Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful, comforting dish that brings restaurant-style taste right into my kitchen. Juicy, golden-seared chicken is coated in a garlicky butter-lemon sauce and served over creamy, cheesy rice that’s packed with Parmesan. It’s rich, zesty, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for when I want a quick but elegant meal that feels indulgent and homemade.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s all about flavor and simplicity. The chicken is pan-seared to perfection and tossed in a bright scampi-style sauce that’s loaded with garlic, butter, and lemon. The garlic Parmesan rice complements it beautifully—creamy, savory, and comforting without being too heavy. It’s a great way to elevate everyday ingredients into something that feels special, all in under an hour.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken scampi:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced thin

• Olive oil

• Butter

• Garlic, minced

• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

• Lemon juice and zest

• Chicken broth or dry white wine

• Salt and pepper

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the garlic Parmesan rice:

• Long-grain white rice

• Chicken broth

• Garlic, minced

• Butter or olive oil

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Heavy cream or milk (optional for creaminess)

• Salt and pepper

directions

1. I season the sliced chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet, I heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. I remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

2. In the same skillet, I melt more butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. I add red pepper flakes and stir in the lemon juice, zest, and broth or wine. I let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.

3. I return the chicken to the skillet, toss it in the sauce, and cook for another 2–3 minutes until glossy and well-coated.

4. Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, I melt butter and sauté garlic until soft. I stir in the rice and toast it for 1–2 minutes before adding the broth.

5. I bring the rice to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15–18 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

6. I stir in Parmesan, a splash of cream or milk if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. I serve the garlicky chicken over a bed of the creamy rice and garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheese.

Servings and timing

This dish serves 4 and takes about 35–40 minutes to prepare. It’s great for weeknights when I want something fast but flavorful.

Variations

Sometimes I add sautéed spinach or peas to the rice for extra color and texture. I’ve also used shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist. If I want it spicier, I increase the red pepper flakes or add a touch of cayenne. For even more flavor, I mix a bit of roasted garlic into the rice or swap in brown rice for a heartier version.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken and rice together in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and keep everything moist. The microwave works too, but I stir halfway through to make sure it heats evenly.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes, I’ve made the garlic Parmesan rice using leftover rice. I just sauté the garlic, stir in the rice, and mix in the cheese and cream at the end.

What’s the best wine for the scampi sauce?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works great. If I don’t have wine, chicken broth is a good substitute.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I’ve prepped the rice and cooked the chicken earlier in the day. I reheat everything together in the skillet just before serving.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely. I just reduce or omit the red pepper flakes to keep it mild. The creamy rice and buttery chicken are always a hit.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, for a shortcut, I slice cooked rotisserie chicken and toss it in the scampi sauce at the end. It still tastes amazing and saves time.

Conclusion

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is one of those dishes that feels like a treat but is surprisingly easy to make. The juicy, lemony chicken paired with creamy, cheesy rice is a winning combination that never fails to impress. Whether I’m cooking for guests or just craving something cozy and comforting, this recipe always hits the mark.