Description
One-pan Garlic Cajun Chicken Scampi is a quick and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy rice, and a robust blend of Cajun spices. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—everything cooks in just one pan, allowing for minimal cleanup while delivering maximum taste. Packed with garlic and zesty lemon, this dish is not only comforting but also perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. In under 35 minutes, you can impress your family or guests with a delicious meal that leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown (5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir for 1–2 minutes to toast lightly.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until rice is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning; simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan; mix thoroughly until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 330g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: For extra spice, increase the red pepper flakes. You can substitute chicken with turkey or beef if desired. Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or peas towards the end of cooking for added nutrition.