Description
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a rich and savory one-pan meal that pairs tender, golden-seared chicken with buttery, garlicky rice infused with white wine and freshly grated Parmesan. This elegant yet easy dinner is perfect for weeknights or entertaining, offering bold flavor and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
Chicken tenderloins
Salt and pepper
Garlic powder
Olive oil
For the Sauce:
Butter
Fresh garlic, minced
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt
Dry white wine (or substitute)
Chicken broth
For the Rice:
Uncooked white rice
Other:
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
Season chicken tenderloins with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
In a large nonstick skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté chicken until golden and just cooked through. Remove and cover to keep warm. -
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt. Sauté for about 3 minutes.
Increase heat to medium-high and pour in white wine. Stir vigorously to emulsify. Cook for ~5 minutes, until reduced by half.
Remove and set aside 2 tablespoons of the sauce for later. -
Cook the Rice:
Add uncooked rice to the remaining sauce in the skillet. Stir and toast for 3–4 minutes.
Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a light boil, then reduce to medium-low. Cover and cook for ~20 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Stir once or twice early on, then leave undisturbed. -
Finish the Dish:
Sprinkle Parmesan over the cooked rice.
Return chicken to the skillet and arrange over the rice. Drizzle reserved sauce over the top.
Cover, remove from heat, and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with more Parmesan and chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
White Wine Substitute: Use 1 tablespoon lemon juice + chicken broth to equal ½ cup.
Vegetarian Option: Omit chicken and use veggie broth. Add mushrooms, spinach, or tofu.
Seafood Variation: Swap chicken with shrimp for a scampi-style seafood dish.
Grain Options: Substitute brown rice or quinoa; adjust cooking time and liquid accordingly.
Prevent Garlic Burning: Sauté over medium heat and stir constantly until fragrant—not browned.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, One-Pan Meal
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: Approx. 450–500 kcal per serving (varies by ingredients used)