If you’re craving a bold, flavorful meal that balances rich, buttery chicken, zesty lemon, and a cozy bed of cheesy rice, Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is about to become your new weeknight hero. This dish is the perfect blend of crisp-tender chicken tossed in garlicky scampi sauce, paired with rice that shimmers with Parmesan and just the right hint of garlic. Every bite bursts with lively contrasts – tangy, creamy, savory, and bright. It’s incredibly easy to make, deeply comforting, and impressive enough for guests but quick enough for your busiest nights.

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is how it transforms staple ingredients into something extraordinary. Each element pulls its weight, offering a burst of flavor, a dreamy texture, or just the right splash of color to your plate.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 lb): Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and fork-perfect portions.
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): A light coating helps the chicken crisp beautifully in the pan.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a fruity undertone and creates a fantastic sear on the chicken.
Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, divided): Gives both the rice and the sauce a luscious richness.
Garlic cloves, minced (4): The star aromatic, infusing everything with warmth and depth.
Dry white wine or chicken broth (1/2 cup): Deglazes the pan and creates a silken scampi sauce.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness to cut through the richness and wakes up all the flavors.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a subtle kick without overwhelming the palate.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning at every step—don’t skimp!
Chopped parsley (1 tablespoon): For a fresh, herbal finish and gorgeous color on top.
Long grain white rice (1 cup): Fluffy and light, the perfect base for soaking up all that scampi sauce.
Chicken broth (2 1/4 cups): Cook the rice in broth for layered flavors.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/3 cup): Melts into the rice for nutty, salty creaminess in every forkful.

How to Make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Step 1: Start the Garlic Parmesan Rice

Begin by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, just until it turns fragrant—your whole kitchen will smell amazing! Next, stir in the rice and give it a little toast for 2 to 3 minutes. This step infuses the grains with nutty, garlicky flavor, setting the stage for the rich, creamy finish we’re after.

Step 2: Simmer the Rice

Pour in the chicken broth, crank the heat to bring everything to a boil, then reduce to low. Cover and let the rice simmer undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes. The broth will slowly absorb, leaving you with perfectly tender rice. Just before serving, stir in the grated Parmesan to finish the Garlic Parmesan Rice—so cheesy and delicious!

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

While the rice simmers, season the chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper. Dredge each piece lightly in the flour, shaking off any excess. This simple step ensures that the chicken browns beautifully and soaks up the scampi sauce later.

Step 4: Sauté the Chicken

Warm the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate so it stays juicy—and don’t worry about any browned bits left in the skillet. They’ll add incredible flavor to the sauce!

Step 5: Make the Scampi Sauce

In that same skillet, melt the last tablespoon of butter and add the remaining garlic. Sauté briefly, just for 30 seconds, until you get a punch of garlicky aroma. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits from the pan. Stir in the lemon juice and crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle heat and brightness.

Step 6: Finish the Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Return the chicken (and any accumulated juices) to the skillet and toss everything to coat in the luscious scampi sauce. You’ll notice the sauce glazes each piece beautifully. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness, then serve the saucy chicken over heaping spoonfuls of your warm, cheesy Garlic Parmesan Rice. Every bite is a burst of comfort and zest!

How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Garnishes

For a striking finishing touch, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan and chopped parsley right at the table. A squeeze of fresh lemon or a dusting of cracked black pepper offers extra pop. If you’re feeling fancy, a few lemon zest curls never hurt!

Side Dishes

You really can’t go wrong with a crisp green salad dressed in a lemony vinaigrette alongside Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice. Garlicky roasted broccoli, asparagus, or even buttered peas round out the meal beautifully and keep the flavors bright and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish family-style in a big platter so everyone can dig in, or arrange the rice in neat rounds with chicken and sauce artfully draped on top. For a casual twist, try tucking the chicken and rice into warm flatbreads or even stuffing it into roasted bell pepper halves—they make absolutely stunning individual servings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftover Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice, let everything cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to three days, making it an ideal make-ahead dinner or lunch.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, pack the rice and chicken separately (to keep textures at their best). The rice and chicken can both be frozen up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the rice and chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen things as needed. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covering them so they stay moist.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and be sure to use a certified gluten-free chicken broth. The dish comes out just as flavorful and satisfying.

What can I use instead of wine in the scampi sauce?

If you’d rather not use wine, chicken broth is a perfect stand-in. It adds savory depth and pairs beautifully with the lemon and garlic.

Is there a way to add more veggies to this dish?

Definitely! Stir in a handful of baby spinach or sweet peas to the rice just before it’s done, or top the finished plate with sautéed asparagus or broccoli for a fresh crunch and color.

Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?

Yes, you can easily swap the chicken for peeled, deveined shrimp for a more traditional scampi. Just cook the shrimp until pink and opaque, which usually takes 2 to 3 minutes per side.

How can I make the rice extra creamy?

For an extra-luxe Garlic Parmesan Rice, stir in a splash of heavy cream with the Parmesan as the final step. It melts right in for a luscious, risotto-style finish!

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about sharing Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice with friends or family—it feels special every time. The flavors are bold, comforting, and totally satisfying. Give this recipe a spot in your menu rotation, and watch it become a fast favorite!

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful recipe for Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice, featuring tender chicken in a flavorful scampi sauce served over creamy Parmesan rice. This dish is a perfect blend of savory flavors that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

1 cup long grain white rice
2 1/4 cups chicken broth
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Chicken Scampi:

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped parsley

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Instructions

Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the rice and toast for 2–3 minutes. Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
Cook the Chicken Scampi: Season chicken with salt and pepper, coat with flour. Cook chicken in olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter until golden. Remove chicken. Melt remaining butter in the skillet, add garlic, then deglaze with wine. Stir in lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Return chicken to the pan, toss to coat.
Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and serve chicken scampi over garlic Parmesan rice.