Description
This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a delicious, comforting dish featuring tender chicken breast pieces cooked in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, served over fluffy, buttery rice cooked in chicken broth. Ready in just 30 minutes, this savory meal combines creamy textures and bold Italian flavors, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Scampi
- 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
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
- 1 cup rice (preferably jasmine or long-grain)
- 2 cups chicken broth (for rice)
- 1 tbsp butter
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional Parmesan cheese (optional)
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 all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff rice with a fork, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter, and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Scampi Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and lift any browned bits. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, then continue simmering for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss gently in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Cook together for an additional 2 minutes so the chicken absorbs some of the sauce flavors.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan rice onto plates, top with the chicken scampi, drizzle with any remaining sauce from the skillet, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese.
- Jasmine or long-grain rice works best for this recipe but you can use basmati as an alternative.
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a slight kick.
- Make sure not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
