Chicken 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
Scale
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
