Juicy chicken, buttery garlic sauce, and creamy, savory rice
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting, restaurant-style meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Tender chicken is seared and coated in a rich garlic-butter scampi sauce, then served over fluffy rice infused with Parmesan and herbs. It’s elegant enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
This dish brings together bold garlic flavor, buttery richness, and creamy rice in one irresistible plate.
Why This Dish Is a Winner
- Big flavor, simple steps
- One-skillet chicken, minimal cleanup
- Creamy Parmesan rice balances the garlic butter sauce
- Family-friendly and meal-prep friendly
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Scampi
- 700 g (1½ lb) chicken breast or thighs, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Optional: red pepper flakes, parsley
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice
- 1½ cups long-grain rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Rice
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Stir in rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer 15–18 minutes until tender.
Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan. Cover and keep warm.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Scampi Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (30 seconds).
Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
4. Combine
Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
Sprinkle with parsley and optional red pepper flakes.
5. Serve
Spoon chicken and sauce over the garlic Parmesan rice. Serve hot.
Pro Tips for Best Flavor
- Don’t overcook garlic—it should be fragrant, not brown
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for creamy rice
- Add lemon zest for extra brightness
- Deglaze the pan well to capture all flavor
Easy Variations
- Creamy scampi: Add a splash of cream to the sauce
- Shrimp scampi style: Swap chicken for shrimp
- Low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice
- Extra cheesy rice: Add more Parmesan or a little mozzarella
Final Thoughts
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor—a dish that feels special without being complicated. Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests, it’s sure to become a favorite 🍗🧄✨