Name: Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: Chicken breasts or thighs; Olive oil; Butter; Garlic cloves, minced; Lemon juice; White wine (optional); Chicken broth; Fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper; Long grain rice or jasmine rice; Grated Parmesan cheese; Milk or cream (for the rice)

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a delicious, comforting dish that combines tender, garlic-infused chicken with creamy, cheesy rice. The savory flavors of garlic and parmesan come together perfectly to create a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. I love how this recipe brings restaurant-quality taste right to my kitchen without any fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this recipe because it’s quick to make yet packed with flavor. The garlic and lemon in the chicken scampi make the dish bright and fresh, while the parmesan rice adds a rich, creamy texture that complements the chicken perfectly. It’s a complete meal on one plate and perfect for a weeknight dinner or when I want to impress guests without spending hours cooking.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts or thighs
Olive oil
Butter
Garlic cloves, minced
Lemon juice
White wine (optional, but I find it adds great depth)
Chicken broth
Fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper
Long grain rice or jasmine rice
Grated Parmesan cheese
Milk or cream (for the rice)

directions

Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in white wine (if using) and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley. Return the chicken to the pan and spoon some sauce over it. Let it cook together for a few minutes so the flavors meld.
Meanwhile, prepare the garlic parmesan rice. Cook rice according to package instructions, substituting some of the water with chicken broth for added flavor. When rice is cooked, stir in butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, and a splash of milk or cream to make it creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the chicken scampi over a bed of garlic parmesan rice. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap chicken breasts for shrimp or scallops to make a seafood version.
Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce gives it a nice little kick.
For a lower-carb option, I serve the chicken scampi with cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
Fresh spinach or asparagus can be sautéed and added to the dish for extra veggies.
Using fresh lemon zest in the sauce enhances the citrus flavor even more.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I gently warm the chicken and rice in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving as it can make the rice a bit mushy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, I usually thaw frozen chicken completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and better texture.

Is white wine necessary for the sauce?

No, it’s optional. I find it adds a nice depth of flavor, but chicken broth alone works just fine.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. I skip the butter and parmesan in the rice and use olive oil instead, and it still tastes great.

What kind of rice works best for this dish?

I prefer long grain or jasmine rice because of their texture and flavor, but basmati rice can also work well.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

It’s naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth and avoid any additives with gluten. Just double-check your ingredients to be sure.

Conclusion

I love making Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice because it’s a perfect balance of rich, garlicky flavor and creamy, comforting rice. It feels special enough for guests but easy enough for a regular weeknight. Once I make it, it quickly becomes a favorite to repeat — it’s just that good.