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

Scale

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

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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.