Creamy Garlic Chicken Scampi

This creamy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Rice combines two beloved classics into one unforgettable meal. The tender chicken pieces are seasoned with Italian herbs and nestled on a bed of luscious, lemony garlic rice that soaks up all the delicious flavors. It's restaurant-quality comfort food you can easily make at home any night of the week.

I first created this recipe when trying to recreate my grandmother's famous lemon chicken but with fewer steps. My family now requests it at least twice a month and I love how it transforms basic ingredients into something truly special.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein and cook quickly. Choose evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking
• Olive oil and butter combine for the perfect sautéing fat with both flavor and high heat capacity
• Italian seasoning adds depth with minimal effort. Look for a blend with oregano basil and thyme
• Crushed red pepper flakes bring gentle heat that balances the creaminess. Adjust to your spice preference
• Garlic is the star flavor foundation. Use fresh cloves rather than pre-minced for best results
• Fresh lemon juice and zest provide brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness
• Long grain white rice maintains its texture while absorbing flavors. Rinse it first for fluffier results
• Chicken broth forms the savory base of the dish. Use low sodium to control salt levels
• Heavy cream creates the luxurious texture. Full fat works best for preventing curdling
• Parmesan cheese adds umami and thickens the sauce naturally. Grate it yourself for superior melting
• Fresh parsley brings color and herbal notes to finish the dish beautifully

How To Make Chicken Scampi Creamy Garlic Rice

Season and Sauté Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium high heat until butter melts and begins to foam. Season chicken pieces with Italian seasoning salt pepper and red pepper flakes ensuring even coverage. Add chicken to hot pan in a single layer without crowding and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes until golden brown. Turn pieces and cook additional 2 minutes until chicken registers 165°F. Remove chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.

Build the Aromatic Base

Reduce heat to medium to prevent burning. Add minced garlic to the same skillet swirling constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Immediately add lemon juice and zest which will sizzle and help release browned bits from the pan bottom. Scrape vigorously with a wooden spoon to incorporate these flavor particles.

Toast and Simmer Rice

Add uncooked rice to the skillet stirring continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until each grain is coated with the garlic lemon mixture and appears slightly translucent at the edges. Pour chicken broth in slowly stirring to prevent clumping. Bring mixture to a vigorous boil then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover with a tight fitting lid and cook undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.

Create the Creamy Finish

Remove lid and test rice for doneness it should be tender with no hard centers. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese using a folding motion to maintain rice texture while distributing creaminess. Continue stirring gently until cheese melts completely and sauce thickens about 2 minutes. If mixture seems too thick add a splash of additional broth.

Complete the Dish

Return chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet nestling pieces into the creamy rice. Allow to heat through for 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges for additional brightness at the table.

The heavy cream is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power after years of making scampi with just butter. The first time I served this creamy version to my Italian grandmother she asked for the recipe which is perhaps my greatest culinary achievement.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight making this possibly even better the next day. When reheating add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the creamy texture which tends to thicken when chilled. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium low heat or in the microwave at 70% power stirring occasionally until heated through.

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

This recipe welcomes creative adaptations based on what you have on hand. Boneless chicken thighs make an excellent substitution for breast meat offering more moisture and flavor tolerance if slightly overcooked. For a lighter version replace heavy cream with half and half or evaporated milk adjusting the simmering time slightly to reduce and thicken. Vegetarians can skip the chicken entirely and substitute vegetable broth for a delicious garlic rice side dish. Add sautéed mushrooms spinach or asparagus during the final heating stage for additional vegetables and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Rice as a standalone meal or alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to complement the flavors. For special occasions add roasted asparagus or broccoli and crusty garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. A chilled pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc pairs beautifully with the lemony garlic notes. For a stunning presentation transfer to a shallow serving dish and garnish with additional lemon zest parmesan shavings and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this dish and often provide more moisture and flavor. Just ensure they're cut into similar-sized pieces and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the rice won't be quite as creamy. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk works well and adds a subtle complementary flavor.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare this dish up to 2 days ahead. Store the chicken and rice separately in airtight containers. Reheat the rice with a splash of broth or cream, then add the chicken during the final few minutes of warming.

→ Is there a way to make this dish with brown rice?

Yes, substitute brown rice but adjust cooking time to 35-40 minutes and use an additional 120ml of broth. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious with the creamy garlic flavors.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans make perfect accompaniments. For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

→ Can I make this spicier or milder?

Absolutely! Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preference—omit them completely for a mild version or double the amount for extra heat. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper for additional spiciness.