Imagine coming home after a long day, craving something creamy, flavorful, and oh-so satisfying. That’s where Garlic Chicken Scampi – Creamy Rice Dinner in One Pan comes into play! This dish is a delightful fusion of succulent garlic chicken, aromatic herbs, and creamy rice, all cooked together in one pan for effortless cleanup. Fun fact: scampi is actually a type of shrimp, but this recipe takes a flavorful twist and uses chicken instead. You’ll wonder why you haven’t tried it sooner!
What makes this dish truly special is its simplicity and quick preparation time – you can whip it up in just 30 minutes! Plus, it’s family-friendly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. If you love dishes like my One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken, you’ll delight in the creamy indulgence of this garlic chicken scampi. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
What is Garlic Chicken Scampi?
So, what’s with the name “Garlic Chicken Scampi”? It sounds fancy, doesn’t it? But don’t worry; this dish is as approachable as your favorite pair of sweatpants! Many believe that the name comes from the traditional Italian dish that highlights shrimp. However, we’ve taken a delightful detour by substituting chicken to give you a juicy protein option. After all, as the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” so why not impress with this delectable and creamy dish? Give it a shot— your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Scampi
If you’re looking for a dinner that checks all the boxes, this Garlic Chicken Scampi – Creamy Rice Dinner in One Pan is calling your name! First and foremost, the creamy texture of the sauce envelops every bite of tender chicken and fluffy rice, creating a comforting dish that warms the soul. Secondly, cooking at home allows you to save money and skip those takeout fees while impressing your loved ones with your culinary skills.
What truly sets this dish apart is its plentiful flavor; fresh garlic and herbs blend seamlessly with the rich creaminess, making every forkful utterly irresistible. If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes or risottos, this scampi will be your new go-to! I invite you to gather your ingredients and prepare to dive into this delicious recipe!
How to Make Garlic Chicken Scampi
Quick Overview
Garlic Chicken Scampi is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and relaxed family dinners. From start to finish, you’ll only need about 30 minutes, making it a real lifesaver for those evenings when you want a satisfying meal in a hurry. With its creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and aromatic spices, this dish guarantees to become a favorite in your household!
Key Ingredients for Garlic Chicken Scampi
- Chicken Breasts: 1 lb, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced, for that aromatic kick
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups, to add flavor
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup, for creaminess
- Rice: 1 cup, long-grain or jasmine rice, for a fluffy base
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated, to enhance the flavor
- Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and Pepper: to taste, seasoning is key!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cut chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add more olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
- Combine Rice and Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a light simmer. Stir in the rice and cover the skillet, simmering for about 15 minutes or until the rice absorbs the liquid.
- Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until creamy. Add the sautéed chicken back into the skillet and stir to coat everything evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!
What to Serve Garlic Chicken Scampi With
This delicious Garlic Chicken Scampi pairs perfectly with a refreshing green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, as it balances the creaminess of the dish. For something extra, consider serving it with roasted vegetables for a burst of color and flavor. If you’re in the mood for bread, a crusty baguette or garlic bread is excellent for soaking up the delightful sauce. Add a glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon for a refreshing touch!
Top Tips for Perfecting Garlic Chicken Scampi
To ensure your Garlic Chicken Scampi turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan will greatly enhance the flavors.
- Don’t Rush the Chicken: Make sure the chicken is cooked through and golden for the best texture.
- Rice Matters: Use long-grain or jasmine rice for the fluffiest results; avoid short-grain rice as it can become sticky.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more of chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust salt and pepper as needed to ensure all flavors shine through.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (a rarity with this tasty dish!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the scampi in a skillet over low heat and add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the creaminess. Stir gently until warmed through, and your leftovers will taste nearly as good as the first serving!
Dive into this creamy, flavorful Garlic Chicken Scampi – Creamy Rice Dinner in One Pan today, and you’ll quickly find it becomes a staple in your household! Enjoy the bliss of simple preparation, delightful flavors, and a satisfied family around the dining table. Your new favorite dish awaits!
Garlic Chicken Scampi – Creamy Rice Dinner in One Pan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil, for sautéing
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced for that aromatic kick
- 2 cups Chicken Broth to add flavor
- 1 cup Heavy Cream for creaminess
- 1 cup Rice, long-grain or jasmine for a fluffy base
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated to enhance the flavor
- ¼ cup Parsley, chopped for garnish
- Salt and Pepper to taste, seasoning is key
Instructions
Sauté the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cut chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Garlic
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add more olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
Combine Rice and Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a light simmer. Stir in the rice and cover the skillet, simmering for about 15 minutes or until the rice absorbs the liquid.
Make it Creamy
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until creamy. Add the sautéed chicken back into the skillet and stir to coat everything evenly.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Leave a Reply