Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Ready for a dish that feels like restaurant-quality comfort food but is easy enough to make any night of the week? Say hello to Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice tender, golden-seared chicken cutlets drizzled in a buttery, garlicky lemon-wine sauce and served over rich, creamy garlic parmesan rice. It’s zesty, savory, and seriously satisfying, with flavors that dance on your tongue. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer pure comfort with a little gourmet flair.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Fancy enough for date night, easy enough for a weeknight. Serve with a salad, roasted veggies, or crusty bread.
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients like chicken, rice, garlic, and parmesan transform into something extraordinary.
Quick and Easy: The chicken cooks up quickly, and the rice simmers to creamy perfection without constant babysitting.
Customizable: Use your favorite herbs, add veggies, or swap the wine for broth if needed.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
This dish balances bright, savory, and creamy all in one. Here’s what makes it shine:
Chicken Breasts or Tenders: Lightly seasoned and pan-seared for a golden, juicy finish.
Olive Oil and Butter: The foundation of that luscious scampi sauce and rich rice base.
Garlic: Adds bold, aromatic flavor to both the chicken and the rice don’t skimp on it!
White Wine or Chicken Broth: Deglazes the pan and forms the base of the scampi sauce.
Lemon Juice: A splash of brightness to cut through the richness.
Parmesan Cheese: Stirred into the rice for nutty, salty depth and creaminess.
Long Grain White Rice: A soft, fluffy base that soaks up every bit of flavor.
Chicken Broth: Used to cook the rice for an extra layer of savory goodness.
Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Simple seasonings that bring everything together beautifully.
Fresh Parsley (optional): For a fresh, herby pop of color and flavor at the end.

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter until melted and shimmering.
Combine Ingredients: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add to the skillet and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: In the same pan, add a bit more butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant—just 30 seconds to a minute. Deglaze the pan with wine or broth, scraping up those flavorful bits.
Assemble the Dish: Return the chicken to the pan, spoon the sauce over, and reduce heat to low while you finish the rice.
Cook to Perfection: In a separate pot, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add rice, stir to coat, then pour in chicken broth. Simmer covered for 15–18 minutes until rice is tender. Stir in parmesan until creamy and melted.
Finishing Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning. Add lemon juice to the chicken pan for brightness, and stir a little into the rice if you like.
Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the garlic parmesan rice onto plates and top with the juicy scampi chicken. Drizzle with sauce from the pan and garnish with chopped parsley.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 510
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve with steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for freshness and color
Add a side of garlic bread to soak up every drop of that lemon-butter sauce
Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette
Drizzle a little extra parmesan on top for more cheesy goodness
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick if you love spice
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Pound chicken to even thickness so it cooks evenly and quickly
Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and meltability
Don’t overcook the garlic it should be golden, not brown or bitter
Deglazing with wine adds depth, but broth works beautifully too
Leftovers reheat well just add a splash of broth to revive the rice
FAQ’s
1 Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work great and add even more flavor.
2 What kind of white wine should I use?
A dry wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay works best.
3 Can I skip the wine altogether?
Absolutely just use extra chicken broth for a similar depth without alcohol.
4 Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your broth and parmesan are certified gluten-free.
5 Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything and store separately, then reheat gently before serving.
6 Can I use brown rice instead of white?
You can, but it takes longer to cook and may need more liquid.
7 How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
8 How do I reheat this dish?
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice.
9 What veggies can I add to the rice?
Spinach, peas, or finely chopped broccoli stir in beautifully during the last few minutes of cooking.
10 Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add crushed red pepper flakes to the scampi sauce or season the chicken with a dash of cayenne.
Conclusion
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is the kind of meal that brings warmth, comfort, and serious flavor all in one plate. It’s elegant yet approachable, easy to make yet impressive to serve, and delicious down to the very last bite. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So grab that skillet and a big spoon you’re going to want seconds.
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Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful, satisfying dish where golden, pan-seared chicken is tossed in a buttery garlic-lemon scampi sauce and served over creamy, cheesy rice. It’s a comforting dinner packed with bold flavors and a hint of elegance.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2¼ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4–6 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any bits from the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the scampi sauce. Keep warm.
- For the rice: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add rice and stir to coat for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy and combined. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve chicken scampi over garlic parmesan rice. Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.
Notes
- Use chicken tenders for quicker cooking and extra tenderness.
- Add steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for a veggie boost.
- This dish reheats well and is perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: chicken scampi, garlic parmesan rice, lemon garlic chicken, chicken skillet recipe, easy chicken dinner