Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a delightful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with rich, flavorful rice. This meal delivers a perfect balance of garlicky goodness and creamy texture, great for any dinner occasion.

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 and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the rice and toast for 1–2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until rice is tender, about 15–18 minutes.
5. Step 5: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until creamy. If needed, loosen with a splash of broth.
6. Step 6: In a separate pan, melt more butter with garlic, crushed red pepper, and parsley to create the scampi glaze. Add chicken and coat well.
7. Step 7: Plate the creamy garlic Parmesan rice and top with chicken. Drizzle scampi sauce on top. Garnish with parsley and diced red chili if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of breast for juicier, more flavorful meat.
• Adjust crushed red pepper to control the spice level to your preference.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the scampi sauce for a bright, fresh flavor.
• Swap jasmine rice for basmati or arborio for different textures.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw and pat it dry before cooking to ensure even searing and proper seasoning.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. All ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on seasonings and broth to confirm.

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 94 reviews

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

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Description

This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish combining perfectly seared chicken pieces with a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan rice. The chicken is seasoned with Italian spices and coated in a buttery, garlicky scampi glaze. Served over tender, cheesy rice, this meal is a delightful blend of textures and bold flavors, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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)

Rice and Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter (divided for chicken and rice)
• 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

Scampi Glaze and Garnish

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish and scampi glaze)
• 1 tablespoon diced red chili (optional, for garnish)
• Additional butter for scampi glaze (approx. 1 tablespoon)
• Additional minced garlic and crushed red pepper for scampi glaze

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Instructions

1. Prepare and Season Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks, pat dry with paper towels, then season evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper to build a well-balanced flavor base.
2. Sear Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter, and add the chicken pieces. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
3. Sauté Garlic for Rice: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, which helps infuse the rice with garlic flavor.
4. Toast and Cook Rice: Add the rice to the skillet and toast it with the garlic butter mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and broth absorbed.
5. Make Creamy Parmesan Rice: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese into the cooked rice, mixing until creamy and smooth. Add a splash of chicken broth if the mixture seems too thick, ensuring a luscious texture.
6. Prepare Scampi Glaze: In a separate pan, melt an additional tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic, crushed red pepper, and chopped parsley, sautéing briefly until aromatic. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat the pieces thoroughly in the scampi glaze.
7. Plate and Serve: Spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan rice onto plates, top with the scampi-glazed chicken, and drizzle any remaining butter sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and diced red chili for a pop of color and extra heat if desired.

Notes

• Adjust the crushed red pepper according to your heat preference; omit entirely for a milder dish.
• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful chicken; breasts will make a leaner dish.
• Can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Use low sodium chicken broth to control saltiness.
• Leftover rice and chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

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

Keywords: chicken scampi, creamy garlic Parmesan rice, one-pan dinner, Italian-style chicken, creamy rice, easy dinner recipe