Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken strips with a rich garlic butter sauce. Paired with creamy Parmesan-infused rice, it makes for an impressive yet easy-to-make dinner perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips and season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: Lower the heat and melt the remaining butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Step 4: Pour in the lemon juice and ½ cup chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Step 5: In a separate saucepan, combine the rice and the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth. Cook on low heat, covered, until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 6: Stir the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the cooked rice until creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and coat it well with the garlic butter sauce. Let it heat through on low for 2 minutes.
- Step 8: Serve the chicken over the creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken strips in lemon juice and garlic for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Use jasmine or basmati rice for a different aromatic profile.
- Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus on the side for a complete meal.
- Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless thighs or pre-cut chicken tenders work well and tend to stay juicier during cooking.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth. Always check labels to be sure.
PrintChicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe combines tender chicken strips sautéed in a buttery garlic lemon sauce with creamy, cheesy Parmesan rice. The dish balances zesty lemon flavors, the warmth of garlic, and the richness of Parmesan and cream, making it an easy yet elegant skillet meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
- 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
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 large chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Sauce and Rice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth, divided
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to add a mild spicy kick.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, searing until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant, approximately 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the lemon juice and ½ cup of chicken broth, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly reduced and flavorful.
- Cook the Rice: While the sauce simmers, in a separate saucepan combine the rice with 1 cup of chicken broth. Cover and cook over low heat until the rice is tender and cooked through, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Finish the Rice: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the rice is creamy and well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the chicken gently to coat in the sauce, allowing it to warm through over low heat for about 2 minutes.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice and top with the chicken scampi. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and creaminess.
- Long-grain rice is recommended for a fluffy texture, but basmati works as a substitute.
- Make sure to not overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
Keywords: Chicken Scampi, Garlic Parmesan Rice, Creamy Chicken Recipe, Easy Weeknight Dinner, Italian Chicken Dish, One Pan Chicken Dinner
