If you are craving a dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken pieces coated in a rich, garlicky scampi glaze resting beautifully on a bed of luxuriously creamy, cheesy rice that’s infused with garlic and Parmesan. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of comforting textures and bold flavors that come together effortlessly. This recipe delivers a restaurant-worthy meal that’s surprisingly easy to make, turning an ordinary weeknight into a celebration of taste you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavors right in this dish is all about using simple ingredients that pack a punch. Each component contributes to a balance of richness, spice, and freshness, creating a truly comforting yet elegant plate of food.
- Chicken breast or thighs, 1.5 lbs: Perfectly bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and great texture.
- Butter, 2 tablespoons: Divided use to create both a golden sear on the chicken and a buttery base for the rice.
- Garlic, 4 cloves minced: The star flavor that infuses every element of the dish with warmth and aroma.
- Crushed red pepper, 1 teaspoon: Adds a subtle kick that livens up the dish without overpowering it.
- Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon: Brings a herbal depth to the chicken and ties all the flavors together.
- Chicken broth, 2 cups: Essential for cooking the rice and building a flavorful base.
- Heavy cream, 1 cup: Makes the rice decadently creamy and rich.
- Parmesan cheese, 1 cup grated: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the rice’s creaminess.
- Rice (jasmine or long grain), 1 cup: The comforting vehicle for the creamy, garlicky sauce.
- Parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped (optional): A fresh, green garnish that brightens up the plate.
- Diced red chili, 1 tablespoon (optional): For those who love an extra pop of heat and color.
- Salt and pepper: To season perfectly at every stage.
How to Make Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Begin by cutting your chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized chunks. This size ensures a quick cook time and makes the dish easy to enjoy in every forkful. Pat the chicken dry to guarantee a beautiful sear, then season it thoroughly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. These seasonings lay the flavorful foundation for your chicken, infusing it with herbal and spicy notes that complement the creamy rice.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter until it sizzles. Add the chicken pieces and sear them until they develop a golden-brown crust and are fully cooked through. This process locks in the juices and builds a delicious caramelized flavor. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest for the upcoming steps.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic for the Rice
In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and stir frequently, cooking just until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. This step imparts that unmistakable garlic aroma that makes this recipe truly special.
Step 4: Cook the Rice in Broth
Add the rice to the skillet, allowing it to toast slightly with the garlic and butter for about 1 to 2 minutes. This toasting step adds a subtle nutty flavor to the rice. Pour in the chicken broth, bring everything to a simmer, then cover the skillet. Allow the rice to cook undisturbed for 15 to 18 minutes until tender and all the broth is absorbed.
Step 5: Make the Rice Creamy and Cheesy
Once the rice is cooked through, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix gently but thoroughly so the cheese melts evenly, creating a luscious creamy texture. If the rice seems too thick, loosen it slightly with a splash of chicken broth for perfect consistency. This creamy garlic Parmesan rice will be the decadent base that highlights the chicken.
Step 6: Create the Scampi Glaze and Coat the Chicken
In a separate pan, melt a bit more butter with minced garlic, crushed red pepper, and chopped parsley to develop a vibrant scampi glaze. Add the cooked chicken pieces back to the pan and toss them in the glaze to coat every bite with that irresistible garlicky, buttery sauce. This step infuses the chicken with the classic scampi flavor and a hint of heat that balances beautifully with the creamy rice.
Step 7: Plate Your Masterpiece
Spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan rice onto your serving plates, creating a cozy bed for the chicken. Top with the garlic scampi chicken and drizzle any remaining scampi sauce from the pan over the dish. For an extra pop of color and mild heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley and diced red chili. Your Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped parsley add a bright, herbaceous note that lightens the richness of the dish. A few diced red chilies can also elevate the presentation and flavor, giving a vibrant splash of color and a gentle spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the creamy rice and buttery chicken.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite complete on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or sautéed asparagus. The freshness of the vegetables balances the indulgent creaminess of the chicken and rice, adding welcomed texture and brightness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken scampi atop a bed of rice molded using a small bowl or ramekin for a neat, restaurant-style look. Alternatively, arrange the chicken around the rice in a circular pattern and drizzle the scampi sauce artistically across the plate. These simple touches elevate your at-home meal into something truly impressive for guests or a cozy dinner date.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the rice and chicken together to help the flavors mingle, but for best texture, reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, though it’s best to separate the chicken from the rice if possible. Freeze the chicken and rice in individual airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. This way, you can thaw and reheat each component evenly and maintain their best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the rice and chicken in a skillet over low heat. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating helps revive the creamy texture of the rice. Avoid microwaving on high to prevent the chicken from drying out and the rice from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice can be used but will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. The texture will be heartier and less creamy, so adjust the broth and cream accordingly to maintain the right consistency.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute butter with a dairy-free margarine or olive oil, use coconut cream or another plant-based cream alternative, and opt for a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese to keep the creamy, cheesy essence without dairy.
What can I substitute for chicken if I want a vegetarian option?
Firm tofu or hearty mushrooms like portobello or cremini work well. Marinate and cook them similarly to the chicken to soak up the scampi flavors, creating a delicious vegetarian variation.
How spicy is this dish with the crushed red pepper?
The crushed red pepper adds a gentle warmth, not overpowering heat. Feel free to adjust the amount up or down to suit your preferred spice level, or omit it entirely for a milder flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a dinner party?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and rice separately, then reheat and combine them right before serving to keep everything fresh and flavorful. This makes entertaining stress-free and delightful.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that feels fancy yet is surprisingly straightforward, the Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is your go-to solution. It brings together luscious creaminess, aromatic garlic, and satisfyingly tender chicken in a way that makes every meal memorable. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a comforting favorite on your weekly menu!
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Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe combines tender seared chicken bites with rich, flavorful garlic and Parmesan-infused rice. With a luscious cream sauce and a touch of heat from red chili, this comforting dish is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or special occasion. The one-pan cooking method delivers an elegantly creamy rice base with perfectly cooked chicken coated in a buttery garlic scampi glaze, garnished with fresh parsley and optional diced chili for extra zing.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided for chicken and rice)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Rice and Sauce
- 1 cup jasmine or long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon diced red chili
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks, pat dry to remove excess moisture, then season evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper to ensure flavorful meat.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, taking care not to burn the garlic to maintain its delicate flavor.
- Toast and Cook Rice: Add the rice to the skillet and toast it for 1-2 minutes with the garlic and butter to enhance its nutty flavor. Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Make Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese into the cooked rice until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, loosen it with a splash of additional chicken broth.
- Prepare Scampi Glaze: In a separate pan, melt additional butter and add minced garlic, crushed red pepper, and chopped parsley to create the scampi sauce. Add the cooked chicken back into this pan and toss to coat well with the flavorful glaze.
- Plate and Garnish: Spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan rice onto plates, top with the glazed chicken pieces, and drizzle any remaining scampi glaze on top. Garnish with additional parsley and diced red chili if desired for a fresh and spicy finish.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Adjust crushed red pepper amount to control the spiciness to your preference.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce overall salt content if desired.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness in the dish.
- For gluten-free, ensure your chicken broth and seasoning do not contain gluten-based additives.
