Introduction

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender seared chicken in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce served over creamy Parmesan-infused rice. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings when you want something quick yet impressive.

The image shows a white plate with three main layers: on the left side, there is a pile of white rice mixed with a few small green herbs and a small piece of red chili, showing a fluffy texture; on the right side, grilled chicken slices with a golden-brown crust covered in green herbs and small red pepper flakes, placed on top of a thick yellow sauce with visible herbs sprinkled inside it, creating a glossy look. In the background, there is a bright yellow lemon wedge slightly blurred. The whole dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 ½ cups chicken broth
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup long-grain rice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips and season them evenly with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Lower the heat and melt the remaining butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 4: Pour in the lemon juice and ½ cup chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly reduced and flavorful.
Step 5: In a separate saucepan, combine the rice with the remaining 1 cup chicken broth. Cover and cook on low heat until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
Step 6: Stir the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the cooked rice until creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Return the seared chicken to the skillet with the scampi sauce. Toss to coat the chicken well and let it warm through over low heat for 2 minutes.
Step 8: Serve the chicken and garlic butter scampi sauce over a bed of creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melt.
Slice chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
Add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating leftovers to refresh the sauce’s creamy texture.
For extra brightness, add a bit more fresh lemon juice before serving.
To add some greens, stir in fresh spinach or sautéed asparagus as a side.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate with three main parts: a pile of cooked rice on the left, a few pieces of grilled chicken in the center, and a lemon wedge at the top right. The rice is white with some small green herbs mixed in and a few bits of red chili. The grilled chicken pieces are golden brown with green herbs and chili flakes sprinkled on top, sitting in a shiny yellow sauce with chopped green herbs. The lemon wedge is bright yellow and placed near the chicken. The whole scene is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and offer a juicier texture. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. Make sure to use gluten-free chicken broth and check that your Parmesan cheese does not contain additives with gluten.