Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender, garlicky chicken with rich, cheesy rice. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something special but easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsp butter, divided
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (fresh or 1 tsp dried)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or cream
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice or jasmine
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil and 1.5 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Step 3: Add chicken and sear until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Stir in red pepper flakes, parsley, and lemon juice or a splash of chicken broth. Simmer 2 minutes.
6. Step 6: Return chicken to skillet and coat in sauce. Simmer another 2–3 minutes.
7. Step 7: In a separate saucepan, bring chicken broth and milk or cream to a simmer.
8. Step 8: Add rice, cover, and cook until tender according to package instructions.
9. Step 9: Stir in Parmesan cheese and a pinch of garlic powder until the rice is creamy.
10. Step 10: Serve chicken over a bed of creamy garlic Parmesan rice. Garnish with parsley or extra cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness, or breasts for a leaner option.
• Fresh parsley adds brightness, but dried works well in a pinch.
• Add a splash of white wine instead of lemon juice for a different flavor dimension.
• Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper cheese taste.
• To make it dairy-free, use a non-dairy milk and skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to keep the rice creamy and prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook, usually around 40-45 minutes. Adjust cooking times accordingly and add extra liquid as needed.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe in one pan?

You can cook the chicken and sauce in one skillet, but the rice cooks best separately to ensure it becomes creamy without overcooking the chicken. Using two pans gives the best result.

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 62 reviews

This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a delightful one-pan meal featuring tender, golden-seared chicken chunks coated in a flavorful garlic and red pepper flake sauce. Served over rich and creamy Parmesan-infused rice, this dish combines comforting textures and bold flavors for an easy yet impressive dinner.

• Author: Leo
• 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 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Scampi

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (fresh or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
• small splash of chicken broth (optional, for deglazing)

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or cream
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice or jasmine
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• pinch of garlic (optional, for rice)

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken chunks dry and season them evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1.5 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant to avoid burning, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
4. Add Flavorings: Stir in red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, and either lemon juice or a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Let this sauce simmer for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Coat Chicken in Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it well with the garlic sauce. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavorful sauce.
6. Prepare the Rice: In a separate saucepan, bring the chicken broth and milk or cream to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
7. Cook the Rice: Add the uncooked rice to the simmering liquid. Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 15–20 minutes.
8. Add Parmesan and Garlic to Rice: Once the rice is cooked, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of garlic if desired, creating a creamy and cheesy texture.
9. Serve: Plate the creamy garlic Parmesan rice and top it with the chicken scampi. Garnish with additional parsley or Parmesan cheese as desired for presentation and extra flavor.

Notes

• Using chicken thighs makes the dish juicier, but chicken breasts give a leaner option.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
• For extra creaminess, substitute milk with heavy cream.
• Make sure to stir the rice occasionally to prevent sticking if not using a heavy-bottomed pot.
• Fresh parsley enhances color and flavor, but dried herbs work well too.
• If you prefer a tangier sauce, add a bit more lemon juice at the end.

Keywords: Chicken Scampi, Garlic Parmesan Rice, One Pan Dinner, Creamy Rice, Easy Chicken Recipes, Garlic Chicken, Italian Inspired