Indulge in the delightful flavors of Chicken Scampi paired with creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice. This dish combines succulent chicken with a rich garlic butter sauce, topped with fresh herbs and served over a bed of cheesy, aromatic rice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the ingredients and cooking process to bring this exquisite dish to life!
Ingredients
– 2 boneless chicken breasts
– 1 cup large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 cup rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, while the cooking time is around 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/4 of the dish) contains approximately:
– Calories: 450
– Protein: 35g
– Carbohydrates: 45g
– Fat: 15g
– Fiber: 2g
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
3. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6 minutes per side.
4. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Pour in the white wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze.
7. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.
8. Return the chicken to the skillet and sprinkle with red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning.
9. Simmer for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through.
10. While the chicken is simmering, cook the rice in chicken broth according to package instructions and stir in the Parmesan cheese once cooked.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the shrimp with scallops or omit seafood altogether for a purely chicken dish. Brown rice can be used instead of white rice for a healthier option. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, skip the wine and use extra chicken broth.
Serving and Pairings
Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad. A glass of chilled white wine complements the flavors beautifully, making it a perfect pairing for any occasion.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the rice may change upon thawing.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy.
– Don’t skip the deglazing step; it adds flavor.
– Use fresh garlic for the best taste.
– Ensure the shrimp is not overcooked; it should just turn pink.
– Measure ingredients accurately for balanced flavor.
Helpful Tips
– Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness (165°F).
– Allow the chicken to rest before slicing for juiciness.
– Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
– Experiment with different herbs for a unique flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are thawed before cooking.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then reheat and serve with freshly made rice.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
You can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you ensure your broth and any added ingredients are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a delightful meal that balances rich flavors with a comforting texture. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy this culinary adventure!
Chicken Scampi With Garlic Parmesan Rice
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup white wine optional
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 6 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the white wine and deglaze the pan.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, sprinkle with red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Cook the rice in chicken broth according to package instructions and stir in the Parmesan cheese once cooked.