Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting dish that combines tender, garlicky chicken with rich, cheesy rice. This easy-to-make recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (fresh or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice or jasmine
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper evenly.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil and 1.5 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 3: Add the chicken to the skillet and sear until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Step 5: Stir in red pepper flakes, parsley, and lemon juice or a splash of chicken broth. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes.
- Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it well in the sauce. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
- Step 7: Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, bring the chicken broth and milk or cream to a gentle simmer.
- Step 8: Add the rice to the simmering liquid, cover, and cook until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15–18 minutes.
- Step 9: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and a pinch of garlic powder (optional) into the cooked rice until creamy and well combined.
- Step 10: Serve the chicken over a bed of the creamy garlic Parmesan rice. Garnish with additional parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result, or use boneless skinless chicken breasts for leaner meat.
- Add a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for additional flavor and color.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit them for a milder dish.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy rice texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly to ensure it becomes tender.
Is lemon juice necessary in this recipe?
Lemon juice is optional but adds a bright, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the sauce. Feel free to omit if you prefer.
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Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender seared chicken simmered in a garlic butter sauce with red pepper flakes and parsley, served over a rich, creamy parmesan-infused rice cooked in chicken broth and milk. This recipe combines savory, creamy, and slightly spicy elements making it perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (fresh or 1 tsp dried)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice or jasmine
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and black pepper evenly to ensure balanced flavor throughout the meat.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1.5 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, and lemon juice or a splash of chicken broth. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and coat them well with the sauce. Allow to simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavorful sauce.
- Cook the Rice: In a separate saucepan, bring the chicken broth and milk or cream to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add Rice and Simmer: Stir in the uncooked rice, cover the saucepan with a lid, and cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 18 to 20 minutes depending on rice variety.
- Finish the Rice: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of garlic to create a creamy, cheesy texture.
- Serve: Plate the creamy garlic Parmesan rice and top with the chicken scampi. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or more Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat; breasts work well for leaner protein.
- For a creamier dish, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- If you like, substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley but use less as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- The lemon juice is optional but adds a nice brightness to the dish.
- Leftover chicken scampi can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: chicken scampi, creamy parmesan rice, garlic chicken, Italian chicken recipe, easy dinner, stovetop chicken recipe
