Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
If you are craving a meal that feels both cozy and elegant, you’ve got to try this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of tender, golden-brown chicken breasts nestled in a luscious garlic butter sauce, perfectly paired with creamy, cheesy rice that melts in your mouth. The brightness of fresh lemon and parsley takes every bite to the next level, making it a guaranteed family favorite for dinner any night of the week. This recipe brings all the comforting flavors you love in one beautifully satisfying plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating balanced flavors, creamy textures, and vibrant colors that make the dish irresistible. Nothing fancy, just fresh, wholesome elements working in harmony.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Perfectly lean and tender, they’re the star protein that soaks up all the sauce.
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Garlic is the heart of scampi, bringing that unmistakable fragrant kick.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that silky sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the creamy base that wraps the chicken in indulgence.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, this cheese brings depth and a wonderful savory finish.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of green color.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Brightens and balances the richness with a zingy citrus accent.
- 1 cup long-grain rice: The perfect tender canvas for soaking up the garlic Parmesan goodness.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Cook the rice in broth to infuse more flavor right from the start.
How to Make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Start by trimming any excess fat off your chicken breasts and patting them dry. This helps get a nice golden sear and keeps the texture perfect as you cook.
Step 2: Sear the chicken
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and place your chicken breasts in. Let them cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This step locks in juiciness and flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the garlic
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for just about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned, to keep the garlic’s bright aroma.
Step 4: Build the sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and gently scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add intense flavor to your sauce, making every spoonful deeply satisfying.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and lemon
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and freshly squeezed lemon juice, mixing until the sauce is silky and smooth. The cheese thickens the sauce while lemon adds that fresh citrus pop.
Step 6: Cook the rice
Meanwhile, cook your long-grain rice using the low-sodium chicken broth instead of water. This subtle swap infuses the rice with savory flavor, perfectly complementing the creamy scampi sauce.
Step 7: Finish the dish
Return the chicken to the skillet with the sauce and let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the chicken to soak up the garlicky goodness.
Step 8: Serve and garnish
Serve each chicken breast on a generous bed of garlic Parmesan rice. Sprinkle with the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness that brightens the whole dish.
How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a lovely herbaceous note and just the right amount of color contrast. For an extra touch, a few thin lemon slices or a light drizzle of olive oil can make the presentation pop and add layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish stands wonderfully on its own, but if you want to add some texture or veggies, try serving it alongside a crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or sautéed spinach. These sides add freshness and crunch that complement the creamy richness of the Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party twist, plate your chicken and rice in shallow bowls and offer extra sauce on the side for guests to spoon over more liberally. Alternatively, slice the chicken and fan it over the rice for an elegant, restaurant-style presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, any leftovers can be cooled to room temperature and placed in airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, they will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this yummy dish again without extra work.
Freezing
If you want to save it for later, Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe freezes well. Pack leftovers tightly in freezer-safe containers, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently either on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at medium power to prevent the creamy sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can help bring back that fresh, silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of rice for this recipe?
Absolutely! While long-grain rice is perfect for this recipe because it stays fluffy, you can also use basmati or jasmine rice for a fragrant tweak. Just adjust cooking times as needed according to the rice type.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese do not contain any gluten additives.
Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk to lighten the sauce, but keep in mind it won’t be as rich or creamy. Adding a little extra Parmesan can help maintain some of the thickness and flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked properly?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer — the internal temperature should reach 165°F. Visually, the chicken will be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can cook the rice and make the sauce up to a day ahead, storing them separately. When ready to serve, reheat gently and sear the chicken fresh so it stays juicy and crispy.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is truly a keeper—rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal, it’s guaranteed to bring everyone to the table with smiles. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will quickly become one of your go-to comfort meals that you’ll want to make again and again.
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Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender, seared chicken breasts simmered in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Served over a bed of fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, this recipe combines rich textures and zesty lemon notes for a delightful family dinner that’s ready in 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Sear Chicken: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Sauté Garlic: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Create Sauce Base: Stir in the heavy cream, using a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up the brown bits stuck to the pan; these add flavor to the sauce.
- Add Cheese and Lemon: Mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the lemon juice until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Cook Rice: While preparing the sauce, cook the long-grain rice according to package instructions, substituting chicken broth for water to impart extra flavor.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet with the sauce. Let them simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors and heat through.
- Plate and Garnish: Serve the creamy chicken scampi over a bed of garlic Parmesan rice, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and creaminess.
- For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- If you prefer extra garlic flavor, add a minced clove to the rice while cooking.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness; dried parsley can be used but should be added sparingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
