If you’re craving a dish that feels indulgently comforting yet fresh and vibrant, this Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe will quickly become your new weeknight hero. Imagine tender chicken pieces enveloped in a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce, resting atop fluffy, buttery rice infused deeply with cream and a hint of chicken broth. This recipe balances richness with bright, savory notes that never overwhelm, delivering a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself or impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing an essential role to create layers of flavor and texture. From hearty chicken to aromatic garlic and velvety Parmesan cheese, everything contributes to a harmonious dish full of comfort and elegance.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy bites.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for browning the chicken and layering in rich flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The aromatic heart of the scampi sauce, delivering punchy, savory warmth.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth both to the sauce and the rice.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture that envelops every bite.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides sharp, nutty flavor that melts beautifully into the sauce and rice.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the savory profile without overpowering the garlic.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to brighten and balance all the flavors.
- 1 cup rice (preferably jasmine or long-grain): The fluffy base that soaks up all that delicious sauce.
- 2 cups chicken broth (for rice): Cooks the rice with extra flavor rather than plain water.
- 1 tbsp butter: Stirred into the rice for richness and a silky finish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and a lovely herbal note to the finished dish.
How to Make Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by bringing 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add your rice, reduce the heat to low, cover it tightly, and let it simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes. This slow cooking absorbs the broth right into the grains, making every bite flavorful. Once tender, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in 1 tablespoon of butter for an irresistibly silky, rich texture. Set the rice aside while you work on the chicken and sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Then, sear the chicken in the hot oil for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally until each piece is golden brown and cooked just right. The browning imparts a lovely caramelized flavor that’s key in this scampi. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside — we’ll bring it back into the sauce soon.
Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce
Use the same skillet to keep all those flavorful browned bits. Add your minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until intensely fragrant but not burnt — garlic is the soul of this sauce! Pour in ½ cup of chicken broth and let it simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes, scraping the bottom to loosen all that goodness. Now stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep simmering gently for 3 to 4 minutes as the sauce thickens into a rich, creamy, and velvety coating that will perfectly hug the chicken.
Step 4: Combine
Return the cooked chicken pieces to your skillet and toss them gently in the garlic Parmesan sauce. Let them mingle over medium heat for 2 minutes so every piece is beautifully coated and infused with the luxurious sauce. This step brings everything together into one harmonious bite.
Step 5: Serve
To plate, spoon the fluffy, creamy garlic Parmesan rice onto your serving dishes, then nestle the chicken scampi on top. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle more sauce over everything and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan. Your delicious creation is ready to delight!
How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the star garnish for this dish, adding a vibrant green color and a fresh, herbal brightness that balances the rich Parmesan and cream. Sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan on top as well — it helps elevate the presentation while giving each bite a slightly more complex flavor. For a little extra zing, you might even consider a few red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
Side Dishes
This meal is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables can be fantastic to lighten and round out your plate. Consider a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. These fresh, acidic sides complement the richness and keep the meal balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner, serve the chicken scampi and rice in shallow bowls, allowing plenty of room for the creamy sauce to shine. If you’re feeling playful, try stuffing the chicken and sauce into hollowed tomatoes or bell peppers for a colorful and unexpected twist. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens also adds a beautiful, restaurant-quality touch that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and keep them refrigerated. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making this a perfect dish for easy lunches or quick dinners the next few days.
Freezing
You can freeze your Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe, but the texture of the rice might change slightly upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, separate the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for better texture retention.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken scampi and creamy rice gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the moisture and silky sauce texture. Avoid microwaving on high, as that might dry things out unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and more chew, but it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the broth and cooking time accordingly, and the creamy sauce will still work beautifully with it.
Is heavy cream necessary, or can I substitute it?
Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich texture and silky finish, but you can substitute with half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version. Just expect a slightly thinner sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and Parmesan cheese (some brands add fillers). Always double-check labels to be sure.
What’s the best way to season the chicken for maximum flavor?
Generously seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before cooking is key. If you have time, marinate the chicken briefly with a little olive oil, garlic, and herbs to boost flavor even more.
Can I prepare this dish for a larger group?
Definitely. Just multiply the ingredient quantities accordingly and cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, ensuring perfect browning every time.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both special and soothing, perfect for busy nights or when you want to treat yourself to something deliciously homemade. The perfect balance between creamy, garlicky, and savory flavors will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try it, this might just become your go-to comfort meal. So, grab your skillet and get cooking — you’re about to create some magic!
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Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a delightful one-pan meal combining tender sautéed chicken pieces in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce served over flavorful, buttery rice. Inspired by classic Italian flavors, this recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice
- 1 cup rice (preferably jasmine or long-grain)
- 2 cups chicken broth (for rice cooking)
- 1 tbsp butter
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Additional Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter, and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Scampi Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic over medium heat for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add 1/2 cup chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, continue to simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it thoroughly in the creamy scampi sauce. Cook together for an additional 2 minutes to marry the flavors and ensure the chicken is heated through.
- Serve: Plate the creamy garlic Parmesan rice and top it with the chicken scampi. Drizzle with extra sauce from the skillet and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese as desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese as it melts better and enhances the flavor.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content in the dish.
