Description

This Irresistible Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice combines perfectly seared chicken with a luscious, creamy garlic and Parmesan-infused rice. The dish features tender chicken breast seasoned with Italian herbs, sautéed garlic, and a rich sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan, all coming together to create a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1.5 lbs Chicken breast or tenderloins (can substitute with turkey or firm tofu for a lighter option)
1 tbsp Olive oil (vegetable oil can substitute for a neutral flavor)
1 tbsp Butter (replace with olive oil for dairy-free)
1 tsp Italian seasoning (fresh herbs can replace for added freshness)
0.5 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
0.5 tsp Black pepper (adjust to taste)

Rice and Sauce

1 cup Long-grain white rice (brown rice can be used with adjustments)
4 cloves Garlic, minced (fresh preferred)
2 cups Chicken broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
1 cup Heavy cream (half-and-half or non-dairy cream can substitute)
1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (nutritional yeast for vegan twist)
0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (cilantro or basil can be alternatives)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry on paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse the meat with flavor.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter together in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the hot skillet and cook for about 4 minutes until the underside is golden brown. Flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
Toast the Rice: Add the long-grain white rice to the skillet with the garlic. Stir the rice to coat it well with the garlic-infused oil and toast it gently for 1 to 2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
Cook the Rice: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid. Let the rice cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Combine Chicken and Rice: Nestle the cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet on top of the creamy rice. Cover the skillet again and allow it to rest for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes over the dish for a burst of fresh flavor and gentle heat. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious chicken scampi with creamy garlic Parmesan rice.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil, heavy cream with a non-dairy cream, and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese.
Brown rice can be used instead of white rice, but increase the broth amount and cooking time accordingly.
Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can replace parsley for different flavor profiles.
Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dish or omit them for a milder taste.
Using firm tofu or turkey instead of chicken offers alternative protein options suited to dietary preferences.
Ensure garlic does not burn during sautéing as it will give a bitter flavor to the dish.