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, 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.
- 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
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
- Season and prepare chicken: Season the chicken chunks with salt and black pepper evenly to enhance flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
