Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi with Creamy Rice Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi is a quick and easy Italian-American dish featuring tender, thinly sliced chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and served in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. Paired with creamy, cheesy rice infused with Parmesan and heavy cream, this hearty main dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 25 Minutes
- Total Time: 40 Minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Category: Hearty Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced
Dairy
- 45g unsalted butter
- 60g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 120ml heavy cream
Produce
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 15g fresh parsley, finely chopped
Pantry
- 30ml olive oil
- 45ml fresh lemon juice
- 360ml chicken broth (divided)
- 200g long-grain white rice
- 2.5g fine sea salt
- 1.2g freshly ground black pepper
- 0.6g crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Thinly slice the chicken breasts into uniform strips. Season thoroughly with sea salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to enhance flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 15ml of olive oil and 15g of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken strips in small batches until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté garlic: Reduce heat to medium-low and add the remaining 30g of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the finely minced garlic and sauté gently for about one minute until fragrant, taking care not to brown it.
- Deglaze and create sauce: Pour in fresh lemon juice and 120ml of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Cook the rice: In a separate saucepan, combine 200g of long-grain white rice with the remaining 240ml of chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Make the creamy Parmesan rice: Stir heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the cooked rice until fully combined and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the seared chicken strips to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce, tossing gently to coat. Warm through on low heat for about 2 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy Parmesan rice onto serving plates. Top with the garlic Parmesan chicken scampi. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, substitute light cream for heavy cream.
- Incorporate vegetables such as broccoli florets or fresh spinach into the cooked rice to boost nutritional value.
- Increase crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to intensify spice levels.
- Try a traditional variation by using shrimp instead of chicken.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for optimal flavor and texture.
