This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting and flavorful meal that brings together tender chicken cooked in a light garlic-lemon sauce and creamy, savory rice finished with Parmesan. It’s a satisfying dish that feels special yet simple enough for a cozy dinner at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers big flavor with straightforward steps and everyday ingredients. The chicken is juicy and aromatic, the sauce is rich without being heavy, and the garlic Parmesan rice perfectly absorbs all those delicious flavors. It’s ideal for busy weeknights but elegant enough to serve to guests.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the chicken scampi
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup white cooking wine or additional chicken broth
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the garlic Parmesan rice
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
Season the sliced chicken with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and white cooking wine or extra broth. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
Stir in the butter until melted, then return the chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce and simmer for another 2 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and remove from heat.
To prepare the rice, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine the rice, chicken broth, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 to 18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove the rice from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined. Fluff with a fork and garnish with chopped parsley.
Serve the chicken scampi hot over a bed of garlic Parmesan rice.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes.
Cooking time is about 30 minutes.
Total time required is around 45 minutes.
Variations
You can add vegetables such as sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the chicken for extra texture and nutrition. For a creamier sauce, stir in a few tablespoons of cooking cream at the end. The rice can also be made with brown rice, though the cooking time will be longer.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep the chicken and rice moist. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and will result in an even juicier dish.
Can I make this recipe without wine?
Absolutely. Simply replace the wine with additional chicken broth.
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe because it cooks evenly and stays fluffy.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can cook the components ahead, but it’s best assembled and reheated just before serving for optimal texture.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, the flavors are mild and comforting, making it family-friendly.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly when cooking the garlic.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended, as the rice texture may change once thawed.
How can I make it more lemony?
Add extra lemon juice or a bit of lemon zest at the end for a brighter flavor.
Can I add cheese to the chicken?
A small sprinkle of Parmesan over the finished chicken works nicely.
What can I serve on the side?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pair well with this dish.
Conclusion
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and satisfying to eat. With its balanced combination of tender chicken, fragrant garlic, and creamy rice, it’s a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again for both weeknights and special occasions.
A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken in a garlic-lemon butter sauce served over creamy garlic Parmesan rice. Elegant enough for guests, yet easy enough for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the chicken scampi:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup white cooking wine or additional chicken broth
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the garlic Parmesan rice:
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Season sliced chicken with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Lower heat to medium, add garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds.
Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and wine or extra broth. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly.
Stir in butter until melted, return chicken to skillet, toss to coat, and simmer for 2 minutes. Garnish with parsley and remove from heat.
Rinse rice under cold water. In a saucepan, combine rice, chicken broth, garlic, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes.
Remove rice from heat, stir in Parmesan, and fluff with a fork. Garnish with parsley.
Serve the chicken scampi hot over a bed of garlic Parmesan rice.
Notes
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for more vegetables.
Use brown rice for a whole grain option (increase cook time).
For extra creaminess, stir in a few tablespoons of cream at the end.
