Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice—a dish that transforms simple ingredients into pure magic on your plate. Imagine tender, golden chicken breasts nestled atop velvety Parmesan-flecked rice, all doused in a zesty garlic-lemon sauce that brings the flavors together beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just shaking up your weeknight dinner routine, this is the sort of meal that leaves everyone asking for seconds. One bite, and you’ll see why Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is an instant classic around my table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about making Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is how each ingredient shines. They’re kitchen staples, but together, they create a layered dish bursting with flavor, creamy texture, and just a hint of luxuriousness. Here’s what you’ll need and why each step matters:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless for quick cooking and juicy results every time.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the rice, bringing all flavors to life.
- Black Pepper: Adds a mellow heat and depth to balance out the creamy and zesty notes.
- Paprika: Sprinkled on the chicken, paprika offers color and a subtle earthiness.
- Olive Oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to golden perfection—don’t skip it!
- Unsalted Butter: Split for both flavor and a silky sauce, butter ties the dish together.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key to that iconic scampi aroma and taste.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for controlling salt, adding rich body to both sauce and rice.
- Dry White Wine (or more chicken broth): A splash lifts everything with brightness—substitute with broth for an alcohol-free version.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon adds tang that brightens the whole dish.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat and complexity in their scampi.
- Long-Grain White Rice: Long-grain keeps things fluffy and perfect as a creamy base.
- Heavy Cream: This is what makes the rice decadent and so irresistibly creamy.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated melts in and gives that unforgettable savory punch.
- Fresh Parsley: Just a sprinkle at the end adds color and a pop of herbal freshness.
How to Make Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Let’s kick things off by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter sizzles, add the chicken. Sear for about 4 to 5 minutes each side, or until they’re gorgeously golden and cooked right through. Remove them from the skillet and tuck them under some foil to keep warm—you’ll want them juicy, not dry.
Step 2: Make the Scampi Sauce
In that same skillet, melt the remaining butter, letting all those lovely chicken bits combine with the fat. Add the minced garlic and cook for just about 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with the most inviting aroma. Next, stir in chicken broth, wine (or more broth), lemon juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re in a spicy mood. Let this mixture simmer for 3 minutes to develop a bold, tangy sauce, scraping up the browned bits for extra flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
While your sauce is bubbling away, it’s time to work the magic on the rice. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook gently for about 15 minutes, or until that rice is tender and fluffy. Now stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking for a few more minutes until everything’s perfectly rich and creamy—you’ll want to sneak a taste, it’s that good!
Step 4: Bring It All Together
To serve, spoon a generous mound of creamy garlic Parmesan rice onto each plate. Slice the chicken if you like, and arrange it on top, then pour a drizzling of that fragrant scampi sauce over everything. The results? Absolute dinner bliss. A sprinkle of fresh parsley over the top finishes things off, making the whole meal look as delicious as it tastes.
How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
Garnishes
Finish your plates of Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley—its bright green color adds a pop of freshness that plays beautifully against the creamy, golden backdrop. If you’re feeling extra, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a wedge of lemon on the side works wonders for both looks and taste.
Side Dishes
This dish is already a feast on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, think simply: a crisp green salad, oven-roasted vegetables, or soft, garlicky bread to mop up the luscious sauce. These easy sides pair perfectly with the flavors of the Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice and add a touch of color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a show-stopper for entertaining! Serve it family-style on a big platter for a casual dinner, or plate it individually in shallow bowls with a swirl of sauce. You could even use ring molds for the rice to impress at special occasions, or serve mini portions in small bowls as a party appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice, let it cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. Store the chicken and rice separately if possible; both will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce separate from the rice helps maintain the best texture when reheating.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze both the chicken and the creamy rice, though the sauce may lose a touch of its silkiness. Freeze in individual portions using airtight containers, and always label with the date. The dish will stay tasty for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and rice in the microwave, covering to keep moisture in, or use a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to restore that creamy consistency. If you’ve frozen the dish, allow it to thaw in the fridge first to maintain the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and rice a day ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently and add a splash of broth or cream to the rice before serving to revive its creamy texture.
What can I use instead of heavy cream for a lighter version?
Feel free to swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk if you want a lighter touch. The result will still be creamy—just a bit less rich—and you can also reduce the Parmesan to lower the calories.
Can I substitute shrimp or another protein?
Definitely! Shrimp works beautifully here if you want a classic seafood twist. You could also try thin-sliced turkey cutlets or even tofu for a vegetarian alternative—just keep an eye on cook times so everything stays tender.
Is Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check your Parmesan cheese to ensure it doesn’t contain additives with gluten.
What’s the best type Main Course
Long-grain white rice works best for a creamy yet distinct texture, but you could use basmati or even brown rice (with a longer cooking time). Avoid short-grain rice, which can become too mushy for this style of preparation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s deeply comforting yet elegant enough for guests, you can’t go wrong with Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice. I hope you’ll give it a try and share it with your favorite people—it’s one of those heartwarming dishes you’ll come back to again and again!
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Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice. This savory dish combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, creamy rice infused with garlic and Parmesan, perfect for a comforting meal any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
For the Scampi Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup dry white wine or extra chicken broth
- juice of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook in a skillet until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Scampi Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, then add chicken broth, white wine, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Simmer.
- Cook the Rice: In a saucepan, cook rice in chicken broth until tender. Stir in cream and Parmesan until creamy.
- Serve: Plate the creamy garlic Parmesan rice, top with chicken, and drizzle with scampi sauce. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce Parmesan to ½ cup.
- Shrimp can be substituted for chicken for a seafood twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with rice
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 860 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
