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 rich, cheesy rice base. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying yet simple 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, about 1 minute.
5. Step 5: Stir in red pepper flakes, parsley, and lemon juice or a splash of chicken broth. Simmer for 2 minutes.
6. Step 6: Return chicken to skillet and coat in sauce. Simmer another 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.
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 over low heat until tender, about 18–20 minutes.
9. Step 9: Stir in Parmesan cheese and a pinch of garlic powder (optional) until the rice is creamy and well combined.
10. Step 10: Serve the chicken over a bed of creamy garlic Parmesan rice. Garnish with additional parsley or Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
• Swap the white rice for brown rice, but increase cooking time accordingly.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the rice for extra vegetables.
• For a lighter version, substitute milk or cream with low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.

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 restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and safety.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 91 reviews

This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a delightful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken pieces seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a fragrant garlic and parsley sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes and lemon juice. Paired with a creamy, cheesy Parmesan rice enriched with garlic and cooked in a savory chicken broth and milk mixture, this dish is comforting, flavorful, and easy to make for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Lila
• 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

Chicken and Sauce

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

Rice

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

Instructions

1. Season and prepare chicken: Season the chicken chunks with salt and black pepper evenly to enhance flavor.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and 1.5 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté garlic and build sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add seasonings to the sauce: Stir in red pepper flakes, parsley, and lemon juice or a splash of chicken broth. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes to marry flavors.
5. Return chicken and simmer: Place the seared chicken back into the skillet and coat it thoroughly with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and combine flavors.
6. Cook the creamy rice: In a separate saucepan, bring the chicken broth and milk or cream to a gentle simmer. Add the uncooked rice, cover the saucepan, and cook until rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid, typically 15 to 20 minutes depending on rice variety.
7. Finish the rice: Once cooked, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of garlic (if desired) until the rice is creamy and well combined.
8. Serve: Plate the creamy Garlic Parmesan rice and top with the chicken scampi. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for the best taste.

Notes

• For extra creaminess, use heavy cream instead of milk in the rice.
• Fresh parsley is recommended for brighter flavor, but dried parsley works fine in a pinch.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
• Use jasmine rice for a fragrant touch or long-grain white rice for a neutral base.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: chicken scampi, creamy garlic parmesan rice, one-pan meal, easy chicken recipe, garlic butter chicken, Parmesan rice