Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a luscious, cheesy rice base. This recipe balances zesty garlic and lemon with rich parmesan for a meal that’s both satisfying and elegant.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks and season them with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red chili flakes, sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the scampi sauce. Keep warm.
- Step 5: In a separate saucepan, melt a small amount of butter over medium heat. Add garlic and the uncooked rice, toasting for 2-3 minutes until the rice is fragrant.
- Step 6: Pour in the chicken broth, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid, about 15-18 minutes.
- Step 7: Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Mix well until creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Step 8: Serve the creamy garlic parmesan rice on plates and top with the chicken scampi. Garnish with extra parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can substitute jasmine or basmati rice for a different texture.
- Add a handful of sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the rice for additional vegetables.
- Adjust the red chili flakes to control the heat level or omit them for a milder dish.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs can be used and will add extra moisture and flavor, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure your parmesan cheese has no gluten additives.
PrintChicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a delightful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken pieces seared to golden perfection and coated in a rich, garlicky, lemony scampi sauce. Served atop creamy, cheesy garlic parmesan rice, this dish balances bright citrus flavors with indulgent cream and parmesan, making it a comforting yet elegant brunch or dinner option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Chicken Scampi
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting rice and garlic)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks, then season evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear until golden and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Scampi Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and red chili flakes (if using) and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Lemon and Parsley: Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley to the butter-garlic mixture. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly with the scampi sauce.
- Toast Garlic and Rice: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and white rice, toasting them together for 2–3 minutes to build flavor.
- Cook Rice: Pour in chicken broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid, about 15-18 minutes.
- Make Rice Creamy: Stir heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese into the cooked rice. Mix until creamy and smooth, adjusting salt as needed for taste.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy garlic parmesan rice onto plates and top with the chicken scampi. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, as garlic browns quickly and adds depth to both the chicken and rice.
- Red chili flakes are optional but add a nice mild heat complementing the lemon garlic sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lactose-free cream alternative.
- Make sure to toast the rice and garlic before adding broth for a nuttier flavor and improved texture.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for better melting and cleaner flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
Keywords: Chicken Scampi, Garlic Parmesan Rice, Creamy Rice, One-Pan Meal, Italian-Inspired, Quick Dinner
