Contents
- 1 Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
- 2 Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
Have you ever wondered how a simple dish can transport you to a cozy Italian trattoria? Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is that dish. It fuses succulent chicken, aromatic garlic, and rich parmesan into a delightful dining experience that’s easier than you might think. This blog post will guide you through every step, ensuring that you can impress your family or guests without breaking a sweat!
Ingredients List
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients to create a flavorsome plate of chicken scampi served with creamy garlic parmesan rice:
-
For the Chicken Scampi:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- ½ cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
-
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup Arborio rice (substitute with jasmine rice for a lighter texture)
- 3 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium canned)
- 1 cup heavy cream (Greek yogurt can be used for a healthier version)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Timing
The total time for preparing this delicious Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is approximately 30 minutes. This is an impressively quick timeframe, making it about 25% less time than the average family dinner recipe. Here’s the breakdown:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. This ensures a smooth cooking experience without any interruptions.
2. Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and let them rest.
3. Create the Scampi Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the red pepper flakes, stirring well before pouring in the white wine. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to meld.
4. Finish the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, squeeze in the lemon juice, and coat the chicken with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes and garnish with fresh parsley.
5. Cook the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
In a separate pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until aromatic. Toss in the Arborio rice, stirring for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring continuously.
6. Add Cream and Parmesan
Once the rice is creamy and tender, reduce the heat, add heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt to taste.
7. Serve
Plate the creamy rice and top it generously with the chicken scampi. Serve warm while it’s rich and inviting!
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings), Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice provides approximately:
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 30g
This comforting dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, offering a well-rounded meal perfect for any occasion.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Chicken Tenders: Use skinless chicken thighs for more flavor.
- Cream Alternatives: Swap heavy cream with low-fat milk or a plant-based milk for lower calories while retaining creaminess.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate spinach or broccoli into the rice for enhanced nutrition and color.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice with a light side salad or steamed vegetables. For an upscale touch, serve with crusty garlic bread or a glass of chilled white wine. These options will elevate your meal and add variety to your dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking Chicken: Avoid tough chicken by not overcooking it; keep an eye on cooking times.
- Garlic Burning: Minimize bitterness by ensuring garlic is not burned; keep a close watch during sautéing.
- Incorrect Rice Cooking Technique: Always sauté the rice before adding liquid to unlock its full flavor potential.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store leftover Chicken Scampi and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, use a low setting in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of broth to retain moisture.
Conclusion
Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a delectable recipe worthy of any dinner table. With minimal preparation time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or ideal for a cozy dinner with friends or family. Dive into this recipe, and let your culinary skills shine! Don’t forget to share your experiences, and check out more delicious recipes on our blog!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, just ensure that it is thoroughly thawed before cooking.
2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well and can be prepared ahead of time.
3. What can I replace the white wine with?
Chicken broth can be a great alternative if you prefer not to use wine.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta or rice while ensuring your broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
5. How can I customize the spice level?
Adjust the quantity of red pepper flakes or add your favorite chili for a custom heat profile.
Join the conversation in the comments below, and let’s create more culinary magic together!
Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
Ingredients
For the Chicken Scampi
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- ½ cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
- 1 cup Arborio rice (substitute with jasmine rice for a lighter texture)
- 3 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium canned)
- 1 cup heavy cream (Greek yogurt can be used for a healthier version)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. This ensures a smooth cooking experience without any interruptions.
Sauté the Chicken
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until they're golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and let them rest.
Create the Scampi Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the red pepper flakes, stirring well before pouring in the white wine. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to meld.
Finish the Chicken
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, squeeze in the lemon juice, and coat the chicken with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes and garnish with fresh parsley.
Cook the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
- In a separate pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until aromatic. Toss in the Arborio rice, stirring for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring continuously.
Add Cream and Parmesan
- Once the rice is creamy and tender, reduce the heat, add heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt to taste.
Serve
- Plate the creamy rice and top it generously with the chicken scampi. Serve warm while it's rich and inviting!
Notes
Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.
📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest