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
Scale
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.
