There are days when all I want is something warm, creamy, and full of flavor that brings everyone to the table with a smile — and this Chicken Scampi Creamy Garlic Rice does exactly that. 🥰
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The Heart of the Recipe
Juicy seared chicken. Creamy garlic-Parmesan rice. A whisper of lemon zest.
This dish has all the makings of comfort food — but with the brightness of Italian flavors that keep it fresh, not heavy. I first made this after visiting a tiny Italian bistro where the buttery chicken scampi stole my heart. When I came home, I was determined to make it work for a weeknight… and friends, this version has been on repeat ever since!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✨ Simple, everyday ingredients — no special grocery trips required!
✨ Ready in under 40 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.
✨ Balanced flavors — creamy, garlicky, and zesty with just a hint of heat.
✨ Family-friendly — it’s comfort food that feels a little fancy.
✨ Naturally gluten-free — perfect for sharing with everyone.
What It Tastes Like
Each bite hits all the notes — buttery chicken, velvety rice, the nutty sharpness of Parmesan, and a little lemon sparkle that wakes everything up. It’s the kind of dish that smells incredible as it cooks, with the garlic and herbs filling the kitchen.
Benefits of This Recipe
- One-pan wonder: Less cleanup, more flavor.
- Wholesome and hearty: Packed with protein and satisfying carbs.
- Customizable: Add veggies, swap proteins, or adjust spice easily.
- Restaurant-style results at home: Creamy and elegant without being fussy.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 450 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
For the Rice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 300 g long-grain white rice
- 720 ml chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 120 ml heavy cream
- 100 g grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Extra lemon wedges
Tools You’ll Need
- Large deep skillet or sauté pan with lid
- Measuring jug
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
- Chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
- Half-and-half for a lighter version (though cream gives the dreamiest texture!).
- Pecorino Romano or a touch of mozzarella if Parmesan isn’t handy.
- Add spinach, peas, or roasted broccoli for more color and nutrition.
How to Make Chicken Scampi Creamy Garlic Rice
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high.
Pat chicken dry and season with Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Sear in a single layer until golden brown on both sides — about 4–5 minutes per side.
Remove chicken to a plate and keep warm.
Step 2: Build the Garlic-Lemon Base
Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic directly into the same pan (don’t let it brown).
Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add lemon juice and zest to deglaze, scraping up all those flavorful brown bits.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Stir in the uncooked rice, letting it toast gently for 1–2 minutes until glossy and aromatic.
Step 4: Simmer the Rice
Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 18–20 minutes — no peeking! The rice will absorb all that garlicky goodness.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Once rice is tender, remove lid and gently fluff with a fork. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and velvety.
Step 6: Combine & Serve
Nestle the seared chicken over the creamy rice. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, add lemon wedges on the side, and serve warm.
What to Serve with Chicken Scampi Creamy Garlic Rice
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette for balance.
- Roasted asparagus or broccolini for a fresh crunch.
- A glass of chilled pinot grigio or sparkling water with lemon for brightness.
Tips for Perfect Results
💡 Use fresh garlic, not jarred — it makes a huge difference.
💡 Let the chicken brown deeply before flipping for that golden crust.
💡 Grate your own Parmesan for the best melt and creaminess.
💡 Don’t lift the lid while simmering the rice — steam is key!
Storage Instructions
Cool leftovers completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Refrigerate up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water and stir gently to restore creaminess. Microwave in short bursts, and a pat of butter never hurts. 😉
General Information
Cuisine: Italian-American
Course: Main Dish
Difficulty: Intermediate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Dietary Info: Naturally gluten-free
Frequently Asked Questions
→ How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?
Cook it just until no longer pink and golden on the outside. Remove from pan right away while finishing the rice.
→ Can I use brown rice?
Yes! Just increase liquid and cooking time — brown rice needs a little more patience.
→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter result, though it will be less rich.
→ Is it spicy?
Only mildly! You can omit the crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer no heat.
→ Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely. The rice reheats beautifully and makes a great lunch the next day.
Conclusion
This Chicken Scampi Creamy Garlic Rice is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something special. The garlic, Parmesan, and lemon dance together so beautifully — it’s creamy, cozy, and comforting, yet still bright and lively.
If you make it, I’d love to see your version! ❤️
📸 Tag your photo on Pinterest or Instagram @myhomemaderecipe so we can share your creation with our food-loving community!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx.)
Calories: ~620
Protein: 36g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 28g
Sodium: 980mg
Sugar: 2g
Fiber: 1g
(Values are estimates and will vary based on ingredients used.)
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