Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe

I absolutely love this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe because it brings together the bold flavors of garlicky butter and parmesan with tender, juicy chicken in such an effortless way. Whenever I’m craving something that feels fancy but doesn’t require a ton of fuss, this is the dish I turn to. Plus, it’s a one-skillet wonder that’s as perfect for a weeknight dinner as it is for impressing guests around the table.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how rich and comforting the sauce is, especially with that lovely hint of white wine that cuts through the richness. You’ll find that the rice soaks up all the garlicky, buttery goodness, making every bite a celebration. Trust me, once you try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe, it becomes a staple in your dinner rotation!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The combination of fresh garlic, parmesan, and white wine in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe really boosts the flavors. You’ll want to choose fresh, high-quality ingredients where you can—especially the parmesan and chicken—to get the best results.

• Chicken tenderloins: They cook quickly and stay tender, perfect for this recipe.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, balancing flavors in both chicken and sauce.
• Garlic powder: Adds an extra layer of garlicky goodness to the chicken before cooking.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken with a nice, subtle fruitiness.
• Butter: Use real butter for a rich, creamy sauce base.
• Minced fresh garlic: Fresh garlic makes all the difference in flavor—don’t substitute!
• Red pepper flakes: Adds a mild heat that livens up the sauce.
• Dry white wine: I like chardonnay or pinot grigio, but sauvignon blanc works great too.
• Chicken broth: For depth and to simmer the rice right in the sauce.
• Uncooked white rice: Absorbs all those lovely sauce flavors as it cooks.
• Fresh grated parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds umami and creaminess that tie everything together.

Variations

I love keeping this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe classic, but you can totally make it your own. Whether it’s swapping proteins or adjusting spices, experimenting is part of the fun.

• Shrimp instead of chicken: I discovered that using shrimp transforms this into a seafood feast that’s still quick and incredibly tasty.
• Lemon juice in place of white wine: When I ran out of wine one night, mixing fresh lemon juice with extra chicken broth gave the sauce a lovely bright zing as a substitute.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free chicken broth and double-check your parmesan to make this dish friendly to gluten sensitivities.
• Spice it up: Feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne for an extra kick.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sauté the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken tenderloins with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for extra flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken pieces. Cook them until they’re golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside—this usually takes about 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan so each piece gets a nice sear. Once cooked, set the chicken aside on a plate; you’ll return it later.

Step 2: Build that Flavorful Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat—you want to catch all those flavorful brown bits left from the chicken. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to a minute. Don’t let it burn, or it’ll taste bitter! Stir in red pepper flakes and salt. Then pour in the white wine followed by chicken broth. Let the sauce simmer and reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors. Be sure to scoop out about 2 tablespoons of this sauce to drizzle on the finished dish—it’s a little trick I learned that makes it extra special.

Step 3: Cook the Rice in the Sauce

Next, add the uncooked rice directly into the skillet with the sauce and stir to coat each grain. Pour in the remaining chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let the rice cook gently until tender, about 18-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end so it doesn’t stick or dry out; if needed, add a splash of water or broth.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Once the rice is cooked through, sprinkle the fresh grated parmesan over the top and give it a gentle stir to melt that cheesy goodness right in. Arrange the cooked chicken on top, drizzle with your reserved sauce, then cover the skillet and let everything rest for 5 minutes—this helps flavors meld beautifully. Garnish with a little extra parmesan and some fresh parsley if you have it on hand. And that’s it—you’re ready to serve up some serious comfort food!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe

Garnishes

I always love finishing this dish with extra freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a little color and brightness. Sometimes a squeeze of lemon juice over the top adds a fresh zing that brightens all the rich flavors—totally optional but highly recommended!

Side Dishes

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe is a complete meal with the rice, but a green vegetable on the side like steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or a crisp garden salad pairs beautifully if you want to add some freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try serving this dish in individual cast iron skillets or pretty shallow bowls, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. I’ve also layered the rice and chicken on a bed of sautéed spinach for an elegant twist that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The rice soaks up the sauce overnight, which actually makes leftovers taste even more flavorful!

Freezing

This dish freezes well—just cool it completely, portion out, and freeze in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and keep the rice from drying out. Stir occasionally to warm evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort dishes, and I can’t recommend it enough to you. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and simple enough that you’ll have enough confidence to make it anytime. The mix of garlic, parmesan, butter, and a hint of wine creates a sauce that’s downright irresistible, and the tender chicken paired with rice makes it a full meal in one skillet. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did, and maybe like me, it’ll become a family favorite too!

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