Chicken Scampi Creamy Parmesan Rice
A comforting skillet meal featuring garlic-kissed seared chicken paired with creamy, cheesy parmesan rice. This dish blends rich flavors and tender textures for a warm, satisfying dinner.
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.