Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Buttery, Garlicky Chicken with Creamy, Cheesy Rice — A Weeknight Favorite with Restaurant-Worthy Flavor!

If you’re looking for a meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make, this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is it. Juicy, golden-brown chicken cooked in a zesty garlic-butter sauce, paired with ultra-creamy Parmesan rice — it’s a match made in comfort food heaven.

This dish is elegant enough to impress guests, but easy enough for a Tuesday night. And the best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Scampi:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Juice of 1 lemon (fresh is best!)
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
– Can substitute with more chicken broth
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
Fresh grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

1 cup long grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional: 2 tablespoons heavy cream for extra richness

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice

In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant—don’t let it brown.
Stir in the rice and toast it for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. This helps add flavor and keeps the texture light and fluffy.
Pour in the chicken broth, stir, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the rice simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove from heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese (and heavy cream, if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cover and keep warm while you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Make the Chicken Scampi

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil and 3 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced chicken breast, and season with salt and pepper.
Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and fully cooked on the inside. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 30 seconds, just enough to infuse the oil with flavor.
Pour in the lemon juice, chicken broth, and white wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes, or until it reduces slightly.
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. Simmer for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving.

Step 3: Serve It Up

To plate the dish, spoon a generous serving of garlic Parmesan rice onto each plate, then top with the flavorful lemon garlic chicken scampi. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a bit more chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful touch.

Serve with a side of roasted veggies, a crisp green salad, or warm bread to soak up the sauce.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~510 kcal per serving (approximate)

Pro Tips & Variations

Don’t skip toasting the rice: It deepens the flavor and helps the grains stay fluffy.
No wine? Use all chicken broth and a splash of white wine vinegar for acidity.
Add veggies: Try spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms in the scampi sauce.
Make it gluten-free: Ensure your broth and Parmesan are certified GF.
Extra creamy rice? Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or extra heavy cream.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back the moisture.