Dinner

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

ByZoe Lane November 21, 2025November 21, 2025

Introduction

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender seared chicken with rich, cheesy rice. This dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels special without much fuss.

A white plate holds a bed of fluffy white rice with a slightly glossy texture, topped with a generous layer of golden-brown grilled chicken pieces that appear juicy and tender. The chicken is sprinkled with finely chopped herbs and small bits of red chili, adding green and red accents. The rice underneath has some light sauce pooling around it with a mix of yellow and green hues. The photo is taken on a white marbled surface, and the lighting highlights the steam rising from the hot dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breasts
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup long-grain white rice
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and sear chicken until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Lower heat slightly and add butter to the skillet. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add rice and stir to coat it in the garlic butter mixture.
Step 5: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
Step 6: Bring mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook over low heat for 18–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender.
Step 7: Stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice.
Step 8: Return seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice. Cover and heat for 5 more minutes.
Step 9: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Use bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat and extra flavor.
Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper cheese taste.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing garlic for a subtle spicy kick.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, adjusting cooking time as needed.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the rice.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a dish with two layers: the bottom layer is a bed of fluffy white rice with a light sprinkling of green herbs, and the top layer consists of golden-brown grilled chicken pieces seasoned with green herbs and small bits of red chili, giving a fresh and spicy look. The chicken pieces appear juicy with a slightly crispy texture on the outside. The dish is served on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The overall colors are warm and inviting with a mix of white, golden brown, green, and red. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe due to its texture and cooking time. Using brown rice or other varieties may require adjustments in liquid amount and cooking time.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with olive oil, use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and choose a dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese to keep it dairy-free.