Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

The moment the sizzling Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice hits your table, you’ll be enveloped by the aromatic blend of buttery garlic, white wine, and fresh herbs. This restaurant-quality dish combines tender chicken strips with a luxurious lemon-garlic sauce, all served over a bed of creamy, parmesan-infused rice that soaks up every drop of flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for special occasions, this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice brings together classic Italian-American flavors in one satisfying meal. You’ll learn how to create the perfect balance of tangy, garlicky sauce while keeping your chicken juicy and your rice perfectly seasoned.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll quickly add Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice to your regular rotation for so many reasons. First, the textural contrast is absolutely divine – tender, juicy chicken strips nestled against creamy, parmesan-infused rice, all brought together by a silky, buttery scampi sauce that clings perfectly to each bite.

Unlike traditional scampi recipes that pair with pasta, this version features garlic parmesan rice that absorbs the sauce beautifully, creating a more substantial and satisfying meal. The entire dish comes together in under 45 minutes, making it accessible for weeknight cooking without sacrificing flavor.

The bright notes of lemon and white wine cut through the richness of the butter and parmesan, creating a perfectly balanced dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated. Best of all, both components – the scampi and the rice – can be prepared simultaneously, meaning less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying this restaurant-worthy meal with your loved ones.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Scampi:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 8 garlic cloves, minced (about 3 tablespoons)
• ¼ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced (about 1½ tablespoons)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pro Tips

Master the Chicken Texture: For the most tender chicken scampi, slice your chicken breasts against the grain into thin strips (about ¼-inch thick). For even cooking, ensure all pieces are similar in size. The key is to cook the chicken quickly over medium-high heat just until done – about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking will result in tough, dry chicken that ruins the luxurious texture of your Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice.

Perfect Garlic Cooking Technique: The secret to incredible garlic flavor without bitterness is proper cooking. Add the garlic to the pan only after reducing the heat to medium-low. Cook it just until fragrant (30-45 seconds) before adding your wine and lemon juice. This prevents the garlic from burning while still releasing its aromatic compounds into the sauce.

Rice Perfection: For the creamiest garlic parmesan rice, toast the uncooked rice in butter for 2-3 minutes before adding liquid. This develops a nutty flavor and helps each grain maintain its integrity. For maximum creaminess, stir in the parmesan cheese while the rice is still hot from cooking, but after you’ve removed it from the heat source. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly without making it stringy or clumpy.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken strips generously with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding (which would steam rather than sear the chicken), add the chicken strips in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Repeat with remaining chicken, adding the remaining tablespoon of oil if needed.

Step 2: Start the Rice
While the chicken is cooking, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add the rice and stir to coat each grain with the garlic butter. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it smells nutty. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce
Return the skillet used for the chicken to medium-low heat. Add 4 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly and the alcohol cooks off.

Step 4: Finish the Chicken Scampi
Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet with the sauce. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and gently toss until the chicken is coated and the butter has melted into the sauce. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley and lemon zest. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 5: Complete the Rice
Once the rice has finished cooking, fluff it with a fork and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.

Step 6: Serve
Spoon the garlic Parmesan rice onto plates or a serving platter and top with the chicken scampi and plenty of the garlic butter sauce. Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional parsley or Parmesan if desired.

Variations

Seafood Scampi Rice Bowl: Transform this dish into a seafood lover’s dream by substituting the chicken with 1½ pounds of large shrimp, scallops, or a combination of both. Cook the seafood for just 1-2 minutes per side until opaque – be careful not to overcook. The sweet, delicate flavor of seafood pairs beautifully with the garlic lemon sauce and creates a more traditional scampi experience with the unique twist of parmesan rice instead of pasta.

Vegetable-Packed Version: For a more nutritious twist on Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice, add 2 cups of vegetables like asparagus, cherry tomatoes, spinach, or bell peppers. For firmer vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers, sauté them briefly after cooking the chicken and before making the sauce. For softer vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes, add them to the sauce during the final minute of cooking. This creates a complete one-dish meal with added color, texture, and nutrients.

Creamy Variation: For those who prefer a richer, creamier sauce, add ¼ cup of heavy cream to the sauce after the wine has reduced. Let it simmer for an additional minute until slightly thickened before returning the chicken to the pan. This creates a more indulgent, restaurant-style scampi that’s perfect for special occasions.

Storage and Serving

Store any leftover Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the chicken with its sauce separately from the rice to prevent the rice from becoming too soggy. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to the rice to restore moisture, and gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, being careful not to overcook the already-cooked chicken.

For an elegant presentation, serve this dish on warmed plates with the creamy rice as a base and the chicken scampi artfully arranged on top. Garnish with a lemon wedge, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some garlic-roasted broccoli for a complete meal. For a special dinner, serve alongside a chilled glass of the same dry white wine you used in the sauce – the acidity will complement the richness of the dish perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often result in even juicier chicken. Cut them into strips of similar size and follow the same cooking instructions, though they may need an extra minute of cooking time.

What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute the wine with an equal amount of chicken broth plus 1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar or extra lemon juice to maintain the acidity that balances the richness of the butter.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The garlic Parmesan rice can be made 1-2 days ahead and reheated with a splash of broth. However, the chicken scampi is best prepared just before serving to maintain its tender texture and prevent the sauce from separating.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is naturally gluten-free, assuming your chicken broth is gluten-free. Always check store-bought broth labels to be certain.

Can I freeze this dish?
While you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months, the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze the chicken and rice separately in airtight containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.

Conclusion

This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of tender chicken bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, perfectly complemented by creamy, cheesy rice that soaks up every last drop of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion, bringing restaurant-quality dining to your home table with surprisingly little effort. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers impressive results that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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