Name: Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; 1 cup long grain white rice

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 27 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s equal parts cozy, bright, and downright irresistible, look no further than Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice. Imagine ultra-tender bites of chicken, all glossy from a lemony, garlicky scampi sauce, piled high on a billowy bed of creamy parmesan rice. Every forkful just bursts with bold flavor, creamy comfort, and a pop of fresh herbs—it’s the kind of beautiful meal you’d expect at your favorite neighborhood bistro, but ready in under 40 minutes right at home.

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great meals start with great ingredients, and this recipe is no exception. Each item brings something special: flavor, creaminess, zest, or a pop of color. Gather these fresh staples and you’ll set yourself up for the creamiest, most irresistible Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice yet.

Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless pieces cook up tender and juicy, perfect for soaking up every drop of the scampi sauce.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses the rice and sauce with an aromatic warmth you won’t want to skip.
Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for melty, nutty flavor and an ultra-velvety finish in the rice.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps build that luscious sauce—extra points if you use European-style for a deeper flavor.
Olive oil: Provides a delicate, fruity base for searing and sauces.
Heavy cream: The secret to truly creamy rice—skip the half-and-half, trust me!
Chicken broth: Gives both the rice and sauce a savory backbone; homemade or low-sodium options work best.
Lemon (zested and juiced): Brightens the dish with fresh, zippy flavor in every bite.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a touch wakes up all the other flavors without making things spicy.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds color and a final hit of freshness.
Salt and black pepper: Season to bring all those beautiful flavors into balance.
Long grain white rice: Fluffy and starchy, it perfectly absorbs all the creamy, cheesy goodness.

How to Make Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper. Heat a combination of olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering, and then add the chicken. Let each bite develop a golden, flavorful crust before stirring. Once fully cooked and beautifully seared, transfer the chicken to a plate—it will get coated in scampi sauce soon!

Step 2: Toast the Garlic and Rice

In a separate saucepan, it’s time for the garlic to shine! Melt the butter and add your minced garlic, letting it sizzle until fragrant. Stir in the rice and toast for just a minute—this step ensures every grain delivers flavor and the final dish isn’t mushy.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Pour the chicken broth into the garlic-rice mixture and bring everything to a steady boil. Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer gently. This is when the rice drinks up all those rich juices. After about 15 minutes, the rice will be plump and ready.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Parmesan

Once the rice is tender, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan. Add a pinch of salt, stir, and watch as everything melts together into a decadent creamy garlic parmesan rice. Take it off the heat to let the texture set perfectly.

Step 5: Make the Scampi Sauce

Grab your original chicken skillet and melt together butter with a little olive oil. Toss in more garlic, the red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and juice. Whisk it all together—the key is to let everything emulsify into a vibrant, glossy pan sauce.

Step 6: Coat the Chicken in Scampi Sauce

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, and toss it lovingly in that herby, lemony, garlicky scampi sauce. This step is when each piece gets gorgeously coated and infused with restaurant-level flavor.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

Spoon a big, cozy mound of creamy garlic parmesan rice onto each plate. Top with the scampi-coated chicken, drizzle any extra sauce over everything, and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Every plate will look inviting and utterly mouthwatering!

How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

Garnishes

The final flourishes truly make Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice feel special. A handful of freshly chopped parsley offers a burst of green and pairs perfectly with the lemon in the sauce, while a shower of extra parmesan and a few fresh lemon zest curls take it right over the top.

Side Dishes

This dish is so rich and satisfying that it shines with simple sides. Think lightly dressed leafy greens, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus. Crusty bread is never out of place—perfect for mopping up extra creamy sauce left on your plate!

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner-party twist, spoon the creamy garlic parmesan rice into small bowls or ramekins, then fan the scampi chicken on top. Or layer everything in a large serving platter family-style, garnished with big sprigs of fresh herbs and lemon slices for a dramatic finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extra Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The rice may thicken up a bit as it chills, but a splash of chicken broth when reheating will bring it back to its creamy glory.

Freezing

Both components freeze well. Spoon cooled chicken and rice into separate freezer-safe containers; they’ll stay fresh for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the creamy texture intact.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Always add a splash of chicken broth or cream to the rice and stir as it heats—this will loosen things up while keeping the rice silky-smooth.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more juiciness and flavor. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same instructions for searing and tossing in the scampi sauce.

Does this recipe work with brown rice?

Yes, but brown rice requires a bit more liquid and extra simmer time. The textures will be slightly different, but the bold flavors of Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice will still shine.

How can I make this gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free. Just double-check the ingredient labels, and you’re all set!

Can I lighten it up?

If you’d like a lighter version, use half-and-half in place of heavy cream and reduce the parmesan slightly. The results are still luscious, though a little less decadent.

Is it spicy?

Just a touch! The crushed red pepper flakes add warmth rather than real spice. If you’re sensitive to heat, feel free to reduce or omit them entirely—Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice will still be packed with flavor.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is that rare kind of meal: quick enough for a Tuesday, impressive enough for Saturday night, and always soul-satisfying. There’s just something magical about garlicky chicken, citrusy sauce, and that billowy, parmesan-laced rice. Give it a go—you’ll find yourself returning to it anytime comfort and a little restaurant elegance are in order!