Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Introduction

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a luxurious yet easy-to-make dish that brings restaurant flavors to your home kitchen. Tender chicken is cooked in a garlicky, lemon-butter sauce, then paired with creamy, cheesy garlic Parmesan rice. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner.

You’ll need just a few simple ingredients and basic tools to create this rich and flavorful Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice, all easily available online at great prices:

Ingredients:

Equipment:

Stock up on everything you need and treat yourself to this restaurant-quality meal at home tonight!

If you’ve ever enjoyed Shrimp Scampi, this chicken version will become your new favorite. The combination of zesty lemon, buttery richness, and cheesy rice creates an irresistible dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy: Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients.

  • Bursting with flavor: A perfect balance of garlic, lemon, butter, and Parmesan.

  • Comfort food at its best: Creamy rice pairs perfectly with juicy chicken.

  • Great for meal prep: Store and reheat for a delicious meal anytime.

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Ingredients Needed

  For the Chicken Scampi

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 3 tbsp butter

  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)

  • ½ cup chicken broth

  • ¼ cup white wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)

  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

  • 1 tsp lemon zest

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

  For the Garlic Parmesan Rice

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tbsp butter

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

  How to Make Garlic Parmesan Rice

  1. Toast the Rice: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavor.

  2. Cook the Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender.

  3. Make it Creamy: Remove the rice from heat, then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.

  How to Make Chicken Scampi

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken slices with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

  3. Sauté the Garlic: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

  4. Create the Sauce: Pour in the white wine (or additional chicken broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.

  5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the flavors meld together.

  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot over the creamy garlic Parmesan rice.

For other delicious chicken recipes, check out our Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce to keep the flavorful feast going!

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Serving Suggestions

  • Vegetable Sides: Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or steamed broccoli.

  • Bread Pairings: Serve with garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the sauce.

  • Salad Option: A fresh garden salad with balsamic dressing balances the richness.

  • Garnishing Ideas: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for a fancy touch.

Tips for the Best Chicken Scampi

  • Use Thinly Sliced Chicken: This ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

  • Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Burnt garlic gives a bitter taste, so sauté just until fragrant.

  • Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you want more sauce, add extra broth. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer.

  • Enhance the Flavor: A splash of extra lemon juice right before serving brightens the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

  Low-Carb or Keto Option

  • Replace the rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.

  • Use heavy cream instead of broth for an even richer sauce.

  Vegetarian Alternative

  • Substitute chicken with mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas.

  • Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

  Spicy Chicken Scampi

  • Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.

  • Stir in a little hot sauce for an extra kick.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

  Storing

  • Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Store rice and chicken separately to maintain texture.

  Reheating

  • Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

  • Microwave: Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

What to Serve with Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

  Best Wine Pairings

  • White Wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay enhance the citrusy flavors.

  • Red Wines: A light-bodied red like Pinot Noir complements the buttery sauce.

  Appetizer Ideas

  • Bruschetta: A classic Italian starter with tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze.

  • Stuffed Mushrooms: Cheesy, garlicky mushrooms pair well with this dish.

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

  • Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Everyday pantry staples create a dish that tastes gourmet.

  • Perfectly Balanced: The tangy lemon, rich butter, and creamy rice make every bite amazing.

  • Restaurant-Quality at Home: Skip takeout and enjoy a homemade meal that’s just as good, if not better.

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

FAQ

1. Can I use shrimp instead of chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Replace the chicken with shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

2. What type of rice works best for Garlic Parmesan Rice?

Long-grain white rice is ideal for a fluffy texture, but jasmine or basmati rice also work well.

3. How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer longer, or stir in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water for a richer consistency.

4. Can I prepare Chicken Scampi in advance?

Yes! Cook the chicken and sauce separately, then reheat and combine when ready to serve.

5. What wine pairs best with this dish?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir complements the flavors beautifully.

Conclusion

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is the perfect dish for anyone who loves a comforting yet elegant meal. With tender chicken, a rich garlic butter sauce, and creamy Parmesan rice, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner, it delivers bold, delicious flavors every time.

Try it once, and you’ll never want to go back to plain chicken and rice again!

Print
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Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice


  • Author: Freya Allen
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Enjoy a buttery, garlicky Chicken Scampi served with creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice – a quick, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup white wine (optional)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp butter

Instructions

  • Cook rice with garlic and broth, adding cream and Parmesan at the end.

  • Sauté chicken in olive oil, then set aside.

  • Prepare sauce by sautéing garlic, adding broth, lemon juice, and zest, and simmering.

  • Combine chicken with the sauce, simmer, and garnish with parsley.

  • Serve chicken on top of garlic Parmesan rice.

Notes

  • You can substitute white wine with more chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
  • To make the dish spicier, add more red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
  • Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1 chicken breast and rice)
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 33g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Chicken Scampi, Garlic Parmesan Rice, Easy Chicken Recipe, Garlic Butter Chicken, Comfort Food

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