Description
Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender bite-sized chicken cooked in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, served over fluffy, buttery rice. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this dish combines simple ingredients for a luxurious taste experience.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice:
- 1 cup rice (preferably jasmine or long-grain)
- 2 cups chicken broth (for rice)
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, stir in 1 tbsp butter, and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Scampi Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chicken broth, bring to a simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, simmering for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss in the sauce, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to coat.
- Serve: Plate the creamy garlic Parmesan rice, top with the chicken scampi, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use jasmine or long-grain rice for the best texture with this recipe.
- Parmesan cheese adds the signature creamy, umami flavor; freshly grated cheese works best.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
