a bed for the chicken. Top with the chicken scampi mixture including all the peppers and pan juices. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while everything is hot.

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The secret to this recipe is definitely the double dose of garlic in both components. I learned from my Italian grandmother that good quality garlic makes all the difference, and I still use her wooden garlic press when making this dish. The fragrance always takes me back to Sunday dinners at her house where scampi was always served for special occasions.

Make-Ahead Tips

The chicken and vegetable mixture can be prepped up to a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply slice all components and store separately until ready to cook. This cuts the active cooking time nearly in half.

For meal prep purposes, the entire dish can be fully cooked and portioned into individual containers. It will keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe adapts beautifully to what you have on hand. Thighs can replace breast meat for more flavor and moisture, though cooking time may increase slightly. Any color bell peppers work well, and green ones add a slightly sharper taste if preferred.

For a lower carb version, cauliflower rice makes an excellent substitute for the white rice. Simply reduce the cooking liquid to about 1/4 cup and cook for only 5 minutes until tender. The Parmesan still adds wonderful richness.

Serving Suggestions

While this dish stands beautifully on its own, a simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the flavors perfectly. For a more substantial meal, serve with garlic bread for soaking up the delicious pan juices.

This also makes an impressive dinner party main course. Prepare everything except the final cooking of the chicken mixture in advance, then finish just before serving for a stressfree entertaining option.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute chicken for another protein?

Yes, shrimp is a great alternative and ideal for a more traditional scampi. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is recommended for this dish, but you can use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

To reduce spice, omit the crushed red pepper flakes. For more heat, add an extra pinch or two while cooking.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rice and chicken separately ahead of time. When ready to serve, reheat and combine the components for best results.

→ How can I enhance the lemon flavor?

Add more fresh lemon juice toward the end of cooking, or serve with lemon wedges for an extra tangy kick.