Description

Indulgent Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a decadent, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breast sautéed in a garlic butter sauce and served over rich, creamy Parmesan-infused rice. This recipe balances savory herbs, a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley garnish to create a comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

1.5 lbs Chicken Breast or Tenderloins
1 tsp Italian Seasoning
0.5 tsp Salt
0.5 tsp Black Pepper
0.25 tsp Red Pepper Flakes

Cooking Fats and Flavorings

2 tbsp Olive Oil
2 tbsp Butter
4 cloves Garlic, minced

Rice and Dairy

1 cup Long-Grain White Rice
2 cups Chicken Broth
1 cup Heavy Cream
1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

Garnish

2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or tenderloins evenly with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare other ingredients.
Sauté Garlic and Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and hot. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Cook the Rice: In the same skillet, add the long-grain white rice and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes to absorb flavors. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer the rice for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
Make it Creamy: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine and create a creamy texture. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet nestling it on top of the creamy rice. Allow it to warm through together for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh and vibrant finish.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with firm tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
You can swap long-grain white rice for brown rice or quinoa, but cooking times and liquid amounts will vary.
Use plant-based butter and nutritional yeast to make this dish vegan.
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder can be a convenient substitute.
Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.