If you are craving a dinner that truly feels like a warm embrace, Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is the perfect dish to satisfy that desire. This recipe combines tender, golden chicken pieces drenched in a luscious lemon-garlic butter sauce with the rich, velvety texture of parmesan-infused creamy rice. It’s hearty without being heavy, bursting with bright flavors, and just the right amount of indulgence to make any weeknight feel a bit more special. You’ll love how each bite brings together savory, tangy, and creamy elements for a meal that tastes like it took hours but comes together in no time.

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a vital role in the final dish. From the savory garlic and zesty lemon to the creamy parmesan and tender chicken, every component adds a layer of flavor or texture to round out this delightful meal.

Chicken breast (1 lb, boneless and skinless): The star protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and perfect saucy bites.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds a fragrant, mouthwatering aroma and depth that’s essential for authentic scampi flavor.
Parmesan cheese (1 cup, freshly grated): Brings a nutty, salty creaminess to the rice that makes it irresistibly comforting.
Unsalted butter (4 tbsp): Provides richness and helps create that luscious garlic butter sauce.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Used for searing the chicken and adding subtle fruitiness to the sauce.
Heavy cream (3/4 cup): Creates the creamy consistency in the parmesan rice for a smooth texture.
Chicken broth (1 1/2 cups): The cooking liquid for the rice that infuses it with savory flavor.
Lemon (1, zested and juiced): Adds brightness and a fresh tang that balances the richness perfectly.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp): Gives just a hint of heat to wake up the palate without overpowering.
Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): For garnish, lending a fresh, herbal pop of color and taste.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning all components to bring out their best.
Long grain white rice (1 cup): The creamy bed for the chicken, absorbing all those wonderful flavors.

How to Make Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

Step 1: Perfectly Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning the bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper. Heating a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil creates the ideal surface to sear the chicken until it is gloriously golden and cooked through, locking in juices that make each bite tender and flavorful. Once cooked, set the chicken aside – this allows you to focus on the rice and sauce without overcooking the chicken.

Step 2: Toast Garlic and Rice for Deep Flavor

In a medium saucepan, melt butter and add the minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant so it infuses the butter with its distinctive aroma. Adding the rice next lets you toast it for a minute, which is a game-changer for the texture and nutty flavor of the finished dish. This step ensures your rice won’t be bland but instead rich and cozy.

Step 3: Simmer Rice in Savory Chicken Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let the rice soak up the flavorful broth, simmering gently until tender and all the liquid is absorbed. This takes about 15 minutes and results in perfectly cooked rice ready to be transformed into creamy goodness.

Step 4: Create Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

Once the rice is tender, stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt. Cooking this mixture over low heat allows it to thicken and develop a luxuriously creamy texture that clings to every grain of rice. The parmesan melts into the rice, adding that signature sharp, savory kick that makes this dish unforgettable.

Step 5: Whisk Up the Lemon Garlic Scampi Sauce

Use the same skillet where the chicken was cooked so you keep all those flavorful browned bits. Melt butter with olive oil, then add garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Whisking everything together emulsifies the mixture into a silky sauce that’s bright, buttery, and perfectly balanced with a subtle hint of heat.

Step 6: Coat Chicken in the Scampi Sauce

Return the seared chicken to the skillet and toss it in the lemon garlic butter sauce, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated. This step infuses the chicken with those gorgeous scampi flavors and keeps it moist, so the final dish is bursting with taste from start to finish.

Step 7: Assemble Your Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

Plate a generous helping of the creamy garlic parmesan rice, then top it with the scampi chicken pieces. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle any remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with fresh parsley to bring a pop of color and freshness to your meal.

How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

Garnishes

Fresh parsley not only adds a lovely green contrast but also delivers a bright herbal note that cuts through the richness of the dish. If you want to elevate it even more, a little extra lemon zest or a sprinkle of parmesan on top can make the presentation and flavor pop beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a complete meal but pairs wonderfully with steamed or roasted vegetables. Think asparagus, green beans, or broccoli for a crisp texture and fresh taste. A light mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette also complements the creamy, buttery main course perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this for guests, consider plating the rice in a neat mound using a small bowl or ring mold, then artistically arrange the chicken on top. Drizzle any extra sauce around the plate for a restaurant-style finish. For family dinners, a rustic style with everything together is just as inviting and comforting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days and tastes great warmed up, making it an easy option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers by portioning the chicken and rice separately in freezer-safe containers. The rice’s creamy texture may slightly change after freezing, but the flavors remain delicious. Freeze for up to two months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating helps regain the creamy texture of the rice. Reheat the chicken on medium heat to avoid drying it out, and toss it in any leftover sauce to keep all the luscious flavors intact.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?

Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and extra fiber but will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the cooking process accordingly to ensure it becomes tender.

Is this dish spicy because of the red pepper flakes?

The crushed red pepper flakes add just a subtle hint of heat, which balances the richness and brightness of the sauce. If you prefer no spice, you can omit them or reduce the amount to suit your taste.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative and use a plant-based cream and cheese substitute. The final texture will be a bit different but still delicious!

What kind of chicken breast is best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast chunks work best to ensure even cooking and easy eating. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful bite.

Can I prepare parts of this dish in advance?

You can cook the rice and chicken separately ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just prepare the scampi sauce fresh before serving for the best flavor and texture combination.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice that keeps it in my weekly rotation. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable, bursting with comforting garlic and parmesan richness uplifted by zesty lemon and just enough heat. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own favorite—once you do, I’m sure it’ll become a meal you reach for whenever you want something special without any fuss.

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 26 reviews

Author: Sarah
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines tender, seared chicken coated in a zesty garlic lemon butter sauce with creamy, cheesy parmesan-infused rice. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner, this recipe balances rich flavors with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes and freshness from parsley and lemon.

Instructions

Season and Cook Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken breast pieces generously with salt and black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare Garlic Rice Base: In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the rice and toast it for an additional minute to bring out its nutty flavor.
Cook the Rice: Pour in 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Rice: Once the rice is cooked, stir in 3/4 cup heavy cream, 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt. Cook on low heat, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and keep covered to stay warm.
Prepare the Scampi Sauce: In the same skillet used for cooking the chicken, melt 4 tablespoons of butter together with 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and the juice of one lemon. Whisk continuously to emulsify and create a smooth sauce.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the scampi sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the garlic lemon butter sauce and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
Serve: Spoon the creamy garlic parmesan rice onto plates. Top with the chicken scampi. Drizzle any extra sauce from the skillet over the chicken and rice. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly, although the chicken is a key component in this version.
For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes according to taste.
Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melt quality.
Leftover rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American