Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Rice is the perfect blend of comfort and elegance, making it a dish you will return to again and again. Tender chicken is pan-seared until golden, then tossed in a buttery garlic sauce with just the right hint of tang from fresh lemon and a touch of seasoning. Paired with creamy, garlicky rice, the result is a meal that feels indulgent yet approachable for weeknight cooking. Unlike traditional scampi served with pasta, this version features rice, which soaks up the sauce beautifully, offering a rich and satisfying experience in every bite. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, hosting friends, or simply craving a warm and flavorful dish, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen. It’s simple, hearty, and absolutely delicious.
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Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Rice
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A flavorful chicken scampi served with creamy garlic rice, combining tender chicken, a rich garlic butter sauce, and a silky rice base for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thin)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (for rice)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for rice)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for rice)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced, for rice)
Instructions
- Cook the rice: In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in rice, add chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until tender. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes if using.
- Deglaze pan with chicken broth, then stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until sauce thickens.
- Return chicken to the skillet, toss to coat in sauce, and cook for 2–3 more minutes.
- Serve chicken scampi over creamy garlic rice. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood version.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spice level.
- Rice can be made ahead and reheated with a splash of cream.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts
Lean and tender, chicken breasts form the base of the dish, cooking quickly while absorbing the flavors of the scampi sauce.
Olive oil
Used to sear the chicken, olive oil adds a subtle fruitiness while helping to develop a golden crust.
Butter
Butter enriches the scampi sauce, giving it a silky, luxurious texture that coats both chicken and rice.
Garlic
A generous amount of garlic is essential, lending bold flavor to both the creamy rice and the scampi sauce.
Rice
Long-grain rice or jasmine rice works beautifully here, providing a tender and creamy base that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
Chicken broth
Used to cook the rice, chicken broth infuses it with flavor and depth, making it far more flavorful than water alone.
Heavy cream
The cream transforms the rice into a velvety, rich side dish that balances the brightness of the lemony scampi sauce.
Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan enhances the rice’s creaminess and adds a salty, nutty element that ties the dish together.
Lemon juice
Fresh lemon juice brightens the scampi sauce, balancing the richness of butter and cream with a clean, zesty finish.
Red pepper flakes
A pinch of red pepper flakes introduces a gentle heat that complements the garlic and citrus flavors.
Parsley
Fresh parsley adds color and freshness, finishing the dish with a light herbal touch.
Salt and black pepper
These essential seasonings enhance all the other flavors, ensuring the dish is balanced and well-rounded.
Directions
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and a pinch of red pepper flakes, allowing the flavors to meld into a vibrant scampi sauce. Slice the chicken and return it to the pan, coating it in the sauce.
Meanwhile, prepare the creamy garlic rice. In a saucepan, sauté minced garlic in butter until aromatic, then stir in the rice. Pour in chicken broth and simmer until the rice is tender. Once cooked, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, creating a luscious, creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the sliced chicken over a bed of creamy garlic rice, drizzling extra scampi sauce on top. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan for a polished finish.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 portions, making it an excellent choice for family dinners. Preparation takes around 15 minutes, while cooking requires 30 minutes, for a total time of approximately 45 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the rice’s creamy texture. Freezing is not recommended, as the cream in the rice may separate upon thawing.
Variations and Customizations
Shrimp Scampi Variation
Swap chicken for shrimp to make a seafood version of this dish, cooking shrimp quickly in the same buttery garlic sauce.
Vegetarian Option
Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a hearty, meat-free version.
Whole Grain Upgrade
Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a more wholesome and fiber-rich option.
Herb Infusion
Add fresh thyme or basil to the scampi sauce for extra layers of flavor.
Cheese Twist
Experiment with Asiago or Pecorino Romano in place of Parmesan for a slightly different cheesy profile.
Wine Addition
Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding lemon juice to deepen the scampi sauce.
Extra Creamy Version
Stir mascarpone cheese into the rice for an even richer, silkier finish.
Spicy Kick
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a touch of cayenne for those who enjoy heat.
Citrus Blend
Combine lemon juice with a touch of lime or orange for a brighter, more complex citrus flavor.
One-Pot Method
Cook the chicken and rice together in the same pot for an easier cleanup and a slightly more infused flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and provide a juicier, more flavorful option.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream for the rice?
Heavy cream provides richness, but you can substitute with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare both the chicken and rice in advance, but reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
Can I use instant rice?
Instant rice will work, but the texture will not be as creamy as traditional long-grain rice.
What is the best pan for cooking the chicken?
A heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan is ideal for achieving a golden sear.
Does the rice taste too heavy with cream?
No, the lemon in the scampi sauce balances the richness, creating a well-rounded flavor.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply scale the ingredients proportionally, but cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.
What type of Parmesan cheese is best?
Freshly grated Parmesan from a block melts smoothly and provides the best flavor.
Can I freeze the rice separately?
It is not recommended, as the creamy texture may split upon thawing.
How can I make the dish lighter?
Use olive oil instead of butter for the rice and reduce the cream, adding extra broth for moisture.
Conclusion
Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines golden seared chicken with a rich, garlicky sauce and indulgent creamy rice. It offers the perfect balance of zesty freshness and velvety richness, making it a versatile option for weeknights or special occasions. With simple ingredients and endless opportunities for customization, this recipe is one you will want to keep in your regular rotation.
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