“`html
If you’re searching for a vibrant, comforting meal that feels both indulgent and effortless, this Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is going to delight your taste buds and your soul. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken pieces swimming in a luscious garlic and Parmesan sauce, served atop fluffy, buttery rice that’s subtly infused with chicken broth for a rich, savory base. This dish balances bold flavors with creamy textures in a way that’s simply irresistible—ideal for a weeknight dinner that feels special or a cozy weekend feast with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building the complex, inviting layers of flavor. From the garlic that brings aromatic warmth to the Parmesan cheese melting seamlessly into the sauce, you’ll find each item is simple yet essential for making this dish truly shine.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy serving.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Provides a rich base for browning the chicken with a subtle fruity note.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with fragrant, savory depth that’s key in scampi flavors.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and enhances the sauce with gentle umami.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety texture that makes this sauce so comforting.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers salty, nutty richness essential for creamy indulgence.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Offers a herbal touch that harmonizes with the garlic perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1 cup rice (preferably jasmine or long-grain): The ideal base that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 cups chicken broth (for rice): Used to cook the rice, adding savory depth and moisture.
- 1 tbsp butter: Stirred into the rice at the end for extra richness and silky texture.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright contrast in both flavor and color.
How to Make Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start with cooking your rice in flavorful chicken broth instead of water to infuse it with savory goodness right from the beginning. Bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan, add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes. When the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed, fluff it with a fork and mix in a tablespoon of butter. This final step transforms the rice into a creamy, buttery base that perfectly complements the chicken scampi.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to get a nice sear on your chicken. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before cooking. This seasoning blend adds that classic Italian essence you expect from a scampi dish. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes until nicely browned and cooked through. Taking the time to properly brown the chicken gives it a beautiful texture and flavor that shines in the finished dish.
Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce
Using the same skillet means you get all the lovely browned bits left behind by the chicken, adding incredible depth to your sauce. Begin by sautéing the minced garlic for about a minute until it releases its irresistible aroma. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any flavorful bits from the pan. Then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens into a creamy, cheesy heaven that lovingly coats every bite of chicken.
Step 4: Combine
Return the cooked chicken pieces back into the pan and toss them in the rich scampi sauce to get fully coated. Let everything cook together for an additional two minutes so the flavors marry perfectly and the chicken soaks up all that garlicky, cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Serve
To serve, spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan rice onto your plate, then pile on the chicken scampi generously. Drizzle any remaining warm sauce on top, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if you like. This layering not only creates a gorgeous presentation but ensures every forkful is bursting with creamy, savory flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a must-have garnish for this dish because it adds a pop of vibrant green and a slightly peppery freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully. For an extra touch, don’t shy away from sprinkling some additional grated Parmesan cheese on top. It melts slightly and adds that final savory boost you’re craving.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands well on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp sides like a green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or roasted seasonal vegetables. Steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach also complement the creamy garlic Parmesan flavors well by bringing some earthiness and extra texture to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe in individual shallow bowls to showcase the sauce’s creamy allure. Garnish each portion with a lemon wedge for a zesty option your guests can add if desired. You can also offer crusty garlic bread on the side to mop up every last drop of that luscious sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the sauce is creamy, make sure to keep the rice and chicken together so the flavors stay cohesive and the rice doesn’t dry out.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you need to freeze, portion the chicken and rice with sauce into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. To thaw, move it to the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. This method helps preserve the creamy texture and keeps the chicken tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
Absolutely! Jasmine or long-grain rice is preferred for its fluffy texture, but you can use basmati or even Arborio rice if you like a creamier, risotto-style consistency. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly.
What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese to maintain some richness, but the sauce won’t be quite as thick and silky as the original.
Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Chicken thighs will work wonderfully here and tend to stay juicier and more flavorful after cooking. Just cut into bite-sized pieces and slightly reduce cooking time since thighs can cook faster.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. The texture and taste will change but it can still be delicious and creamy.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the rice ahead and store it in the fridge, then prepare the chicken and sauce fresh when ready to serve. This helps cut down on last-minute cooking without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is a shining example of how simple, well-chosen ingredients can come together to create a dish that feels both elegant and homey. It’s perfect for those nights when you want a comforting meal that’s a little fancy without a fuss. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your rotation!
“`
Print
Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces cooked in a luscious garlic, cream, and Parmesan sauce, served over fluffy, buttery rice. With a perfect balance of garlic, Italian seasoning, and creamy textures, this easy one-skillet recipe makes for a delicious weeknight dinner that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 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
Rice
- 1 cup rice (preferably jasmine or long-grain)
- 2 cups chicken broth (for rice)
- 1 tbsp butter
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional grated 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, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, stir in 1 tbsp butter, and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Scampi Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chicken broth, bring to a simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, simmering for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss in the sauce, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to coat.
- Serve: Plate the creamy garlic Parmesan rice, top with the chicken scampi, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use jasmine or long-grain rice for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper based on your preference.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though sauce will be less thick.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color contrast and fresh flavor, but can be omitted if unavailable.
