Chicken Scampi Creamy Garlic Rice

Tender chicken scampi creamy garlic rice feels like a warm hug in a bowl The tang of lemon melts into silky Parmesan sauce while juicy chicken and fragrant rice come together for the best handheld comfort dinner

I first tried a creamy Parmesan garlic rice when I wanted something cozy but not boring and I have been riffing on it ever since My family jokes that even picky eaters always finish their bowls

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender and juicy when pan seared Choose firm plump pieces and trim any fat
• Olive oil: Adds richness and ensures a golden sear Go for extra virgin for best flavor
• Unsalted butter: Gives a luxurious mouthfeel and helps brown the chicken
• Italian seasoning: Lends aromatic herbs like oregano and basil Try to use a fresh blend for brighter notes
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For gentle heat Adjust for your spice preference
• Salt and ground black pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavor in both chicken and rice Pick sea salt and freshly ground pepper when possible
• Garlic: The true backbone of the dish Choose fat firm cloves for max flavor
• Lemon juice and zest: Brightens the creamy sauce Always zest before juicing and use a ripe lemon
• Long grain white rice: Stays fluffy instead of sticky Choose a quality brand for even cooking
• Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with deep flavor Look for low sodium so you can control seasoning
• Heavy cream: Makes everything luscious and ties it all together Use the freshest cream you can find
• Parmesan cheese: The key to the savory richness Grate it yourself for best melt and taste
• Fresh parsley: For a final herbaceous pop Choose bright green leaves without any wilting
• Lemon wedges: Optional but make every bite pop with bonus citrus

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep and Brown the Chicken:

Cut chicken breasts into bite sized pieces Season thoroughly with Italian seasoning salt ground black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes In a large deep skillet heat olive oil with butter over medium high When the butter foams add the chicken Sear without stirring for a few minutes to get a good crust on one side Then stir and cook until the chicken pieces are golden and cooked through Remove them from the pan and set aside

Sauté Garlic and Lemon:

Reduce the skillet heat to medium Add minced garlic and cook only until fragrant about thirty seconds Stir in the lemon juice and zest scraping the pan to release all browned bits This builds flavor

Toast Rice and Simmer:

Pour the uncooked long grain rice right into your skillet Stir to fully coat the grains with garlicky lemon goodness Toast the rice for one to two minutes until you smell a nutty aroma Add chicken broth and bring to a boil Lower the heat so the mixture simmers gently Cover and cook for eighteen to twenty minutes until the rice is tender but not mushy and the broth is absorbed

Finish Creamy Rice:

Once your rice is fluffy and cooked stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese Ease the spoon across the skillet until everything turns thick and creamy If you want a looser texture add a splash more cream

Combine and Garnish:

Return the cooked chicken breasts and any juices to the skillet spreading them over the creamy rice Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side Each bite should be creamy tangy and deeply savory

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When I first made this with fresh Parm the smell alone had everyone pressing into the kitchen One taste and now it is our rainy day favorite

Storage Tips

This dish keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days For best results reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of extra broth or cream to loosen the sauce The fresh parsley garnish is best added after reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

Try boneless thighs for a richer meaty flavor or swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist If you are dairy free coconut cream and nutritional yeast will give similar creaminess and umami If you run low on Parmesan pecorino romano makes a great substitute

Serving Suggestions

Serve with roasted broccoli or asparagus for a balanced meal A simple side salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette cuts through all the creamy goodness Crusty gluten free bread also makes an excellent companion to soak up every last drop

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Cultural and Historical Context

Italian American scampi dishes were inspired by Italian seafood classics but often swap in chicken or shrimp and a bright lemon garlic sauce Adding creamy Parmesan rice brings the comfort food vibes you would find in a classic family trattoria

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I ensure the chicken stays tender?

Use bite-sized pieces of chicken breast and cook just until golden and cooked through. Avoid overcooking to maintain juiciness.

→ Can I substitute another type of rice?

Long-grain white rice works best for a creamy result, but you may use basmati or jasmine rice for similar texture and flavor.

→ How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Simmer with the lid on and avoid stirring excessively. Stop cooking once the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

→ Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives. The creaminess and flavor will still come through nicely.

→ What garnishes pair well with this meal?

Fresh parsley and lemon wedges add color and brightness, enhancing both flavor and presentation of the finished dish.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can cook the components separately and combine before serving. Reheat gently to preserve texture and flavor.