Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that’s guaranteed to impress but easy enough for a relaxed weeknight, Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is the ultimate answer. This recipe pairs golden, garlicky chicken with fluffy, cheesy rice infused with buttery richness and bright lemon—every bite is packed with savory Italian-American flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to a “just because” dinner, you’ll love how the fresh herbs, tangy lemon, and Parmesan bring the whole meal together for a restaurant-worthy experience at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice at home. Every ingredient plays its part, lending flavor, texture, or a pop of color. No fancy techniques—just fresh, honest ingredients that make this dish such a standout.

• Chicken Tenders or Thin-Sliced Breasts: Offer quick cooking and juicy results, perfect for soaking up all the flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour: Coats the chicken for a lightly crisp, golden exterior when sautéed.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Simple but essential, these add depth and round out the other savory notes.
• Olive Oil: Gives the chicken beautiful browning and a hint of fruity flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds creaminess and rounds out the garlicky, herby sauce.
• Fresh Garlic: The backbone of this dish, bringing unmistakable boldness to both the chicken and rice.
• Dry White Wine (or Chicken Broth): Deglazes the pan for an ultra-flavorful, silky sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Lifts the entire dish with a zesty, refreshing brightness.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Bring gentle heat; use more or less to taste.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley: For color and a tidy herbal finish.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: This salty, nutty cheese melts beautifully in both sauce and rice.
• Long Grain White Rice: The perfect mild canvas for soaking up buttery, cheesy flavors.
• Chicken Broth: Makes the rice extra savory and moist—skip the water for best results.

How to Make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Step 1: Dredge the Chicken

Start by mixing your flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Lightly coat each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour. This helps achieve the classic golden crust that sets Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice apart from other lemon chicken recipes.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the dredged chicken pieces. Cook them 3–4 minutes per side until they’re crisp and cooked through, then set them aside. This is where your kitchen starts to smell irresistible!

Step 3: Create the Garlic-Lemon Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken broth, scraping up all those golden bits that bring so much flavor. Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an optional kick.

Step 4: Simmer Chicken in the Sauce

Return your chicken pieces to the skillet, turning them gently so they’re fully coated in that aromatic sauce. Let it all simmer together for 2–3 more minutes. This step lets the chicken soak up every ounce of garlicky, lemony deliciousness.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Parmesan Rice

While the chicken cooks, prepare the rice. Melt butter in a saucepan, add garlic and let it sizzle for a minute. Add rice, toasting it lightly to release nutty flavors. Pour in your chicken broth, bring it to a boil, cover, and simmer on low for 15–18 minutes until fluffy. Off the heat, fluff the rice and fold in grated Parmesan until lusciously creamy.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Serve the chicken scampi right over a bed of garlic Parmesan rice. Spoon that garlicky, lemony sauce over the top so no flavor goes to waste. Finish with a shower of chopped parsley and a final generous sprinkle of Parmesan. The duo of tender chicken and cheesy rice makes for a picture-perfect plate!

How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Garnishes

A little extra flourish elevates Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice from homey to stunning. Try topping each plate with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and a handful of freshly grated Parmesan. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the top brightens everything up and adds a dash of elegance.

Side Dishes

This dish is complete on its own, but you can always add light sides. Consider a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or seasonal sautéed vegetables like asparagus or zucchini for color and crunch. Some toasted garlic bread is also a classic accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, mound the garlic Parmesan rice in the center of a shallow bowl and lay the golden chicken pieces on top. Drizzle with sauce and let it spill around the edges. For gatherings, serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice family-style on a platter, letting everyone help themselves to their favorite parts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully! Simply transfer cooled Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the chicken and rice together so they continue to share flavors.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, though for best quality, freeze the chicken separately from the rice. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers and label with the date. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

To reheat, place portions of Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice in a skillet over medium-low with a splash of broth or water, and heat gently until warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch—just cover and stir halfway for even warmth.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for dredging the chicken. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free—just double-check your chicken broth if you’re highly sensitive.

What’s the best substitute for the white wine in the sauce?

If you’d rather skip wine, use an equal amount of chicken broth for deglazing the pan. You’ll still get lots of flavor and moisture in the sauce, with no alcohol content.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can, though brown rice will require a longer cooking time and a bit more liquid. Just follow the package instructions for rice-to-liquid ratio, and keep the garlic and Parmesan additions the same for that signature flavor.

How can I add vegetables to this dish?

Sautéed spinach, zucchini, or even halved cherry tomatoes are delicious additions. Simply stir them in right before serving, or cook them alongside the chicken for extra color and nutrition in your Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The sauce is zesty but not spicy (unless you add red pepper flakes), the chicken is tender, and the cheesy rice is comforting and mild. You can easily skip the wine and red pepper to cater to younger palates.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice has quickly become one of my go-to comfort meals, and I truly hope it finds a spot in your kitchen, too. It’s a winning combination of simple ingredients and bold flavors that anyone can pull off, so grab your skillet and see how deliciously easy it can be!

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