Chicken Scampi Creamy Garlic Rice

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Enjoy a savory medley of tender chicken sautéed with Italian seasoning, served atop a creamy bed of garlic-infused rice enriched with Parmesan and a splash of lemon. The dish starts with golden seared chicken, followed by fragrant garlic and zesty lemon, then simmered long-grain rice in broth for a rich, creamy texture. Finished with heavy cream and freshly grated cheese, it's garnished with parsley and lemon wedges for a bright yet comforting plate. Balanced flavors and an inviting aroma make this a delightful meal perfect for sharing.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Sat, 02 Aug 2025 23:15:43 GMT
A plate of chicken scampi creamy garlic rice. Save
A plate of chicken scampi creamy garlic rice. | lilicooks.com

Chicken Scampi Creamy Garlic Rice delivers juicy sautéed chicken nestled in velvety lemon Parmesan rice. It is a dish perfect when you want something deeply satisfying yet surprisingly easy to bring together for a family dinner or cozy gathering.

The first time I served this at a Sunday dinner everyone dove in for seconds and there were no leftovers to put away for the next day. It has quickly joined my all-time comfort food favorites.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: select fresh plump pieces for the best texture
  • Olive oil: use high-quality extra virgin for great flavor
  • Unsalted butter: adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully
  • Italian seasoning: brings those classic herby notes of oregano thyme and basil
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: for just a gentle heat you can add more or less to your liking
  • Salt and ground black pepper: essential for seasoning every layer
  • Garlic: opt for firm fresh cloves with no green sprout for best pungency
  • Lemon juice and zest: use a heavy bright lemon for the most aromatic zest and juicy squeeze
  • Long-grain white rice: pick a rice with dry separate grains after cooking
  • Chicken broth: enriches everything and provides a full savory base always taste your broth before using for quality
  • Heavy cream: brings a silky luxe finish to the sauce
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: always grate your own from a wedge for intensive savory depth
  • Fresh parsley: for color and a pop of herby aroma
  • Lemon wedges: for serving and extra vibrant zing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare and brown the chicken:
Place chicken pieces in a bowl and toss with Italian seasoning salt black pepper and red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil and butter in a deep skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Drop in chicken without crowding the pan and sauté each piece until golden on the outside and fully cooked inside about seven to nine minutes. Remove chicken to a plate to rest.
Build the flavor base:
Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add minced garlic and stir constantly for thirty seconds until highly aromatic but not browned. Pour in lemon juice and scatter lemon zest into the pan letting it bubble briefly as you scrape up any brown bits with a wooden spoon.
Toast the rice and simmer:
Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir vigorously to coat each grain in the garlicky lemon mixture. Let the rice sit for one to two minutes so some grains begin to toast and pop giving a nutty undertone. Pour in chicken broth. Stir well then bring to a boil. As soon as it boils reduce to a gentle simmer cover with a tight-fitting lid and let cook for eighteen to twenty minutes until the rice is tender and nearly all the liquid is absorbed.
Make it creamy and cheesy:
Once the rice is cooked lift the lid and gently fold in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is creamy and well blended with gorgeous long stretchy cheese threads.
Finish and serve:
Nestle the cooked chicken back into the creamy rice tucking it in so it warms through. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for freshness. Serve hot with extra lemon wedges for anyone who wants extra zip.
A plate of chicken scampi with creamy garlic rice. Save
A plate of chicken scampi with creamy garlic rice. | lilicooks.com

Of every ingredient in here I have a vivid memory of my grandmother letting me zest lemons into her little hand grater each Sunday when I was a kid. That sunny lemon aroma filling the kitchen is still the first thing I notice when making this recipe for my own family.

Storing and Reheating

Let leftovers cool to room temperature and refrigerate them in airtight containers for up to three days. Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating gently on the stove or microwave to restore the creamy texture.

Ingredient Swaps

Boneless chicken thighs can be used for extra juiciness
Brown rice will work with some extra liquid and a longer simmer time
For dairy-free you can swap the cream for plain unsweetened oat milk and use a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast

Chicken scampi creamy garlic rice. Save
Chicken scampi creamy garlic rice. | lilicooks.com

Serving Suggestions

This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with lightly dressed arugula salad or simple steamed green beans. The lemon wedges on the side let everyone brighten the dish to their own taste.

Cultural Context

Chicken scampi takes inspiration from classic Italian scampi dishes featuring garlic butter and lemon with seafood like shrimp. This version gives it a homestyle American spin by pairing chicken with creamy risotto-style rice for cozy weeknights.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for tender, bite-sized pieces that cook evenly and remain juicy.

→ Can I use pre-cooked rice?

For the best creamy texture and absorption of garlic-lemon flavor, use uncooked long-grain rice simmered in broth.

→ Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Swap the butter and cream for plant-based alternatives and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free option.

→ How can I add more vegetables?

Try adding sautéed spinach, peas, or steamed broccoli for extra color and nutrition without overpowering the dish.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to restore creamy texture.

Chicken Scampi Creamy Garlic Rice

Creamy Parmesan garlic rice with chicken and a fresh lemon accent—comforting Italian-American main dish.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
30 min
Overall Time
45 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: Italian-American

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken

01 450 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
04 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
05 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
06 1 teaspoon salt
07 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Rice

08 4 cloves garlic, minced
09 Juice of 1 lemon
10 Zest of 1/2 lemon
11 300 g long-grain white rice
12 720 ml chicken broth
13 120 ml heavy cream
14 100 g grated Parmesan cheese

→ Garnish

15 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
16 Lemon wedges

Steps

Step 01

In a large deep skillet, heat olive oil and unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté chicken in skillet until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.

Step 02

Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest, deglazing the pan.

Step 03

Add uncooked long-grain rice to the skillet, stirring to coat with the garlic-lemon mixture. Toast for 1–2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then lower heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Step 04

Once the rice is fully cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until thoroughly combined and creamy.

Step 05

Arrange the chicken over creamy rice. Garnish with a pinch of chopped fresh parsley and serve with additional lemon wedges.

Tips

  1. For optimal flavor, zest the lemon before juicing and use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Dairy (heavy cream, Parmesan cheese)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 525
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 40 g