Name: Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter (divided); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ⅓ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth); ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon butter; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons finely minced onion; 1 cup long grain white rice; 2 ¼ cups chicken broth; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 11 reviews

If you’re searching for a dish that delivers comfort, flavor, and a little bit of wow-factor with every bite, Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is the answer you’ve been dreaming of. Golden, juicy chicken is bathed in a lively lemon garlic butter sauce and nestled beside a mound of creamy, Parmesan-laced rice. This is the sort of recipe that transforms an ordinary weeknight into something special — but is still easy enough to pull off even when life’s busy. Trust me, once you try Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice, it’s bound to become a regular request at your table.

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how these simple, familiar ingredients create a dish that tastes like it took hours. Each one has a specific role, from building the luscious sauce to giving the rice its irresistible creaminess. Gather your best staples, and let’s bring this recipe to life!

Chicken breasts: These offer a lean, juicy canvas for soaking up that punchy scampi sauce — pound them for even cooking.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken develop a golden, flavorful crust.
Butter: Divided for both rice and scampi sauce, butter is the foundation of our dish’s silky texture.
Garlic cloves: The bold, aromatic kick that gives scampi its signature edge — double up if you’re a garlic-lover!
Lemon juice: Brightens the dish with fresh acidity, awakening all the other flavors.
Dry white wine (or chicken broth): Deglazes the pan and adds depth; use broth for an alcohol-free version.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A hint of spice that uplifts the buttery richness — adjust to your heat preference.
Salt and black pepper: The essential seasoning to bring everything together.
Chopped fresh parsley: Adds color and fresh, herbal notes over the final dish.
Minced onion: Gently sweetens and enhances the rice base.
Long grain white rice: Ideal for soaking up the Parmesan creaminess; jasmine works as a fun swap.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory flavor — low sodium works well for more control.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Star of the rice, this adds creaminess and a salty, umami punch just before serving.

How to Make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry so you get that beautiful golden sear. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a gentle kick. Take a minute to pound them to a uniform thickness — this step ensures perfect juiciness from edge to edge and makes the chicken cook faster and more evenly.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat up olive oil with a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, lay the chicken breasts in and let them sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side. Don’t fuss with them while they cook! You want a deep golden crust that locks in the flavor. Once they’re cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm under foil while you build the rest of the dish.

Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and, in the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Let the garlic sizzle for just 30 seconds — you want it fragrant, not burnt! Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze, scraping up all those delicious browned bits, and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley for a flavor explosion and simmer another minute. This sauce is liquid gold and sets the stage for classic Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice

While the sauce is bubbling, melt a tablespoon of butter in a separate saucepan and toss in the onions and garlic. Sauté gently until just softened, then stir in the rice and cook for a minute, letting every grain absorb some buttery, garlicky goodness. Pour in the chicken broth, bring it to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce heat. Let it simmer for about 18 minutes until perfectly tender.

Step 5: Add Parmesan and Finish the Rice

Once the rice is cooked and fluffy, turn off the heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese. This is where the magic happens — the cheese melts into the rice, transforming it from simple white rice into a creamy, savory base for your Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice. If you want it extra luxurious, a spoonful or two of cream won’t hurt!

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Slice the rested chicken into strips. Pile up a generous mound of garlic Parmesan rice on each plate, top with the sliced chicken, and drizzle over the vibrant scampi sauce. Shower liberally with chopped parsley for freshness, and serve immediately while everything is steamy and irresistible.

How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Garnishes

Finish your Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice with a flourish of fresh parsley for a pop of color. A dusting of extra Parmesan or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving will brighten the dish even more, making each bite sing. If you want drama, a couple of paper-thin lemon slices add a lovely touch.

Side Dishes

Complement the creamy, zesty profile of this dish with sides like crisp green beans, a fresh arugula salad, or buttery garlic bread. These offer a little crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken and rice family-style from a large platter, letting everyone dig in. Or, for a special twist, mold the rice into neat rounds using a measuring cup, layer the chicken on top, and drizzle the sauce over with a flourish. Serve in shallow bowls with swoops of sauce for that restaurant-quality look — Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice truly shines however you present it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice are a blessing! Store any cooled extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and rice together, as the rice will absorb even more flavor as it rests.

Freezing

Freeze the cooked chicken and rice together in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best texture, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating; the rice may be slightly softer after freezing, but the flavors remain delicious.

Reheating

Gently reheat Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or a dab of butter to refresh the sauce and keep the rice moist. You can also microwave individual portions, but stir midway to keep everything evenly heated and creamy.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice without wine?

Absolutely! Simply substitute chicken broth for the white wine, and you’ll still get the same savory, lively sauce. No flavor is lost, and it’s perfectly family-friendly.

What’s the best wine to use in scampi sauce?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is perfect for this recipe, as it brings a subtle brightness without overpowering the star ingredients. If you don’t have wine, good quality chicken broth always steps up.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and tend to stay extra juicy. Adjust searing time as needed, since thighs may be a bit thicker or fattier, but the flavor is just as delicious.

How do I make the rice creamier?

For ultra-creamy rice, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or even a splash of milk with the Parmesan. Plus, grating your own Parmesan cheese (rather than the pre-shredded kind) helps it melt more smoothly.

Is Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice gluten free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and double-check the Parmesan, this meal is naturally gluten free. Just avoid serving with regular bread if gluten is a concern.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistible about a plate of Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice — it’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and downright crave-worthy. If you’ve been looking for a dish that tastes like love in every bite, give this recipe a try. I can’t wait to hear how it becomes a family favorite in your kitchen!