Description
This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is the perfect blend of elegance and ease — juicy, lemon-garlic chicken served over rich, velvety parmesan rice. The scampi sauce is bright and buttery with a hint of heat, while the creamy rice adds comforting balance. It’s a 35-minute weeknight wonder that feels like dining at your favorite Italian restaurant without ever leaving home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Scampi:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
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2 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Zest and juice of 1 lemon
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1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice:
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1 cup long-grain white rice
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2 cups chicken broth
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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½ cup heavy cream
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½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt, to taste
Instructions
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Sear the Chicken:
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through (5–6 minutes). Transfer to a plate and set aside. -
Start the Rice:
In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in rice and toast for 1 minute. -
Cook the Rice:
Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. -
Make It Creamy:
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt. Cook on low heat until creamy and smooth. -
Make the Scampi Sauce:
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt remaining butter and olive oil. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Whisk until the sauce becomes glossy and fragrant. -
Combine:
Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss in the scampi sauce, letting it soak up all the buttery, lemony flavor. -
Serve:
Spoon creamy garlic rice onto plates, top with chicken scampi, drizzle with extra sauce, and sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
For extra creamy rice, add a splash of cream or cream cheese while stirring.
To avoid overcooking, don’t crowd the pan when searing chicken.
Want more spice? Add extra red pepper flakes.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Chicken
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American