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Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

Close-up of glazed chicken scampi pieces served over a bed of garlic parmesan rice in a bowl.

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Make this restaurant-quality Chicken Scampi with rich, creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice for a flavorful and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth (for rice)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the rice: Combine 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of chicken broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Keep covered off the heat.
  2. Season the chicken: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Sear the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Make the scampi sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  5. Deglaze the pan: Pour in the white wine or broth and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Finish the scampi: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Keep warm on low heat.
  7. Make the creamy garlic parmesan rice: While the chicken simmers, uncover the cooked rice. Stir in the heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until the rice is creamy and well combined. Heat gently until warmed through.
  8. Serve: Divide the creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice among serving plates. Top with the Chicken Scampi and extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • For a one-pan meal, you can cook the rice directly in the skillet after removing the chicken, adding the liquid and simmering until done before adding the cream and cheese.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor in the scampi sauce.
  • If you prefer shrimp instead of chicken, substitute 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp and cook them for only 2-3 minutes per side until pink.

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