Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that feels fancy but comes together without fuss, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I absolutely love how this dish balances rich buttery garlic sauce with tender chicken and cheesy parmesan rice—it’s indulgent but still homey, perfect for weeknights when you want to impress without stress. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the flavors melded so effortlessly, and it quickly became a staple in my meal rotation.

You’ll find that the sauce has just the right kick with a hint of red pepper flakes and the brightness from the white wine, making every bite a little celebration. Plus, it pairs beautifully with simple sides or stands out on its own. Whether you’re cooking for family or a casual date night, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe hits all the right notes and won’t leave you scrambling for takeout.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that come together to build layers of flavor and texture. Choosing fresh garlic and quality parmesan will really make a difference, so keep an eye out for those at the store.

• Chicken tenderloins: They cook quickly and stay juicy—perfect for this recipe.
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder: Basic seasonings that enhance the chicken’s flavor without overpowering.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken; it adds a subtle fruitiness and keeps things from sticking.
• Butter: The star of the sauce, giving it that rich, silky texture I love.
• Minced garlic (fresh): I always use fresh minced garlic here because it delivers the best aroma and boldest taste.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a gentle heat that wakes up the dish.
• Dry white wine: Provides brightness and depth to the sauce; if you don’t have it, a lemon juice and broth combo works.
• Chicken broth: Needed both for the sauce and cooking the rice, it keeps everything savory and moist.
• Uncooked white rice: It soaks up the sauce beautifully, making every mouthful flavorful.
• Fresh grated parmesan cheese: The finishing touch—adds creaminess and a delicious savory tang I just can’t skip.

Variations

I’ve had great fun tweaking this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe over time to match what I have in the fridge or to suit different tastes. Don’t be afraid to make it yours—you’ll be surprised how flexible it really is!

• Shrimp instead of chicken: I swapped in shrimp on a whim once, and it was a hit—quick cooking and tasty with the same sauce.
• Make it spicy: Sometimes I crank up the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne to kick up the heat a notch.
• Use brown rice or quinoa: For a healthier twist, substitute the white rice, but keep in mind cooking times will vary.
• Herb lovers: Adding fresh parsley or basil right before serving brightens things up and adds a fresh note I adore.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sauté the Chicken to Juicy Perfection

Start by seasoning the chicken tenderloins with salt, pepper, and garlic powder—this little trio is key for building flavor right at the start. Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. You’re aiming for a nice golden sear on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and juicy. Don’t rush this step; letting the chicken brown adds that irresistible flavor we all crave. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside—you’ll finish it later layered on the rice.

Step 2: Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt a whole stick of butter—yes, generous butter makes the magic happen here. Add your freshly minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 1 minute, making sure it doesn’t burn (that’s bitter territory). Next, stir in red pepper flakes and salt, followed by the dry white wine. Let that cook down for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly—this intensifies the flavor and cooks off the alcohol. Pour in the chicken broth next and bring it all to a simmer. We’ll reserve a couple tablespoons of this sauce later to drizzle over the finished dish for that extra punch.

Step 3: Cook the Rice in the Flavorful Sauce

Now, stir in the uncooked white rice directly into the skillet with your sauce. Give it a quick stir then add the rest of the chicken broth if needed, making sure the rice is submerged. Cover and simmer on low heat, letting the rice soak up all those gorgeous flavors until it’s tender—about 18-20 minutes. Be patient here; this step is what really makes the dish shine, with the rice transforming from plain to full of rich, buttery garlic goodness.

Step 4: Finish with Parmesan and Rest before Serving

Once the rice is cooked and most of the liquid absorbed, sprinkle the fresh grated parmesan evenly over the rice and gently stir it in to melt through. Arrange the cooked chicken tenderloins on top, then drizzle the reserved garlic butter sauce over everything. Cover the skillet and let it rest off the heat for about 5 minutes—this lets the flavors marry and the parmesan settle into creamy perfection. Finally, garnish with extra cheese or parsley if you like, then dig in!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top because it adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness. A little extra grated parmesan right before serving also amps up the cheesy goodness, which my family always loves.

Side Dishes

This recipe is pretty hearty on its own, but I like to round it out with a simple side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted green beans for crunch. Sometimes, a garlic bread slice on the side just makes the meal feel restaurant-quality!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a lemon wedge, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. It instantly feels elevated and shows some love on the plate, plus guests appreciate the little bright touches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi stores really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always make sure to cool it down completely before storing to keep the rice texture intact.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish once or twice with decent results—wrap it tightly in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The rice can firm up a bit, so reheating slowly on the stove with a splash of broth helps bring it back to life.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer stovetop over microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. Add a little chicken broth or water to the pan, cover, and warm gently on low until heated through and juicy again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe has won over my family and friends countless times, turning regular weeknights into something a little more special. It’s simple enough to whip up without stress but impressive enough that everyone asks for the recipe. If you give it a try, I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and that it brings that cozy, comforting feeling to your table that good food always does.

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