Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

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Introduction:

This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that feels fancy but is easy enough for any night of the week. Juicy, golden chicken breasts are simmered in a buttery garlic lemon sauce and served over creamy, cheesy rice for a meal that’s pure comfort on a plate.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup white wine (or additional chicken broth)
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. Add the remaining butter and olive oil to the skillet. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
  3. Stir in chicken broth and white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Add lemon juice and parsley. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5 more minutes to soak up the flavors.
  5. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add rice and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
  6. Once rice is cooked, stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy and combined.
  7. Serve chicken scampi over a bed of garlic Parmesan rice, spoon sauce on top, and garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Variation

  1. Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs
    Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a juicier alternative and bring even more flavor to the dish. They’re also a bit more forgiving if slightly overcooked, making them a great option for busy weeknights.
  2. Make it creamy
    For an even richer version, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the pan sauce right after the broth simmers. It will create a velvety garlic cream sauce that pairs beautifully with the rice.
  3. Add veggies to the skillet
    Stir in some sautéed spinach, asparagus tips, or halved cherry tomatoes into the pan sauce during the final simmer. This adds color, texture, and nutrients without needing a separate side dish.

Cooking Notes

  1. Don’t overcrowd the pan
    When searing the chicken, give each piece enough space so it browns nicely. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam instead of getting that golden crust.
  2. Deglaze with wine or broth properly
    After sautéing the garlic, pour in the wine or broth and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits are packed with flavor and create a rich base for the sauce.
  3. Let the rice rest before stirring in cheese
    After the rice finishes cooking, let it sit covered for a few minutes off the heat. This helps finish the steaming process and prevents the grains from becoming too sticky when you stir in the Parmesan.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Pair with a crisp green salad
    A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the garlic butter sauce and creamy rice. The acidity helps cleanse the palate between bites.
  2. Serve with warm, crusty bread
    Garlic bread or a rustic loaf is perfect for soaking up every drop of the buttery lemon-garlic sauce left on your plate. It’s a simple way to stretch the meal further, too.
  3. Add a refreshing drink pairing
    Serve this dish with a chilled sparkling lemonade or a citrus-infused iced tea. The bright, zesty flavors of the drink mirror the lemon in the scampi and help balance the richness of the buttery garlic sauce. It’s a refreshing way to round out the meal without needing anything fancy.

Tips

  1. Use freshly grated Parmesan
    Pre-shredded Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese will melt better into the rice and give a silkier texture.
  2. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness
    If your chicken breasts are uneven, lightly pound them to a uniform thickness before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents the thinner parts from drying out.
  3. Finish with extra lemon zest for brightness
    Grate a little lemon zest over the dish right before serving. It adds a pop of fresh flavor and enhances the citrus notes already in the sauce without extra acidity.

Prep Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 480 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Sodium: 520 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make this ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prep the chicken and even cook the rice a day ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers. When ready to serve, reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to bring everything back to life.

  2. What can I use instead of white wine?
    If you prefer to skip wine, simply use extra chicken broth. The acidity from the lemon still brings a bright flavor, so you won’t miss out on the balance.

  3. Can I use instant rice instead of long-grain rice?
    You can, but the texture won’t be quite as fluffy and creamy. If you’re short on time, instant rice will still work—just follow the package instructions and stir in Parmesan at the end as usual.

  4. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
    The best way is to use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part; the juices should run clear and the inside should be fully white.

Conclusion

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is one of those cozy, crowd-pleasing dinners that feels restaurant-worthy without the fuss. It’s buttery, garlicky, bright with lemon, and all tied together with creamy, cheesy rice. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this dish brings comfort and flavor to the table in under an hour. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. 🍋🍗✨

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Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that feels fancy but is easy enough for any night of the week. Juicy, golden chicken breasts are simmered in a buttery garlic lemon sauce and served over creamy, cheesy rice for a meal that’s pure comfort on a plate.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup white wine (or additional chicken broth)
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. Add the remaining butter and olive oil to the skillet. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
  3. Stir in chicken broth and white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Add lemon juice and parsley. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5 more minutes to soak up the flavors.
  5. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add rice and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
  6. Once rice is cooked, stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy and combined.
  7. Serve chicken scampi over a bed of garlic Parmesan rice, spoon sauce on top, and garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Notes

  • For extra creaminess in the rice, stir in a splash of cream or an extra tablespoon of butter with the Parmesan.
  • This dish also pairs beautifully with sautéed spinach or roasted veggies on the side.
  • If you don’t cook with wine, just use all chicken broth it’s just as flavorful!
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg

Keywords: chicken scampi, garlic parmesan rice, easy chicken dinner, creamy rice recipe, chicken with lemon butter sauce

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