There’s a heartwarming magic in a skillet that brings together golden, garlicky chicken alongside a luscious bed of creamy, cheesy rice. This dish, chicken scampi with creamy garlic parmesan rice, invites you to savor every bite of tender seared chicken paired with rich, flavorful rice that feels both comforting and elegant.
Inspired by the classic shrimp scampi, this recipe swaps in juicy chicken and cranks up the indulgence with a decadent parmesan-infused rice. It’s a meal that’s simple enough for weeknights yet special enough for guests, creating a cozy atmosphere and full plates at your dinner table.
- A perfect balance between tender, garlicky chicken and creamy, flavorful parmesan rice.
- Comforting and hearty, yet brightened by fresh lemon and parsley for a well-rounded flavor.
- Flexible and easy to customize with optional heat and veggies to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 ½ pounds): Cut into bite-sized pieces, these juicy chicken pieces form the flavorful protein base of the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and rice.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Used for searing chicken and sautéing aromatics, providing a light, fruity richness.
- Garlic cloves (7, minced): Infuses both chicken and rice with a fragrant, savory punch for a signature scampi taste.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle kick of heat, balancing the creamy elements beautifully.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the dish, cutting through richness while enhancing the savory garlic notes.
- Chopped parsley (1 tablespoon): Fresh green herb garnish that adds color and a mild, herbaceous flavor.
- Small onion (1, finely chopped): Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation for the creamy rice preparation.
- Arborio rice (1 cup): Creamy, starchy short-grain rice that absorbs flavors and retains a tender bite.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (3 cups): Slowly added to cook the rice, supporting a rich and flavorful base.
- Grated parmesan cheese (¾ cup): Adds a nutty, salty depth that enriches the rice’s creamy texture.
- Heavy cream (¼ cup, optional): For extra velvety richness in the rice, enhancing smoothness and indulgence.
Instructions
- Season and sear the chicken
Generously season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken in a single layer until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan by working in batches, ensuring an even crisp exterior and juicy interior. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and deglaze pan
Reduce the heat to medium and add a splash of olive oil if the pan is dry. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), cooking just until fragrant—about 30 seconds—to avoid bitterness. Stir in fresh lemon juice to deglaze the pan, loosening browned bits left behind from the chicken to infuse vibrant flavor back into the dish.
- Prepare the creamy garlic parmesan rice
In a separate medium saucepan or the same skillet once clean, warm olive oil over medium heat. Cook the finely chopped onion until translucent and soft, about 3 minutes, then add the garlic and sauté an additional 30 seconds. Stir in the arborio rice and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes to develop a slightly nutty aroma and improve texture. Gradually incorporate the chicken broth one cup at a time, stirring frequently and allowing full absorption before adding more. This slow process releases starch and gives the rice a luxurious creaminess, taking approximately 20 minutes.
- Enrich the rice with parmesan and cream
Once the rice is tender and most broth is absorbed, stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and optional heavy cream. This step creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats each grain, bringing indulgence and depth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring balanced flavors throughout.
- Assemble and garnish the dish
Spoon the creamy garlic parmesan rice onto plates or shallow bowls, then top with the warm seared chicken. Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the top to enhance moisture and flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired, adding fresh color and a burst of flavor.
- This recipe adapts well by adding vegetables like sautéed spinach or roasted broccoli for added nutrition and color.
- For a traditional twist, use shrimp instead of chicken for classic scampi flavors.
- Arborio rice gives the creamiest texture, but regular white rice can be substituted for convenience.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave adding a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad or lightly steamed vegetables to balance richness. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon pairs perfectly with this flavorful dish.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to ensure a golden crust and even cooking.
- Toast the rice before slowly adding broth to enhance its nutty flavor and improve texture.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melting quality and richer taste compared to pre-grated cheese.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully for a juicier, more flavorful result.
- Is it necessary to use arborio rice?
Arborio rice creates the creamiest texture, but you can substitute regular white rice—expect a less creamy, firmer bite.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Omit parmesan and heavy cream, then consider adding nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- How do I add vegetables to this meal?
Sauté spinach or steam broccoli separately and stir into the rice just before serving for added nutrition and color.
- Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can cook the rice and chicken separately in advance and combine just before reheating to maintain freshness.
- What if I don’t have fresh lemon?
Lemon juice is essential for brightness, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
- Can I add more heat?
Increase crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.
Chicken Scampi Creamy Parmesan Rice
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 medium saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup arborio rice or regular white rice
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Work in batches if necessary. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the same skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning. Stir in lemon juice to deglaze and scrape up browned bits.
- In a separate medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Cook chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- Add arborio rice to the saucepan and toast it for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add chicken broth one cup at a time, stirring frequently and allowing rice to absorb liquid before adding more. Cook about 20 minutes until tender and creamy.
- Stir in grated parmesan cheese and heavy cream into the cooked rice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the creamy parmesan rice topped with the seared chicken and pan juices. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Add sautéed spinach or roasted broccoli for extra vegetables.
- Substitute shrimp for chicken for a traditional scampi variation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days.
