Zesty Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice!

Zesty Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice – a flavorful, satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with a zesty, garlicky kick and rich, creamy rice. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!

🍋 Zesty Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

⭐ Servings: 4

🕒 Total Time: 40–45 minutes

🐔 Ingredients

For the Chicken Scampi:

• 1.5 lbs (about 3 medium) boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small red bell pepper, julienned

• 1 small yellow bell pepper, julienned

• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Optional: grated Parmesan for topping

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice:

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup Arborio or long-grain rice

• 2 1/4 cups chicken broth (warm)

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: chopped chives or parsley for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Cook the Chicken Scampi

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

2. Add chicken strips, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add bell peppers and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.

5. Pour in white wine (or chicken broth), lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.

6. Return chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce and warm through, about 2 minutes. Stir in fresh parsley. Remove from heat.

🍚 Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

1. In a separate saucepan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it brown).

3. Stir in the rice and cook for 2 minutes to lightly toast it.

4. Slowly pour in the warm chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15–18 minutes, or until rice is tender and broth is absorbed.

5. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If rice is too thick, add a splash of warm broth or cream to loosen.

🥄 To Serve

• Spoon a generous serving of creamy garlic Parmesan rice onto each plate.

• Top with the zesty chicken scampi and bell peppers.

• Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley or chives, and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

🍷 Pairing Tip

Pair this dish with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a light, citrusy complement.