Description
Golden-seared chicken cutlets simmered in a buttery garlic scampi sauce, served over creamy garlic Parmesan rice—this Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is an indulgent yet easy dinner that’s bursting with flavor. It combines the best of restaurant-style scampi with the comfort of a home-cooked creamy rice dish. Perfect for weeknights or when you’re craving something cozy, satisfying, and impressive. If you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, quick weeknight meals, or a hearty but elegant food idea for guests, this one-pan wonder delivers every time.
Ingredients
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
4 cloves garlic (minced, divided)
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1⁄3 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1⁄2 cup chicken broth (for sauce)
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth (for rice)
1⁄2 cup heavy cream
3⁄4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thin cutlets. Pat dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Lower heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon butter, half the minced garlic, and red pepper flakes to the same skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds.
4. Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up brown bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then stir in 1⁄2 cup chicken broth and lemon juice.
5. In a separate saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter and sauté remaining garlic. Add rice and toast for 1 minute.
6. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15–18 minutes until rice is cooked.
7. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the rice. Mix well, season to taste.
8. Return chicken to the scampi sauce and warm through for 2–3 minutes.
9. Serve chicken over creamy garlic Parmesan rice. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra lemon if desired.
Notes
Always use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth, creamy texture—it melts better and adds more flavor.
Don’t skip the deglazing step with wine or broth; it pulls flavor from the pan and builds the base of the sauce.
Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to bring leftovers back to life without drying them out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: Chicken scampi, creamy garlic rice, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, comfort food, weeknight meal