I was in my kitchen the other night messing around with garlic and butter when I ended up making Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice. It turned out so good, I just had to tell you about it. The dish brings together tender pieces of chicken bathed in a garlicky, buttery sauce thats got a little splash of white wine for zing. Then it sits on top of rice that’s creamy, cheesy, and full of garlic flavor—making it hard to stop at just one bite.
At the heart of this meal is that punchy scampi sauce: garlic, melted butter, fresh parsley, and lemon juice all working together. The chicken soaks it up and stays juicy, while the rice soaks up the rest so you don’t waste a drop. It’s a mix of comfort food and something that feels a bit fancy, even if you’re low on time or skills.
This recipe is pretty forgiving, too. You dont need crazy ingredients—just basics you can find at any grocery store. You can be a total newbie or someone who cooks all the time, and you’ll still end up wowing your family or friends. So let’s dive in and make some home-cooked comfort food that wont disappoint.
What is Chicken Scampi?
Chicken Scampi started as a seafood dish, usually with shrimp or prawns, but folks later swapped in chicken breast pieces. You get that classic combo of garlic, butter, and white wine, but with chicken instead of shellfish. It’s simple: you cook garlic in butter, toss in chicken, deglaze with wine, finish with lemon and parsley, and youve got something really tasty.
Scampi actually comes from Italy’s coastal places, where seafood is king. But since everyone likes chicken more than fish sometimes, people changed it up. Now you get those bold flavors—garlic, butter, parsley—and no fishy smell. It’s perfect for land-lovers who want a taste of the ocean without all the shells.
The Appeal of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
The creamy garlic parmesan rice is like the perfect sidekick to the scampi. You cook rice in broth, then stir in heavy cream, garlic, and parmesan so it gets all rich and velvety. When you put the chicken on top, the rice absorbs the leftover sauce so nothing goes to waste.
Plus, garlic is good for your heart and immune system, and parmesan gives you calcium and protein. So it’s not just yummy—there’s a bit of good stuff in there, too. That combo of chicken scampi and cheesy rice is comfort food at its best.
3. Ingredients Overview
3.1 Chicken Scampi Ingredients
Here’s what you need for the Chicken Scampi:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook quick and even.
- Garlic: Both minced and whole cloves work. Fresh garlic is best for that sharp flavor.
- Butter and olive oil: Using both gives you rich flavor and helps the chicken brown nice.
- White wine: A dry white wine deglazes the pan and adds a bit of acid to balance the butter.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, for a pop of color and freshness.
- Lemon juice: A quick squeeze at the end brightens everything up.
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper to taste.
3.2 Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Ingredients
For the rice you’ll need:
- Long-grain rice: Jasmine or Basmati both work for that fluffy texture.
- Chicken broth: Gives the rice more flavor than plain water.
- Heavy cream: Makes the rice super creamy—add it slowly till you like the texture.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is ideal so it melts smooth.
- Minced garlic: For that garlic punch all through the rice.
- Optional: Peas or spinach for color and some extra nutrients.
4. Detailed Directions
4.1 Cooking Chicken Scampi
Follow these steps for chicken scampi:
- Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook about 1 minute until you smell it, but dont let it burn.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to pan. Cook 5–7 minutes till browned and done.
- Pour in white wine and scrape up the browned bits. Let it simmer 2–3 minutes till slightly thick.
- Stir in lemon juice and parsley, then remove from heat and serve.
Tip: Keep chicken pieces similar in size so they cook evenly. You can use a meat thermometer—165°F (74°C) is perfect.
4.2 Making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
Next, make the rice:
- Bring chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add rice, lower heat, cover, and simmer as package says.
- Meanwhile, heat cream and garlic in another pan until it’s warm.
- When rice is done, stir in the garlic cream mixture.
- Add parmesan and mix until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- For color, fold in peas or spinach before serving.
Keep stirring while you add cream and cheese so it stays smooth and doesn’t clump.
5. Advanced Tips and Variations
If you wanna change it up, here are some ideas:
- Protein swaps: Try shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.
- More heat: Add extra garlic or red pepper flakes.
- Veggies: Asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini all mix in nice.
6. Serving Suggestions
Make it look nice:
- Plating: Lay the rice down first, then pile the chicken on top.
- Sides: Garlic bread or a simple garden salad are great.
- Drinks: A cold white wine or lemonade balances the richness.
7. Nutritional Information
Some nutrition facts:
- Calories: About 600–700 per serving, depending on portions.
- Key nutrients: Protein from chicken, calcium from parmesan, carbs from rice.
- Lighter version: Use light cream or less butter to cut calories.
8. Recipe Card
8.1 Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Garlic
- Butter and olive oil
- White wine
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon juice
- Long-grain rice
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Optional ingredients
Directions:
- Make the Chicken Scampi following the steps above.
- Cook the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice as directed.
Scale the ingredients up or down if you need more or less servings.
9. FAQs
Common questions about this dish:
- Best wine for scampi? Dry white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works best.
- Can I prep ahead? Sure, you can cook both parts in advance and reheat.
- How to store leftovers? Keep in airtight container in fridge up to three days.
- Good sides? Garlic bread, salad, or sautéd veggies go great.
10. Conclusion
Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is tasty, comforting, and still a lil bit fancy. Its a great way to impress or enjoy a cozy night at home. Try it out, tweak it to your taste, and let me know how it turns out!
Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Measuring cups
- 1 Measuring spoons
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Serving platter
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the rice to the saucepan and lightly toast it for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
- Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Lower the heat and add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat.
- Serve the chicken scampi over a bed of creamy garlic Parmesan rice and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
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