Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with rich, cheesy rice. This one-pan meal delivers a perfect balance of garlic, herbs, and creamy textures that will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons butter (divided for chicken and rice)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup jasmine or long grain white rice
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon diced red chili (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks, pat dry, and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper.
2. Step 2: In a hot skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter and sear the chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the rice to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until the rice is tender, about 15–18 minutes.
5. Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the mixture is creamy. If the rice is too thick, loosen it with a splash of extra broth.
6. Step 6: In a separate pan, melt more butter with garlic, crushed red pepper, and parsley to create the scampi glaze. Add the cooked chicken and toss to coat well.
7. Step 7: Plate the creamy garlic Parmesan rice and top with the chicken. Drizzle the scampi sauce over the top and garnish with chopped parsley and diced red chili if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat or breast if you prefer leaner protein.
• For a milder dish, reduce the crushed red pepper or omit it altogether.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors just before serving.
• Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper cheese note.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving directly to preserve texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?

Yes, jasmine or long grain white rice works best due to their texture, but you can substitute with basmati or even arborio rice, though cooking times and liquid amounts may vary.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check that your seasonings do not contain any hidden gluten ingredients.

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 139 reviews

• Author: Lily
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe features tender, golden-seared chicken pieces coated in a flavorful garlic scampi glaze and served atop rich, creamy Parmesan-infused rice. The combination of garlic, butter, and a touch of crushed red pepper brings a delightful balance of heat and comfort to this easy stovetop meal perfect for weeknights or weekend dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter (for searing chicken)
• Garlic powder (to taste)

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice:

• 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup jasmine or long grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Scampi Glaze and Garnish:

• Additional butter (for scampi glaze)
• Minced garlic (additional for glaze)
• Crushed red pepper (additional for glaze)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish and glaze)
• 1 tablespoon diced red chili (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare and Season Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and pat them dry with paper towels. Season thoroughly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper to ensure flavorful meat.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sear until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic for Rice: In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, making sure not to burn the garlic.
4. Cook the Rice: Add the rice to the skillet and toast it with garlic and butter for 1-2 minutes, stirring often. Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet tightly and cook on low heat for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
5. Create Creamy Parmesan Rice: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture is creamy and smooth. If the rice is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
6. Make Scampi Glaze: In a separate pan, melt some butter and add minced garlic, crushed red pepper, and chopped parsley. Cook briefly until fragrant, then add the cooked chicken back into the pan to coat it well with this garlic scampi glaze.
7. Assemble and Garnish: Plate the creamy garlic Parmesan rice and top it with the glazed chicken. Drizzle any remaining scampi sauce over the top. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and diced red chili for a pop of color and extra heat.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for juicier meat.
• Adjust crushed red pepper according to your heat preference.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the salt level of the dish.
• Jasmine rice adds a fragrant aroma but long grain white rice works well too.
• Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For an even creamier texture, add more heavy cream or a little cream cheese.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American-Italian

Keywords: chicken scampi, creamy garlic rice, Parmesan chicken, stovetop chicken recipe, easy dinner, garlic butter chicken, creamy rice side dish