Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken and rich, cheesy rice. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something both easy and impressive.

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 the skillet and coat it in the 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, following your rice’s package instructions (usually about 15–20 minutes).
9. Step 9: Stir in Parmesan cheese and a pinch of garlic into the cooked rice until creamy.
10. Step 10: Serve the chicken over a bed of creamy garlic Parmesan rice. Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, use chicken thighs—they stay juicy and tender throughout cooking.
• Swap red pepper flakes for a milder paprika if you prefer less heat.
• Add a handful of spinach or peas to the rice for a pop of color and nutrition.
• Use half milk and half cream for a lighter but still creamy rice texture.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to keep the rice creamy.

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 will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly and follow the package directions for best results.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

It can be frozen, but the creamy rice may change texture upon thawing. Freeze chicken and rice separately for better quality, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 121 reviews

• Author: Ella
• 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 sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes. Served over a luscious, creamy Parmesan-infused rice cooked in chicken broth and milk, this dish combines comforting flavors and textures for an easy yet impressive dinner.

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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
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly over the chicken pieces to enhance their flavor before cooking.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and 1.5 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, taking care not to burn it.
4. Add spices and herbs: Stir in the red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, and lemon juice or a splash of chicken broth into the skillet. Let it simmer gently for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Return chicken to sauce: Add the seared chicken back into the skillet and coat it well with the sauce. Let it simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes to marry the flavors.
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 cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid, about 15 to 20 minutes.
8. Make the rice creamy: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with a pinch of garlic powder (optional) to achieve a creamy consistency.
9. Assemble and serve: Spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan rice onto plates or a serving dish, then top with the chicken scampi. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

• For a richer rice, use cream instead of milk.
• You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for juicier meat.
• Lemon juice adds a bright acidity; omit if preferred.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
• Make sure not to burn the garlic when sautéing to avoid bitterness.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.

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

Keywords: chicken scampi, creamy garlic Parmesan rice, easy dinner, one-pan chicken recipe, creamy rice, garlic chicken, Parmesan chicken, stovetop meal