This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is the ultimate comfort food. The tender, perfectly seasoned chicken is coated in a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice. It's an easy yet flavorful dish that makes a wonderful weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests. The combination of the creamy sauce and savory rice will surely satisfy your cravings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, enhanced by a rich garlic cream sauce that coats every bite. Paired with fluffy, buttery rice, it's the ideal comfort food to indulge in after a long day. The recipe is simple to make but feels elegant enough for a dinner party. It's one of those dishes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup rice (preferably jasmine or long-grain)
2 cups chicken broth (for rice)
1 tablespoon butter
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Once done, remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook for 6-8 minutes, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Scampi Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pan. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken.
Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the creamy sauce. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak in the flavors.
Serve: Plate the creamy garlic Parmesan rice and top with the chicken scampi. Drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for a plant-based protein, such as tofu or tempeh, to make a vegetarian version of this dish.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the scampi sauce for a spicy twist.
Seafood Option: Replace the chicken with shrimp for a traditional shrimp scampi variation.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it first before cooking to ensure even cooking.

2. Can I use a different type of rice?

While jasmine or long-grain rice is ideal, you can use any rice you prefer, such as basmati or even brown rice. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

3. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, half-and-half can be substituted for heavy cream, but the sauce might be a bit less rich and creamy.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the rice and cook the chicken in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and then combine with the sauce when you're ready to serve.

5. How can I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, simmer it a little longer until it reduces to your desired consistency, or add a bit more Parmesan cheese.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that the Parmesan cheese you use is gluten-free, as some processed cheeses may contain gluten.

7. Can I freeze this dish?

This dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. Freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the rice for best results. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

8. What other herbs can I add to the sauce?

Feel free to add fresh basil, thyme, or oregano for additional flavor in the sauce.

9. How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

For crispy chicken, you can dredge the pieces in flour or breadcrumbs before cooking in the skillet.

10. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Just heat it through in the sauce before serving.

Conclusion

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is an incredibly satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy, flavorful sauce paired with tender chicken and buttery rice creates a comforting, wholesome dish that’s bound to become a favorite. Easy to prepare yet delicious enough to impress, this recipe is a great choice for your next family dinner or weeknight meal.

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

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Author: Emmily
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in a creamy and flavorful Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice, a comfort food classic that’s both easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Tender chicken coated in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce served over buttery rice creates the ultimate dinner experience. Ideal for weeknights, dinner parties, or special meals, this dish promises to satisfy your cravings and impress guests with its savory taste. Learn how to make this simple yet delicious recipe today!

Instructions

Instructions:

Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, stir in 1 tablespoon butter, and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the Scampi Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chicken broth, bring to a simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, simmering for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss in the sauce, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to coat.
Serve: Plate the creamy garlic Parmesan rice, top with the chicken scampi, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Variations: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option, or add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist. You can also use shrimp for a traditional shrimp scampi version.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Italian-American