Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Easy

Can one dish really be creamy, garlicky, and ready in 30 minutes without making a mess?
This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice has been my weeknight lifesaver. I learned to cook on days when my mom worked doubles fast, real food was how we held it together.

Now, I make it with gluten-free creamy chicken dinners in mind and even tested a dairy-free garlic rice alternative. It’s comfort that fits in all 30-minute weeknight chicken recipes.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Dreams in One Pan

Tired and uninspired, I tossed together chicken, lemon, and broth. What came out? Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice a bold, creamy favorite among my top high protein chicken meals.

The ingredients Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons premium olive oil for cooking
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon + zest of ½ lemon
• 1½ cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan (use top-rated Parmesan cheese brands for full flavor)
• Chopped parsley for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

Step 1: Sear the chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

• Stuffani’s advice: Don’t crowd the pan let that chicken breathe and brown.

Step 2: Sauté the garlic
Lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

• From experience: Garlic burns fast. Stay close it’s just a moment that makes all the difference.

Step 3: Add lemon juice and zest
Stir in the juice of one lemon and zest from half. This wakes up the dish and layers the flavor.

• Kitchen truth: If you’re using bottled lemon juice, you’ll miss the brightness. Fresh matters here.

Step 4: Toast the rice
Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir until fully coated in the garlic-lemon mix. Toast for 2 minutes.

• Stuffani’s tip: This step deepens flavor and prevents mushy rice. It’s like giving the grains a quick pep talk.

Step 5: Pour in the broth and simmer
Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

• Little reminder: Don’t lift the lid trust the steam. Let it work its magic.

Step 6: Make it creamy
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it melt and thicken gently.

• Stuffani’s advice: Use one of those top-rated Parmesan cheese brands the flavor is deeper, and it melts like a dream.

Step 7: Finish and plate
Add the cooked chicken back in. Mix gently or serve it over the rice. Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon.

Final thought: This is the dish you make when you’re short on time but still want to cook with heart.
It goes beautifully with Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese when feeding a crowd.

Easy Variations for Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

• Sometimes it’s lemony and light.
• Sometimes it’s extra creamy and rich.
• Always one of my go-to one-pan creamy chicken recipes no stress, just dinner.

Swap what you need, use what you have

Best Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe:

• No chicken breast? Use boneless thighs or shredded rotisserie.
• No rice? Quinoa or orzo hold up beautifully.
• No heavy cream? Try half-and-half or Greek yogurt.

Kitchen truth: This dish doesn’t judge your pantry. It works with what you’ve got.

How to make it yours, and make it last

Best Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe:

• Stir in chopped spinach or kale near the end for greens.
• Add roasted cherry tomatoes for color and acid.
• Want more protein? Toss in chickpeas or cannellini beans.
• Or add a spoon of mascarpone to take it extra rich like I do with cream cheese dessert recipes (yes, savory ones too!).

It belongs right next to your high protein chicken meals, your quick wins, and your make-it-again pile.

And if I’m serving guests? I follow it with Creamy Poblano Chicken Relleno Soup or a warm slice of something sweet from my cream cheese folder.

Serving & Storing Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

• It’s warm and creamy right away.
• But it also plays nice with leftovers.
• One of my most reliable easy weeknight chicken dinners.

How to serve it Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

Best Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe:

• Serve hot in a big bowl with extra lemon wedges
• Plate it fancy for guests or just spoon it straight from the skillet
• Add garlic bread or a quick side salad if you’ve got time
• Works perfectly next to Bacon Ranch Chicken Casserole for a double-dinner spread
• This is what family-friendly chicken recipes should taste like: simple, warm, and full of flavor

Stuffani’s tip: Always garnish with parsley even if it’s just for you. It’s a tiny celebration.

How to store it right

Best Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice:

• Let cool completely before storing don’t trap steam
• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce
• Just one more reason it’s one of my go-to budget one-pan meals

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FAQs – Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

Conclusion: Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

• If there’s one recipe I can count on to bring the room to life, it’s this one.
• Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is creamy, lemony, comforting and always just enough.

• It’s the kind of dish you make once and never forget.
• The kind you reach for on rushed nights, quiet Sundays, or when someone you love needs a little warmth.

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice Easy

• Author: Stuffani Borjat
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting one-pan dinner that combines zesty lemon, garlic butter, and rich Parmesan in every forkful ready in just 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1 teaspoon salt

⅛ teaspoon black pepper

4 cloves garlic, minced

Juice of 1 lemon and zest of ½ lemon

1½ cups long-grain white rice

3 cups chicken broth

½ cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Extra lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add to skillet and cook until golden and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Lower heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add lemon juice and zest. Stir gently.

5. Add uncooked rice. Stir to coat in garlic-lemon mixture and toast for 2 minutes.

6. Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.

7. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

8. Return chicken to the pan or serve it over the rice. Garnish with parsley and extra lemon.

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Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.

Make it gluten-free by swapping with certified gluten-free broth and checking cheese labels.

Can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 495
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Chicken Scampi, Garlic Parmesan Rice, creamy one-pan chicken, healthy chicken rice, easy chicken skillet recipe