1. What is chicken scampi sauce made of?

Chicken scampi sauce is a buttery, garlicky, and slightly tangy sauce made with the following ingredients: Butter – Adds richness and a smooth texture. Olive oil – Helps prevent the butter from burning. Garlic – Provides a bold, aromatic flavor. White wine – Adds depth and acidity (can be replaced with broth + lemon juice). Chicken broth – Enhances the umami flavor of the sauce. Lemon juice – Balances the butteriness with a touch of freshness. Red pepper flakes – Optional but adds a mild heat. Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for extra creaminess.

2. What is a substitute for white wine in chicken scampi?

If you don’t want to use white wine, you can substitute it with: ½ cup chicken broth + 1 tablespoon lemon juice (best option). ½ cup white grape juice + 1 teaspoon vinegar for mild sweetness and acidity. ¼ cup apple cider vinegar + ¼ cup water for a tangy twist. ¼ cup white wine vinegar + ¼ cup broth for a sharper flavor.

3. What to eat with chicken scampi?

The best side dishes for chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice include: Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, garlic green beans. Salads: Caesar salad, arugula with lemon vinaigrette, tomato-mozzarella salad. Bread: Garlic bread, crusty baguette, parmesan focaccia. Pasta (alternative to rice): Angel hair pasta, lemon orzo, cauliflower rice.

4. What sauce goes well with scampi?

Chicken scampi sauce is already flavorful, but you can enhance it with: Alfredo sauce – For a creamy, cheesy upgrade. Pesto sauce – Adds a fresh, herby flavor. Tomato-based marinara – Provides a tangy contrast to the richness. White wine butter sauce – Keeps it light while adding depth.

5. Can I mix chicken and shrimp together?

Yes! Chicken and shrimp scampi is a fantastic surf-and-turf variation. To make sure both proteins cook perfectly: Cook chicken first , then remove it from the pan. Sauté shrimp separately for 1-2 minutes per side. Combine everything in the sauce at the end.

The Best Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Name: Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice – A Flavorful & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ cup all-purpose flour (optional, for coating); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup white wine (or substitute with ½ cup chicken broth + 1 tablespoon lemon juice); ½ cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 cup long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati); 2 cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; ¼ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version); ½ cup mushrooms, sautéed with garlic; 1 cup fresh spinach, stirred in at the end; ½ cup roasted cherry tomatoes; ½ pound shrimp (for a surf-and-turf twist)

Description

If you’re craving a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home, Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is the perfect choice. This dish combines tender, seasoned chicken with a rich, buttery scampi sauce, served over creamy garlic parmesan rice. Inspired by classic Italian-American flavors, it’s a delicious alternative to traditional shrimp scampi and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Scampi:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ cup all-purpose flour (optional, for coating)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup white wine (or substitute with ½ cup chicken broth + 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
½ cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

1 cup long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati)
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
¼ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)

Optional Additions for Extra Flavor:

½ cup mushrooms, sautéed with garlic
1 cup fresh spinach, stirred in at the end
½ cup roasted cherry tomatoes
½ pound shrimp (for a surf-and-turf twist)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season sliced chicken with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. (Optional: Lightly dust with flour for a better sear.)
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Scampi Sauce

Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Deglaze the Pan: Pour in white wine (or chicken broth + lemon juice) and stir, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add Chicken Broth & Lemon Juice: Stir in chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Return the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and coat it with the sauce.
Finish with Parmesan & Parsley: Stir in grated parmesan and chopped parsley. Turn off the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes.

Step 3: Cook Garlic Parmesan Rice

Sauté Garlic: In a saucepan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Toast the Rice: Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly translucent.
Add Broth & Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes (or follow package instructions).
Make It Creamy: Remove from heat, stir in parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Fluff with a fork.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the garlic parmesan rice and top with the chicken scampi. Drizzle any extra sauce over the top and garnish with parsley.

Notes

Substitutes for White Wine: Use chicken broth + lemon juice, white grape juice + vinegar, or apple cider vinegar + water.
For Extra Flavor: Try adding roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh spinach.
Best Side Dishes: Serve with roasted asparagus, Caesar salad, or crusty garlic bread.
Pairing Suggestion: Enjoy with a glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 servings
Calories: ~540 kcal
Fat: ~24g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Protein: ~38g