Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

If you’re craving a meal that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, this Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a perfect choice. Tender, juicy chicken is paired with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan-infused rice, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. It’s a one-pan wonder that will impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or even special occasions, this recipe strikes the ideal balance between indulgent and approachable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All-in-one skillet meal: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Creamy and cheesy: Parmesan and heavy cream make the rice irresistibly rich.
• Bright and zesty: Lemon juice and zest add freshness and balance.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 40 minutes.
• Customizable: Adjust spice levels or swap proteins if desired.
• Family-friendly: Loved by both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients Breakdown

Protein

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasoning & Oil

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Aromatics & Flavor

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of ½ lemon

Rice & Creamy Sauce

• 1½ cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish & Serving

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Extra lemon wedges, for serving

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-American
Course: Main Course

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large deep skillet or sauté pan with a lid
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Cutting board and chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater for Parmesan cheese
• Citrus zester or fine grater

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Lemon

1. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet.
2. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest, letting the flavors meld for a minute.

Step 3: Toast and Cook the Rice

1. Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to coat each grain in the garlic-lemon mixture.
2. Toast the rice for 1–2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

1. Once the rice is cooked, stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Mix thoroughly until the rice is creamy, cheesy, and smooth.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Plate the creamy rice and top with the cooked chicken pieces.
2. Garnish with a small pinch of freshly chopped parsley and serve with extra lemon wedges.
3. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful one-pan meal!

Tips & Variations

• Protein swap: Replace chicken with shrimp or turkey for a different twist.
• Spice level: Increase red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
• Cheese options: Try a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano for sharper flavor.
• Veggie boost: Add peas, asparagus tips, or spinach in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Make-ahead: Cook chicken and rice separately, then combine with cream and Parmesan when ready to serve.

Flavor Profile

• Taste: Savory and garlicky with a bright citrus note from lemon and a creamy cheesy richness.
• Texture: Tender chicken, soft yet slightly firm rice, and velvety sauce.
• Appearance: Golden chicken atop creamy, slightly glossy rice, garnished with green parsley and lemon wedges.

Nutritional Overview (Approximate per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	550 kcal
Protein	32 g
Carbs	55 g
Fat	22 g
Saturated Fat	10 g
Fiber	1.5 g
Sodium	820 mg
Sugar	1 g

Dietary notes: High-protein, indulgent comfort food. Gluten-free if using gluten-free rice or broth.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, to maintain creaminess.
• Do not freeze if using heavy cream, as it may separate upon thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but increase the cooking time and adjust the liquid ratio accordingly.

2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, add pre-cooked chicken during the final step to heat through.

3. How can I make this dish lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reduce the cheese slightly.

4. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Peas, asparagus tips, or spinach are great additions.

5. Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and a vegan Parmesan alternative.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep ingredients	5–10 min
Cook chicken	6–8 min
Sauté garlic & lemon	1–2 min
Toast & cook rice	18–20 min
Stir in cream & cheese	2–3 min
Assemble & serve	2–3 min
Total Time	35–40 min

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with extra lemon wedges to enhance freshness.
• Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Sprinkle additional Parmesan for a cheesy finish.

Recipe Variations

1. Shrimp Scampi Rice: Swap chicken with shrimp for a seafood version.
2. Spicy Lemon Garlic: Add extra red pepper flakes for a mild heat.
3. Veggie-Packed: Stir in peas, asparagus, or spinach for added color and nutrition.
4. Herb Infusion: Add thyme or basil for an aromatic twist.

Ingredient Spotlight

Chicken Breasts

• Selection: Use fresh, boneless, skinless chicken for best results.
• Tip: Cut into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Parmesan Cheese

• Selection: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty, tangy flavor.
• Tip: Avoid pre-grated powders—they melt differently and affect creaminess.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Toast the rice briefly to enhance its nutty flavor before adding liquid.
• Let the garlic sauté only until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
• Stir in cream and cheese off heat or on low to prevent curdling.
• Garnish just before serving to keep parsley fresh and vibrant.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Use a skillet on low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to cream separation, but cooked chicken and rice can be frozen separately and recombined with sauce when reheated.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Component	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Rice	550	32 g	55 g	22 g	1.5 g

Dietary notes: High-protein, gluten-free option available, rich and creamy comfort food.

Expanded Conclusion

This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is the ultimate one-pan comfort meal. Tender chicken, fragrant garlic, bright lemon, and creamy Parmesan rice come together for a dish that’s both elegant and comforting.

Perfect for weeknights, cozy weekends, or even small dinner gatherings, this recipe is quick, flavorful, and versatile. Serve it with a green salad, roasted veggies, or extra lemon wedges for a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy the creamy, garlicky, and zesty flavors of this irresistible dish!

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