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, garlicky sauce served over creamy, cheesy rice. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying yet 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 the 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 for 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 the chicken over a bed of creamy garlic Parmesan rice. Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor and juicy meat.
• Substitute half-and-half for milk or cream to reduce richness but keep creaminess.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the rice for extra vegetables.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
• For a gluten-free meal, ensure your chicken broth is gluten free.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the rice if it has thickened. Avoid freezing as the rice texture may change.

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 the chicken completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and safety.

What can I use if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese are good substitutes that provide a similar sharp, salty flavor.

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 99 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a delightful one-pan meal featuring tender, seared chicken chunks coated in a garlicky, buttery Parmesan sauce served over rich, creamy rice cooked with chicken broth and milk. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this recipe combines bold flavors of garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley to create a savory dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 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)

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)

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Instructions

1. Season Chicken: Season the chicken pieces evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
2. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1.5 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear it until it is golden brown and cooked through, 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 until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add Flavorings: Stir in the red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, and lemon juice or a splash of chicken broth into the skillet. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Return Chicken to Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it thoroughly in the sauce. Allow it to simmer for another 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
6. Prepare Rice Base: In a separate saucepan, bring the chicken broth and milk or cream to a simmer over medium heat.
7. Cook Rice: Add the rice to the simmering liquid, cover, and cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 15-20 minutes depending on rice type.
8. Add Parmesan: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of garlic (if desired) into the cooked rice until it becomes creamy and rich.
9. Serve: Plate the creamy garlic Parmesan rice and serve the seared chicken scampi over the bed of rice. Garnish with extra parsley or more Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Using chicken thighs will yield a juicier dish compared to chicken breasts.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired heat level.
• Lemon juice is optional but adds a nice brightness to the sauce.
• For a richer rice, use cream instead of milk.
• Ensure to cook rice covered and on low heat to avoid burning and ensure tenderness.
• Fresh parsley enhances flavor but dried parsley works as a convenient substitute.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: chicken scampi, garlic parmesan rice, creamy rice recipe, easy chicken dinner, stovetop chicken, parmesan chicken, garlic butter chicken