Description
This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a perfect mix of bold garlic-lemon flavor, juicy seared chicken, and velvety, cheesy rice. It’s an easy dinner recipe that feels like a restaurant-quality meal made right in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or comforting dinner idea, this dish checks all the boxes—zesty, creamy, and crowd-pleasing. Ideal for anyone hunting for easy dinner recipes, weeknight dinner ideas, or flavorful comfort food at home.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic minced
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
¼ cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic minced
1 cup long grain white rice
2 ¼ cups chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add chicken broth and deglaze the pan by scraping up the brown bits. Add lemon juice and zest, and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
4. Return the chicken to the pan and toss in the sauce. Add parsley. Reduce heat to low to keep warm.
5. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Stir in rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.
6. Add warm chicken broth to the rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
7. Remove rice from heat, then stir in Parmesan and heavy cream until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve chicken scampi over a bed of garlic Parmesan rice. Spoon extra sauce over the top and garnish if desired.
Notes
For the best texture, pat chicken dry before searing—it helps develop a golden crust.
Always zest the lemon before juicing it to avoid difficulty and mess.
Add a splash of broth when reheating the rice to restore its creamy consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: chicken scampi, garlic parmesan rice, easy dinner, weeknight meal, creamy chicken recipe