Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
When I first made this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice, I wasn’t prepared for how much my family would fall in love with it. The buttery garlic sauce coating the tender pan-seared chicken, paired with the aromatic Parmesan rice, is simply irresistible. This meal feels like something out of a cozy Italian bistro, but it comes together effortlessly in my kitchen.
One of the things I adore most about this recipe is how elegant it looks on the plate while still being so simple to make. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or I’m hosting friends, this dish never fails to impress. The zesty brightness from the lemon, the richness of the garlic butter, and that cheesy rice create a harmony of flavor that always hits the spot.
I’ve tried countless variations of scampi over the years, but this chicken version stands out because it blends the traditional garlic butter magic with hearty, juicy bites of chicken and a deeply savory side that steals the show. Let me walk you through it so you can see how easy it is to recreate this dish at home.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
This recipe is perfect for so many reasons. First, it takes everyday ingredients like chicken breasts, garlic, lemon, and rice, and transforms them into a meal that feels special. The garlic butter sauce is velvety and packed with flavor, soaking beautifully into the rice and coating each piece of chicken with a savory sheen.
It’s also wonderfully adaptable. You can prep everything ahead, and it reheats beautifully. The rice alone is worth making a double batch—it’s that good. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and easy to adjust for different dietary needs. Whether you’re feeding a family or planning a romantic dinner for two, this recipe offers restaurant-quality taste without the restaurant fuss.
How to Make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice
Start by rinsing your white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, melt a tablespoon of butter and sauté a few cloves of minced garlic until fragrant. Add the rice and stir to coat it with the garlicky butter. Pour in chicken broth, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer covered for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender. Once cooked, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and a touch of lemon zest.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the rice cooks, season boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken and let it rest.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Scampi Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and add more garlic, sautéing until golden. Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or chicken broth, scraping up the flavorful bits. Stir in lemon juice and a small amount of heavy cream or extra butter for richness. Let it simmer briefly to combine.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Slice the rested chicken and return it to the skillet with the sauce, spooning the sauce over to coat. Plate the Parmesan rice, top it with chicken, and drizzle extra sauce over everything. Garnish with more fresh parsley and a lemon wedge.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
You can make this recipe your own with a few simple swaps. Try boneless chicken thighs for a juicier alternative, or swap the rice for orzo, couscous, or even quinoa. If you’re dairy-free, substitute olive oil and a bit of nutritional yeast for the butter and Parmesan.
The scampi sauce also works beautifully with shrimp, making it a great seafood dinner option. For extra veggies, stir in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes. And if you like a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds lovely heat without overpowering the other flavors.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a satisfying main dish all on its own, but a few thoughtful additions can really elevate the meal. I love serving it with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus spears on the side. If you’re aiming for a heartier spread, a slice of crusty garlic bread is always welcome to soak up the extra sauce.
For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemony garlic notes beautifully. A sparkling water with lemon slices is also refreshing and family-friendly. And for dessert, something light like a lemon sorbet or panna cotta keeps the theme going without feeling too heavy.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers of this dish store wonderfully, making it ideal for meal prep. Place cooled chicken and rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, sprinkle a splash of water over the rice to prevent it from drying out, then microwave or warm on the stove until heated through.
You can also freeze portions of the rice and chicken separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. I recommend storing the sauce separately, if possible, to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, both the chicken and rice can be cooked a day in advance and stored separately. Reheat gently and combine with freshly made sauce for best results.
What can I use instead of white wine?
Chicken broth is a perfect substitute for white wine in the scampi sauce. It still adds flavor and deglazes the pan beautifully.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your chicken broth and Parmesan are gluten-free certified.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely, though you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid according to the brown rice package instructions.
What’s the best way to get a good sear on the chicken?
Make sure the skillet is hot and the chicken is dry before searing. Avoid crowding the pan so the chicken browns instead of steaming.
Related Recipe You’ll Like
If you enjoyed this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice, you’ll definitely want to try the Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl for another chicken dinner packed with flavor and herbs. The One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a cozy, hearty pasta perfect for weeknights, and the Classic Caprese Salad Recipe makes a fresh and vibrant starter to round out any Italian-inspired meal.
Don’t Forget to Save and Share This Recipe!
Love this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice? Be sure to Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can find it easily when you’re craving it again. Sharing is caring, so send the recipe link to friends or post your creation on social media and tag me! Whether it’s your first time making it or you’re adding it to your dinner rotation, I hope this dish becomes a favorite in your home too.
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe is a savory and satisfying dinner option featuring tender seared chicken breasts in a zesty garlic butter sauce served over creamy, cheesy rice. It's the perfect comfort food with an elevated twist. The combination of garlic, lemon, and Parmesan creates an irresistible flavor that transforms simple pantry staples into a restaurant-quality dish. Great for weeknight meals, family gatherings, or impressing guests with little effort.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp heavy cream (optional)
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (for rice)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a saucepan, melt 1 tbsp butter and sauté 2 cloves minced garlic until fragrant. Add rice and stir to coat.
- Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until tender.
- Once cooked, stir in Parmesan cheese, parsley, and lemon zest. Set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté remaining garlic.
- Deglaze with wine or broth, then add lemon juice and optional cream. Simmer 1-2 minutes.
- Slice chicken and return to pan, spooning sauce over to coat.
- Serve chicken over garlic Parmesan rice. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
- For dairy-free, use olive oil and skip Parmesan or try nutritional yeast.
- Substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood version.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat with a splash of water to keep rice moist.
- For a richer sauce, increase butter or cream slightly to taste.
