Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice – Bright, Buttery & Irresistible!

Introduction

Imagine sitting down to a warm plate of golden, pan-seared chicken scampi drizzled with lemony garlic butter sauce, paired with a rich and creamy Parmesan rice. This dish brings together the coastal Italian flavors you love with a comforting, homemade touch. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that you can prepare in under an hour – perfect for weeknights or a special family dinner.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Scampi:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Juice of 1 fresh lemon
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

 Instructions

1. Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the rice, coating each grain with the buttery garlic mixture.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender.
6. Stir in the milk (or cream) and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm while preparing the chicken.

2. Prepare the Chicken Scampi

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic and crushed red pepper for 1 minute.
5. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly reduced.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over it, and let it warm through for 2 minutes.

3. Serve and Enjoy

• Spoon a generous portion of creamy Parmesan rice onto each plate.
• Place the chicken on top or alongside the rice.
• Drizzle with extra lemon-garlic butter sauce.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips for Success

• Always use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
• For a twist, serve the chicken over pasta instead of rice.
• Add a splash of dry white wine to the sauce for extra depth.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer, creamier finish.

Cooking Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total: 45 minutes
• Perfect Pairings

• Fresh garden salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Warm garlic bread for dipping into the sauce