Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a delightful combination of tender chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and luscious creamy rice. This comforting dish brings Italian-inspired flavors to your dinner table with ease and elegance.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks and season with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat and melt butter. Add garlic and red chili flakes, if using. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley. Return the chicken to the pan and coat it well with the scampi sauce. Remove from heat.
- Step 5: In a separate saucepan, melt a bit of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and uncooked rice. Toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Step 6: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15-18 minutes.
- Step 7: Stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese into the cooked rice. Mix until creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Step 8: Serve the creamy garlic parmesan rice on plates and top with the chicken scampi. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best texture and taste.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the rice for a vegetable boost.
- Omit chili flakes if you prefer a milder dish or add more for extra heat.
Storage
Store leftover chicken scampi and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the rice creamy.
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 and cook until tender.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
While it can be frozen, the creamy rice may change texture upon thawing. For best results, freeze the chicken and rice separately and reheat gently.
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Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a delicious, comforting dish featuring tender, seared chicken tossed in a garlicky, buttery scampi sauce, served atop rich and creamy parmesan-infused rice. This recipe combines sautéing and stovetop simmering techniques to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Scampi
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare and season chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks and season them evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the scampi sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium, melt the butter, then add minced garlic and red chili flakes if using. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley into the skillet. Return the cooked chicken pieces to the pan and toss well to coat with the scampi sauce.
- Toast the rice: In a separate saucepan, melt a small amount of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and uncooked white rice. Toast the rice by stirring constantly for 2–3 minutes to enhance its flavor.
- Cook the rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid, about 15-20 minutes.
- Finish the creamy rice: Stir the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese into the cooked rice until it becomes creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Plate the creamy garlic parmesan rice and top with the chicken scampi. Garnish with additional parsley if desired for a fresh touch.
Notes
- For spicier flavor, increase red chili flakes according to taste.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for better flavor and creaminess.
- Make sure to toast the rice before cooking to add nuttiness and depth to the dish.
- Leftover chicken scampi can be stored separately and reheated gently to avoid overcooking.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds color and freshness; you can substitute with cilantro if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken scampi, garlic parmesan rice, creamy rice, lemon chicken, skillet chicken, one-pot dinner, easy dinner recipe
