Description

This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender seared chicken breasts with a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce, served over rich, buttery rice infused with chicken broth. Perfect for an elegant yet easy weeknight dinner, this recipe balances zesty lemon and fresh parsley with savory garlic and creamy Parmesan for a comforting meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Scampi

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice

1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Trim excess fat from chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure even browning during cooking.
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring they are fully cooked.
Sauté the Garlic: Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set aside. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Make the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate flavor. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Cook the Rice: While making the sauce, cook the long-grain rice according to package instructions, substituting chicken broth for water to enhance flavor.
Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet with the sauce and simmer together for 5 minutes to meld the flavors and heat the chicken through.
Assemble and Serve: Spoon the garlic Parmesan rice onto plates and top with the chicken breasts and creamy sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for a creamier sauce.
Make sure to monitor the internal temperature of the chicken to avoid undercooking.
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat if desired.
If you prefer, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
Leftover chicken and rice reheat well for an easy next-day meal.