The Best Chicken Scampi with Rich Garlic Parmesan Rice
Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a savory and indulgent dish featuring succulent chicken breasts cooked in a buttery garlic sauce, paired with a rich, creamy rice that’s infused with garlic and Parmesan. This dish offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a comforting yet gourmet meal.
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice and reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the broth is absorbed.
While the rice is cooking, melt butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, simmer for 3-4 minutes, and season with salt and pepper. Mix this creamy sauce into the cooked rice and keep warm.
Cook the Chicken:
While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for 1 minute. Add the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Combine:
Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the garlic butter sauce. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat the chicken and blend the flavors.
Serve:
Serve the creamy garlic Parmesan rice with the chicken scampi on top. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream in the rice and reduce the butter slightly.
If you prefer more vegetables, consider adding some spinach or mushrooms to the chicken scampi for extra flavor and nutrition.
To enhance the flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the garlic sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.