🍋 Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice – Buttery, Zesty & Parmesan-Packed

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I. Recipe Card

✨ Recipe Name & Tagline
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice – Tender strips of garlic-butter chicken served over creamy, cheesy Parmesan rice for a meal that’s bright, bold, and better than takeout.

Servings & Timing

  • Yield: 4 servings

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

  • Total Time: 45 minutes

  • Dietary Tags: High-Protein | W-W Friendly with Modifications | Comfort Food Classic

🛒 Ingredients Checklist

For the Chicken Scampi

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips

  • 3 Tbsp olive oil

  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • ½ cup chicken broth

  • ¼ cup dry white wine (or more broth)

  • 2 Tbsp chopped parsley

  • Salt & pepper

  • Grated Parmesan (for garnish)

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 Tbsp butter

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan

  • Salt & pepper

  • Optional: 2 Tbsp heavy cream

🔪 Quick Instructions

  1. Make the rice: Toast garlic and rice in butter, cook with broth, finish with Parmesan and cream.

  2. Cook the chicken: Sear seasoned strips in butter & oil until golden. Remove.

  3. Build the scampi sauce: Sauté garlic, red pepper flakes, add lemon juice, broth, and wine. Reduce slightly.

  4. Return chicken, simmer 2 minutes.

  5. Serve over rice and garnish with parsley & Parmesan.

Notes:

  • W-W friendly version uses spray oil, broth-only base, light cheese.

  • Great for meal prep or a cozy date-night in!

II. Brief Introduction

There’s something magical about garlic, butter, and lemon coming together in a skillet—and this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice delivers that comfort in every bite. It’s my spin on the restaurant favorite, but streamlined and lighter for weeknight ease. Whether you’re cooking for guests or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is high-flavor, low-stress, and endlessly customizable for your W-W goals. 💛

III. Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice

  • In a saucepan, melt 1 Tbsp butter. Add 3 cloves garlic, sauté 1 minute until fragrant.

  • Stir in 1 cup white rice, toast for 2 minutes.

  • Add 2 cups chicken broth, bring to a boil. Cover and reduce to low.

  • Simmer 18–20 minutes, until tender and liquid is absorbed.

  • Stir in ½ cup Parmesan (and 2 Tbsp cream if using). Season with salt & pepper.
    Tip: Keep warm and fluffy with lid cracked while chicken cooks.

2. Cook the Chicken

  • Slice 1 lb chicken breast into strips. Season with salt & pepper.

  • Heat 3 Tbsp olive oil + 3 Tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high.

  • Sear chicken 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

  • Transfer to a plate and cover loosely.

3. Make the Scampi Sauce

  • In the same skillet, add 4 cloves minced garlic and 1 tsp red pepper flakes.

  • Cook 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown).

  • Pour in juice of 1 lemon, ½ cup broth, and ¼ cup white wine.

  • Simmer 3–4 minutes, reducing slightly.

4. Finish the Dish

  • Return chicken to skillet. Toss to coat and simmer 2 minutes.

  • Sprinkle with 2 Tbsp fresh parsley.

  • Taste and adjust seasoning.

IV. Ingredient Tips & Substitutions

  • Chicken: Sliced chicken thighs or shrimp make great protein alternatives.

  • Rice Swap: Brown rice or quinoa works well—just adjust cook time.

  • Cream-Free Version: Omit heavy cream entirely for a W-W light base.

  • Cheese: Choose freshly grated Parmesan for smoothest melt.

W-W Smart Swaps:

  • Use cooking spray + 1 tsp olive oil

  • Skip heavy cream, reduce Parmesan

  • Light broth instead of wine

  • Serve with cauliflower rice for lower carbs

V. Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas

Try These Add-Ons:

  • Veggie boost: Stir in steamed broccoli or spinach at the end

  • Spicy scampi: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne

  • Citrus burst: Zest the lemon before juicing for an even brighter sauce

Serving Ideas:

  • A fresh arugula or spinach salad

  • Garlic-roasted asparagus

  • Steamed green beans with lemon

VI. Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Fridge:

  • Store chicken and rice separately, up to 4 days.

  • Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.

Freezer:

  • This dish freezes well! Portion into meal-prep containers.

  • Thaw in fridge overnight and reheat in microwave or skillet.

Make-Ahead:

  • Chicken can be sliced and seasoned 1 day in advance.

  • Sauce can be prepped separately, then heated when ready.

VII. Nutrition Info (Per Serving, Approx.)

Calories Protein Carbs Fat
510 38g 32g 28g

W-W Light Version Notes:

  • Use nonfat broth only

  • No cream or butter (sub spray)

  • Cut cheese to 2 Tbsp per serving

  • Serve over veggie rice

VIII. FAQs

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes! Warm it in the scampi sauce to infuse flavor.

Q: Is the wine necessary?
A: Nope! Use extra broth or a splash of white grape juice.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use dairy-free Parmesan and olive oil instead of butter.

Q: What pasta works instead of rice?
A: Orzo, couscous, or linguine all work beautifully!

IX. Kristy’s Note

This is one of my personal favorite “level-up” weeknight meals. It comes together fast, but feels like a treat. I love how the rice soaks up that lemony garlic butter and how every bite of chicken is infused with flavor. You don’t need a lot of cheese or cream to make it rich—just good technique and a bright squeeze of lemon. 🍋

X. More Easy Protein + Grain Dinners

  • 🍚 W-W Cajun Chicken & Brown Rice Skillet

  • 🍝 Creamy Lemon Chicken & Orzo Bake

  • 🧄 Garlic Shrimp with Cauliflower Rice

  • 🥦 Chicken Broccoli Alfredo (W-W Friendly)

XI. Call to Action

Tried this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice? I’d love to see your plate! 💬 Tag me @KristyCookRecipes, rate it, or leave a comment below. Let’s make flavorful, smart meals your new everyday thing! 🍽️🌿

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