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This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi with Creamy Rice brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen. Tender chicken strips are perfectly seared and bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce with bright lemon juice and rich Parmesan. Served over a bed of creamy, cheesy rice, this dish delivers comfort and satisfaction in under 45 minutes. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this recipe makes for a memorable experience with minimal effort.
The first time I made this on a rainy Friday night, it instantly became a family favorite. Now friends regularly ask for this recipe when they come over.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: sliced into strips fresh and plump chicken breasts make the juiciest bites
- Garlic cloves: minced fresh garlic should be firm and free of green shoots for the best aroma
- Olive oil: extra virgin gives a richer taste and silky texture to the sauce
- Butter: unsalted so you can control the seasoning of the garlic butter sauce
- Lemon juice: freshly squeezed adds bright acidity and freshness to balance richness
- Chicken broth: homemade or a good quality low sodium broth deepens the savory flavor
- Parmesan cheese: freshly grated melts beautifully and adds a sharp nutty flavor
- Heavy cream: full fat provides richness and creaminess for the rice
- Long grain rice: jasmine or basmati grains yield the best fluffy and creamy texture
- Fresh parsley: chopped flat leaf variety contributes a burst of color and fresh flavor
- Salt: kosher or sea salt seasons perfectly without overpowering
- Black pepper: freshly cracked gives bright spice and aroma
- Crushed red pepper flakes: add a subtle heat that can be adjusted to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken strips all around with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. This ensures that every bite is well seasoned with a subtle kick.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat one tablespoon each of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches, turning the pieces until golden brown on all sides. Avoid crowding the pan so the chicken sears properly instead of steaming. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate.
- Build the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Lower the heat and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook gently for about one minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly sweet. Pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice and half a cup of chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pan which adds deep flavor. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly and glistens.
- Cook the Rice:
- In a separate saucepan, combine the rice with the remaining one cup of chicken broth. Cover and cook over low heat for about fifteen to twenty minutes until the rice is tender and fluffy. Use a fork to gently fluff the grains once done.
- Make it Creamy and Cheesy:
- Stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the hot rice. Mix until every grain is coated in the smooth creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning so the rice is flavorful and rich.
- Bring it All Together:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss gently and keep on low heat for a few minutes to allow the chicken to soak up the sauce flavors.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Spoon the creamy Parmesan rice onto serving plates and pile the garlic Parmesan chicken scampi on top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the best creamy texture and fresh taste.
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Storage Tips
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to maintain moisture and creaminess. Avoid microwaving too long as it can dry out the chicken and rice.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu to make this recipe pescatarian or vegetarian. Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of dairy for a dairy-free version. Fresh parsley can be replaced with chives or basil for a different fresh note.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for balance. Roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach make tasty veggie sides. Garlic bread is always perfect to soak up every drop of sauce.
Cultural Context
Scampi traditionally refers to garlicky buttery shrimp dishes in Italian cuisine. Using chicken adds heartiness for a comforting dinner. The creamy rice draws inspiration from risotto but is simplified for quick weeknight cooking. This recipe merges Mediterranean flavors with approachable American comfort food.
Pro Tips
Sear the chicken in batches to achieve golden crust and avoid steaming Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest melt and deepest flavor Cook the garlic gently to build a sweet fragrant base without burning
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use different cheeses in the creamy rice?
Yes, hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago work well and offer unique flavor profiles. Adjust quantities and taste as you go to maintain balance.
- → How do I keep the chicken juicy when cooking?
Sear the chicken quickly over medium-high heat in batches to avoid crowding. Reintroducing the chicken to the sauce at the end helps lock in moisture and flavor.
- → What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream for best texture.
- → Can the dish be prepared ahead?
Ingredients like sliced chicken, minced garlic, and grated cheese can be prepped in advance. Cook chicken and rice just before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
This dish complements simple green salads with lemon vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread—great for soaking up every bit of sauce.
- → Can I use precooked rice to save time?
Yes, reduce the chicken broth in the cooking process and stir in cream and cheese after heating the precooked rice to reach the desired creaminess.