If you are craving a comforting dish that brings together the richness of garlic, the zest of lemon, and the creamy indulgence of Parmesan, then this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is made just for you. It masterfully blends tender chicken strips sautéed in a luscious garlic butter sauce with a bed of creamy, cheesy rice that soaks up every bit of flavor. Whether you need a hearty weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress friends, this dish hits all the right notes with simplicity and elegance in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this recipe are simple, everyday staples but work harmoniously to create complex flavors and luxurious textures. Each one plays a key role, from the savory Parmesan giving the rice a silky finish to the fresh parsley adding a pop of color and brightness.
- 2 large chicken breasts: The main protein, sliced for quick cooking and easy eating.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Gives the dish its signature aromatic punch.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for searing chicken with a clean, rich flavor.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Adds decadent silkiness and helps build the scampi sauce.
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice: Brightens the dish with fresh acidity that balances the richness.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Provides moisture and depth to both the sauce and the rice.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Gives the rice its creamy, umami-packed texture.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Enriches the rice, transforming it into a luscious side.
- 1 cup long-grain rice: The staple base absorbing all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds freshness, color, and a herbaceous note.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Gives a gentle warmth that livens the dish.
How to Make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Slice your chicken breasts into bite-sized strips to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat that complements the garlic and lemon perfectly.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken strips in batches until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are cooked through. This step locks in all the juices and adds incredible flavor through caramelization. Once done, set the chicken aside so you can use the same pan for the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Sauce
Lower the heat and melt the remaining butter in the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about a minute—to avoid bitterness while infusing the butter with savory goodness.
Step 4: Add Lemon and Broth
Pour in the fresh lemon juice and half a cup of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan’s bottom to deepen the sauce’s flavor. Let it simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly reduced, concentrating those bright, tangy notes that make scampi so irresistible.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
While your sauce is simmering, bring the rice and the remaining one cup of chicken broth to a low simmer in a separate saucepan. Cover and cook it gently until tender, ensuring every grain is perfectly fluffy and ready to pair with the creamy Parmesan finish.
Step 6: Make it Creamy
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This turns simple rice into a silky, cheesy delight that complements the garlicky chicken beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—this is the moment when everything really comes together.
Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the seared chicken to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce, tossing to coat every piece evenly. Let it heat through gently on low for another couple of minutes so those bold flavors marry perfectly.
Step 8: Plate and Garnish
Serve your beautiful chicken scampi over a generous spoonful of the creamy garlic Parmesan rice. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan on top for an inviting, vibrant finish that elevates both flavor and presentation.
How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is not just for looks—it adds a fresh herbal brightness that cuts through the creaminess and invites your eyes to dive in. A little extra grated Parmesan gives a nutty topping texture, enhancing both the aroma and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish stands strong on its own, but if you want to add some veggie goodness, crisp steamed green beans or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette make perfect companions. The freshness will balance the rich rice and buttery chicken nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the chicken sliced on a bed of rice with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze on top. Use a ring mold to compact the rice for a restaurant-style look or scatter toasted pine nuts over the dish for an unexpected crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh for up to three days. The creamy rice may thicken slightly, but a splash of broth or cream before reheating restores its texture beautifully.
Freezing
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe freezes well if you want to prepare ahead. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve the sauce’s luscious consistency.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the rice feels too thick, add a little chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving it dry to keep the creamy texture intact and the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?
Long-grain rice is ideal because it cooks fluffy and separate, but you can also use basmati or jasmine for added aroma. Avoid short-grain varieties as they tend to be stickier and less suited for the creamy texture we want here.
Is this recipe spicy?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth, not an overpowering heat. If you prefer milder flavors, feel free to reduce or omit the flakes, and the dish will still be full of amazing taste.
Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. For best results, stick with heavy cream or add a bit of cream cheese to maintain that velvety texture.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Replace butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free cream substitute like coconut cream or cashew cream. Nutritional yeast can substitute Parmesan’s umami flavor, although the dish will taste different but still delicious.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and offer a juicier, more flavorful alternative. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may need a bit longer to cook through.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that combines simple ingredients with extraordinary flavor, this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is the answer. It’s cozy, elegant, and surprisingly easy to pull off any night of the week. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become one of your favorites to make and share again and again.
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Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken strips seared to perfection and coated in a garlic butter lemon sauce. Served over creamy Parmesan-infused rice, this easy-to-make meal combines bright citrus notes, rich dairy elements, and a hint of spice from crushed red pepper flakes. Finished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized strips
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Sauce and Cooking
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth, divided
Rice and Garnish
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips and season evenly with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to infuse flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken strips in batches until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté the garlic: Reduce heat to medium-low and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the lemon juice and ½ cup of chicken broth, scraping the skillet’s bottom to loosen any browned bits. Simmer the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes to slightly reduce and concentrate the flavors.
- Cook the rice: In a separate saucepan, combine the long-grain rice with the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth. Cover and cook over low heat until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Create the creamy Parmesan rice: Stir the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the cooked rice until well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet with the garlic butter lemon sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and let it heat through on low for about 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan rice onto plates and top with the chicken and sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese for an elegant finish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken briefly in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil before cooking.
- If desired, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter dish, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- This recipe can be adapted to gluten-free by ensuring the chicken broth and Parmesan are free from gluten-containing additives.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
