Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. You get tender, juicy chicken cooked in a buttery garlic sauce that’s brightened up with a squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs. The rice is creamy and cheesy, flavored with garlic and parmesan, which makes each bite comforting and full of flavor.
I love making this meal when I want something that tastes special but isn’t too tricky to put together. The garlic parmesan rice soaks up all the buttery sauce from the chicken, making sure you don’t miss a single drop. My favorite part? When the edges of the chicken get a little crispy from the pan—that crunch adds such a great texture contrast with the soft rice.
This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or when I want to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen. I usually pair it with a simple green salad or steamed veggies to keep things fresh and balanced. Whenever I serve it, people ask for seconds—and I’m happy to make a big batch because it’s just that good.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breast tenders: These cook quickly and stay tender. You can swap them for thighs if you prefer juicier meat. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
White wine: This adds acidity and depth to the scampi sauce. If you don’t use alcohol, chicken broth with a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice works well.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the sauce its signature bright and bold flavor. Minced garlic is best here; avoid pre-minced pastes for freshness.
Parmesan cheese: This adds creaminess and umami to the rice. Pecorino Romano is a nice substitute if you like a sharper taste or need a different hard cheese.
Rice: Long grain rice like basmati or jasmine stays fluffy. For low-carb options, cauliflower rice can be used, but the texture will be different.
How Can You Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken with a Golden Crust?
The secret is dry chicken and a hot pan.
- Pat the chicken dry to remove moisture—this helps it brown nicely.
- Heat the pan and oil/butter until quite hot before adding chicken to prevent sticking.
- Don’t crowd the pan; chicken needs space for even browning. Cook in batches if needed.
- Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes per side until golden, then check for doneness.
This method gives you juicy chicken with a flavorful crust, which is key in scampi.
What’s the Best Way to Make Garlic Parmesan Rice Creamy and Flavorful?
Cooking rice in chicken broth infuses it with flavor. Adding butter and parmesan once it’s cooked creates a creamy, cheesy texture. Stirring two minced garlic cloves into the warm rice gives it a gentle garlic aroma without being overpowering. Use a fork to fluff rice gently—this keeps grains separate and light.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for cooking the chicken evenly and making the scampi sauce all in one pan.
- Medium saucepan with lid – ideal for cooking rice; a tight-fitting lid helps steam the rice perfectly.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring rice and scraping pan bits without scratching.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to measure ingredients like rice, broth, and spices accurately.
- Knife and cutting board – for mincing garlic and chopping parsley fresh.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp to make classic shrimp scampi with garlic parmesan rice—it cooks quickly and complements the flavors.
- Add spinach or kale to the rice at the end for extra color and nutrients without changing the taste too much.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers in the sauce for a tangy twist that pairs well with garlic and lemon.
- Mix in a pinch of smoked paprika or Italian seasoning for a different spice profile that adds warmth to the dish.
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Scampi:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast tenders or cutlets
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 2 cups long-grain white rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth (for cooking rice)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook the rice, and about 15-20 minutes to cook the chicken and sauce. In total, plan for around 30 to 35 minutes from start to finish—a perfect midweek dinner that’s quick but full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
Start by bringing 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil in a medium pot. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer following the package directions until the rice is tender—usually about 15 minutes. When done, fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in 2 tablespoons butter, the grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Keep it warm while you prepare the chicken.
2. Prepare and Cook the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry to help it brown nicely. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and hot. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Scampi Sauce and Finish the Dish:
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the remaining 3 minced garlic cloves and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, scraping any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let the sauce simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it gently to coat with the sauce. Stir in the chopped parsley and taste for seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Place a generous scoop of the garlic Parmesan rice on each plate, then top with the saucy chicken pieces. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges on the side for squeezing fresh lemon juice over the dish. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful meal with family or friends!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure it’s completely thawed first! Thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Pat dry well to get a nice sear.
Can I Substitute the White Wine?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth with a splash of white wine vinegar or extra lemon juice works great to keep that bright, tangy flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep the chicken tender.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the rice and chicken separately, refrigerate, then reheat and finish the sauce when ready to serve for best freshness.
