Easy Chicken Scampi With Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

My kitchen always buzzes with excitement when I whip up this mouthwatering chicken scampi with creamy garlic parmesan rice that combines zesty Mediterranean flavors and comfort food magic.

Succulent chicken pieces swim in a luxurious garlic butter sauce, promising an incredible dining experience.

Juicy protein mingles perfectly with rich, creamy rice that melts on your tongue.

Each forkful brings incredible depth of flavor from carefully selected ingredients.

Herbs and parmesan cheese add an elegant twist that elevates this classic dish beyond ordinary weeknight meals.

Minimal preparation meets maximum satisfaction in this simple yet impressive recipe.

Prepare to impress everyone at your table with this restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Why Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Is a Favorite

• Savor Rich Flavor Combinations: Dive into a delightful blend of tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked rice that creates a mouthwatering symphony of tastes.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn an easy one-pan method that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Customize for Family Preferences: Adapt the recipe by adjusting seasonings, adding vegetables, or swapping chicken with shrimp to suit different family members' tastes and dietary needs.
• Impress Without Stress: Achieve a gourmet-style dinner that looks complicated but comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight meals or casual entertaining with friends.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Rice

• Rice: A delicate grain that serves as the creamy foundation for this dish.
• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that enhances the rice's taste and cooking process.

• Chicken: Tender pieces that become the star of this delicious scampi meal.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and complexity to the chicken.

• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that provides a rich, aromatic base for the scampi sauce.
• Heavy Cream: A luxurious ingredient that creates a smooth and velvety sauce texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp and salty cheese that adds depth and creaminess to the sauce.

• Olive Oil: A versatile oil used for cooking the chicken and adding a subtle flavor.
• Butter: A rich ingredient that adds smoothness and enhances the rice's flavor.

• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright, clean flavor and visual appeal to the dish.

How to Cook Chicken Scampi with Parmesan Rice Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare Flavorful Rice

Grab a medium saucepan and bring chicken broth to a rolling boil. Gently add rice, then lower the heat and cover.

Let it simmer quietly for 15-18 minutes until the rice becomes perfectly tender and absorbs all the liquid. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in a knob of butter.

Set the rice aside and let it rest.

Step 2: Sear Golden Chicken Pieces

Heat olive oil in a large skillet until it shimmers.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Cook the chicken, turning occasionally, until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust and cooks through completely. Transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Scampi Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and let it dance around for a minute until its aroma fills the kitchen. Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Slowly stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. Allow the sauce to thicken for 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and intensify.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Spread the creamy garlic Parmesan rice on plates, then crown it with the succulent chicken scampi. For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle more sauce over the top and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and a generous handful of Parmesan cheese.

Tips to Keep Chicken Scampi Moist and Flavorful

• Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and create a lighter dish.
• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option that cooks quickly and evenly.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure better browning and crisp exterior during cooking.
• Rest chicken for a few minutes after cooking to help retain moisture and prevent dryness.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter sauce without compromising flavor.

Variations to Change Up Chicken Scampi Dish

• Seafood Swap Scampi: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp or tender scallops for a classic seafood twist. Perfect for ocean lovers seeking a protein variation.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Ideal for lactose-intolerant individuals wanting creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with firm tofu or roasted cauliflower florets. Season and cook similarly to maintain the original recipe's flavor profile and texture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use same seasoning method to create a lighter, low-carbohydrate meal option that maintains the dish's delicious essence.

What Pairs Well with Chicken Scampi and Rice

• Enhance Flavor Harmony: Pair crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc with this creamy chicken scampi to complement the rich, garlicky sauce and cut through its velvety texture.
• Zesty Side Kick: Serve a bright, lemony arugula salad alongside the dish to provide a fresh, peppery contrast that balances the creamy rice and chicken.
• Bread Buddy: Offer warm, crusty garlic bread or toasted focaccia to soak up the delicious scampi sauce and add a delightful crunch to the meal.
• Herbal Freshness Boost: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or chives over the dish to introduce a light, aromatic element that lifts the overall flavor profile.

How to Store Chicken Scampi Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Chicken and rice will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate rice and chicken to prevent soggy texture.
• Portion chicken scampi and rice into freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place chicken and rice in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• What is chicken scampi traditionally made with?

Traditionally, chicken scampi is inspired by the classic Italian-American shrimp scampi, which typically features seafood cooked in a garlic, white wine, and butter sauce. This version adapts the recipe to use chicken instead of shrimp while maintaining the rich, garlicky flavor profile.

• Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?

While the recipe calls for white rice, you can substitute with long-grain rice, basmati, or jasmine rice. Brown rice can also work, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time and liquid amounts to ensure proper tenderness.

• How can I make this dish lighter?

To reduce calories, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, use less Parmesan cheese, or substitute olive oil with a non-stick cooking spray.

Chicken Scampi With Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken scampi dances with luxurious garlic parmesan rice, creating a Mediterranean-inspired symphony of flavors. Creamy, zesty notes will draw diners into a culinary experience that promises comfort and elegance on one delightful plate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup jasmine or long-grain rice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups chicken broth

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Cooking Fats and Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a medium saucepan with chicken broth, bringing it to a rolling boil at high heat. Introduce rice, reduce temperature to low, and cover. Allow rice to simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid absorbs and grains become tender.
2. Remove rice from heat, gently separate grains with a fork, and incorporate butter. Set aside for later serving.
3. Select a large skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high temperature. Generously season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Sear chicken for 6-8 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure uniform browning and complete cooking. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
5. Without cleaning the skillet, reduce heat and add minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 60 seconds until aromatic and golden.
6. Deglaze the pan by pouring chicken broth, scraping accumulated browned fragments from skillet surface. Allow liquid to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
7. Introduce heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency. Continue simmering 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens.
8. Reintroduce cooked chicken to skillet, thoroughly coating each piece with creamy sauce. Warm for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
9. Plate creamy garlic Parmesan rice as a foundation, arranging chicken scampi on top. Optionally drizzle extra sauce and garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, ensuring the same rich flavor profile without meat.
• Toast rice briefly in butter before adding liquid to enhance its nutty undertones and create a more complex taste experience.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more tender meat that absorbs sauce flavors more effectively.
• Reduce heavy cream and replace partially with Greek yogurt to lower calories while maintaining creamy texture and adding subtle tanginess.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 652 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg