Introduction

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines tender chicken in a garlicky lemon sauce with creamy, cheesy rice. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special meal that’s easy to make and sure to impress.

A close-up of a dish in a white bowl filled with a base layer of white rice mixed with small orange and light brown vegetable pieces and herbs, topped with a layer of grilled, golden brown chicken pieces seasoned with herbs and spices. The chicken pieces have a slightly crispy and browned texture with scattered green parsley leaves adding a fresh touch on top. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface, showing a bit of the rim and the mix of textures in the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into strips
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Garlic Parmesan Rice:
1 cup long grain white rice
2 1/4 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sauté until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken broth, then add lemon juice. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, toss to coat it in the sauce, and heat through. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Step 5: While cooking the chicken, prepare the garlic Parmesan rice. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
Step 6: Add the rice to the saucepan and toast it for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Step 7: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Step 8: Stir in Parmesan cheese and season the rice with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the chicken scampi over the garlic Parmesan rice.

Tips & Variations

Substitute white wine with extra chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a touch of heat.
Use fresh lemon zest along with lemon juice for an extra bright flavor.
For a gluten-free meal, ensure the chicken broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist. Avoid overcooking when reheating to maintain the chicken’s tenderness.

How to Serve

The dish shows a white plate filled with a layer of creamy, white rice at the bottom, which looks soft and slightly fluffy. On top of the rice, there are several pieces of golden-brown grilled chicken with visible grill marks and a light sauce shining on them. The chicken pieces have a slight crispy texture and are sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. In the center, three bright yellow lemon wedges stand upright, adding a fresh contrast. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for the garlic Parmesan rice?

Yes, but cooking times and liquid amounts may vary. Long grain white rice works best for the texture in this recipe, but you can use basmati or jasmine rice with slight adjustments.

Is it necessary to deglaze the pan with wine or broth?

Deglazing helps lift flavorful browned bits from the pan, enriching the sauce’s taste. Using broth is a great alternative if you want to avoid alcohol, and both options work well.