Looking for a quick, delicious, and comforting dinner idea? Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is the perfect one-pan meal that combines juicy, pan-seared chicken with buttery, garlicky rice finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Inspired by the flavors of Italian-American scampi, this recipe swaps out pasta for rice, making it extra creamy, hearty, and satisfying. Whether you’re craving bold garlic flavor or a cozy rice bowl, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Easy Weeknight Dinner – Ready in under 40 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
- One-Pan Magic – Less mess, more flavor, and minimal cleanup!
- Bold Garlic-Parmesan Flavor – Each bite is rich, savory, and ultra-satisfying.
- Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing – Perfect for the whole family.
- Customizable – Easily adapt to your taste (spicy, creamy, gluten-free, etc.).
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Key Ingredients:
- Boneless Chicken Breasts – Tender, juicy protein that sears beautifully for a golden crust.
- Garlic – The star of this dish, adding bold, aromatic depth throughout.
- Butter & Olive Oil – Create a rich, silky base for both the chicken and the rice.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a creamy, umami-packed finish to the rice.
- Chicken Broth – Infuses the rice with savory flavor and keeps it perfectly fluffy.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens the chicken and balances the richness.
- Italian Seasoning & Red Pepper Flakes – Deliver herby, slightly spicy flair.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
- Prep the Chicken
Slice chicken breasts thinly and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. - Sear the Chicken
In a hot skillet with olive oil and butter, cook chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside. - Sauté Garlic
In the same skillet, add more butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant—don’t let it brown! - Deglaze & Flavor
Add a splash of lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Stir well to lift browned bits and deepen flavor. - Cook the Rice
Stir in rice, toast briefly, then pour in chicken broth. Cover and simmer until rice is tender. - Add Cheese & Finish
Once the rice is cooked, stir in Parmesan cheese and a pat of butter for creamy richness. - Assemble
Top the rice with the cooked chicken slices. Garnish with parsley and a bit of extra Parmesan.
Expert Tip:
For ultra-juicy chicken, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain all the juices.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it Creamy – Add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to the rice for extra indulgence.
- Spice it Up – Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Low-Carb Option – Swap rice with riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
- Add Veggies – Stir in spinach, peas, or mushrooms during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
How to Store & Reheat
- To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Add a splash of broth or water and microwave covered for 1–2 minutes, or warm on the stove over low heat.
- To Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice, here are a few more flavorful and comforting dishes to try next:
- Mountain Chicken – The Enigmatic Giant of the Caribbean – A unique and hearty Caribbean delicacy that’s rich in history and flavor.
- Rice Cakes – Quick, Easy, and Versatile Snack Recipe – Perfect for light snacking or pairing with savory spreads.
- Spanish Rice Recipe – A Flavorful and Easy-to-Make Dish – A bold, tomato-based rice dish you can serve with any protein.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Chicken Scampi?
Chicken Scampi is an Italian-American dish featuring sautéed chicken in a garlic butter, lemon, and wine (or broth) sauce—typically served over pasta but here paired with rice.
Can I use leftover rice?
Yes! Just reduce the broth and heat the rice until warmed through, stirring in Parmesan at the end.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely—replace the butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure the chicken broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free.
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is the ultimate comfort food with bold flavor, easy steps, and versatile ingredients. Whether you’re new to cooking or just want a reliable dinner recipe, this dish will quickly become a weeknight staple.
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter divided
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken slices and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in lemon juice and red pepper flakes.
- Add rice and toast for 2 minutes, then pour in chicken broth.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is cooked through.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and fluff the rice.
- Top with chicken and garnish with parsley. Serve hot!