This creamy chicken scampi with garlic Parmesan rice combines succulent chicken with a rich, garlicky scampi sauce and is served alongside buttery, cheesy rice. It’s an indulgent, satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week when you want a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish has it all—tender, juicy chicken bathed in a creamy garlic scampi sauce, complemented by fluffy garlic Parmesan rice that soaks up every bit of the flavorful sauce. The richness of the sauce and the savory notes of Parmesan create a perfect balance of flavors that’ll leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. It’s easy to prepare yet feels indulgent, making it the perfect choice for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Scampi:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice and a pinch of salt, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and then stir in the sautéed garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Keep covered to keep warm while you prepare the chicken scampi.
For the Chicken Scampi:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the creamy sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes to reheat the chicken and let the flavors meld together.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or zucchini to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Shrimp Scampi Version: If you prefer seafood, swap the chicken for shrimp and cook the shrimp until pink and opaque before adding the garlic and sauce ingredients.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free rice and ensure the Parmesan cheese is certified gluten-free if needed.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs in place of breasts. They will be slightly juicier but will require similar cooking times.
Can I make the garlic Parmesan rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it with a bit of butter or broth to keep it moist before serving.
Can I make this dish without heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the sauce. Keep in mind that the sauce may not be as creamy.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can also check by cutting into the thickest part of the breast; it should be opaque and the juices should run clear.
Can I freeze this dish?
While the rice and sauce can be frozen, the chicken may become slightly dry upon reheating. It’s best to freeze the rice and sauce separately from the chicken.
Can I add more garlic to the scampi sauce?
Yes, if you love garlic, feel free to add more minced garlic to the scampi sauce for a more robust flavor.
Can I use a different type of cheese for the rice?
Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for a different flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
This recipe is not strictly keto due to the rice, but you can make it keto-friendly by swapping the rice with cauliflower rice or another low-carb substitute.
Can I make this recipe without the Parmesan cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can skip the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is an easy-to-make yet indulgent dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your home. The combination of tender chicken in a creamy, garlicky sauce paired with cheesy, flavorful rice makes this meal both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite!
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Creamy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a luxurious, easy-to-make meal featuring tender chicken in a rich, garlicky scampi sauce served alongside buttery, cheesy rice. It’s perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- For Chicken Scampi
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - For Garlic Parmesan Rice
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
For Garlic Parmesan Rice
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice and a pinch of salt, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the sautéed garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt
Notes
For extra flavor, add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or zucchini to the sauce.,For a shrimp scampi version, swap chicken for shrimp and cook until pink and opaque before adding garlic and sauce ingredients.,Use gluten-free rice and ensure Parmesan cheese is certified gluten-free for a gluten-free option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: undefined
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
