Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting one-pan dinner that brings together tender, golden chicken and rich, velvety rice infused with garlic, Parmesan, and a bright hint of lemon. It’s the kind of recipe that feels cozy and indulgent, yet simple enough for a busy weeknight. What makes this dish stand out is the balance of flavors: savory garlic, salty Parmesan, creamy rice, and fresh citrus. Everything cooks in one skillet, which means fewer dishes and maximum flavor—perfect for family dinners or when you want something hearty without extra effort.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon and zest of ½ lemon
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Extra lemon wedges, for serving
👩🍳 Preparation
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté briefly, about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add the uncooked rice and stir well so it’s coated in the garlic-lemon mixture. Toast the rice for 1–2 minutes, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the rice becomes creamy and smooth. Spoon the rice onto plates, top with the cooked chicken, and finish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
🍽️ Serving Tips
- Add sautéed spinach or asparagus for extra greens
- Swap Parmesan for Pecorino for a sharper flavor
- Adjust lemon juice to taste for more brightness
This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor—all made in one pan. Would you serve it as a cozy weeknight dinner or save it for a special family meal? 🍋🍗🍚