Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi is a flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken tenderloins cooked in a buttery garlic and white wine sauce, served over creamy Parmesan-infused rice. Perfectly balanced with a hint of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick, this recipe is an easy yet elegant option for dinner that combines savory, cheesy, and aromatic notes in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce & Rice
- 1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
- 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
- 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season the chicken tenderloins evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chicken until fully cooked and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the fresh minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in red pepper flakes, salt, white wine, and chicken broth. Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce slightly. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the sauce for later use.
- Cook the Rice: Add the uncooked rice directly to the skillet with the remaining sauce. Stir briefly to coat the rice, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid, approximately 18-20 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Once the rice is tender, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the rice and stir to combine. Arrange the cooked chicken on top of the rice, then drizzle the reserved sauce over the chicken. Cover the skillet and let the dish rest for a few minutes to meld the flavors. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the sauce.
- White wine adds depth; if you prefer, substitute with additional chicken broth.
- Make sure to stir occasionally when cooking the rice to prevent sticking.
- Letting the dish rest before serving helps the flavors meld together perfectly.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.