Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish layers bold, fresh flavors without being heavy. The lemon and garlic in the scampi brighten the savory richness of the chicken, while the Parmesan rice is creamy, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s gluten-free, made with simple ingredients, and comes together in under an hour—all in one skillet and a saucepan.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:
450 grams boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
30 milliliters olive oil
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
120 milliliters chicken broth
Juice of 1 lemon
60 milliliters dry white wine (optional)
28 grams unsalted butter
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
200 grams long-grain white rice
480 milliliters chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
25 grams grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. I start by seasoning the sliced chicken on both sides with salt and black pepper.

2. In a large skillet, I heat the olive oil over medium-high. I sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until it’s golden brown and cooked through, then transfer it to a plate.

3. Using the same skillet, I sauté the minced garlic for about a minute until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to brown it.

4. I pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and wine (if using), scraping up the flavorful bits stuck to the pan. I let it simmer for 3–4 minutes so it reduces slightly.

5. I stir in the butter until it melts completely into the sauce, creating a silky, buttery base.

6. I return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce to coat each piece evenly. I finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

7. Meanwhile, I cook the rice in a saucepan with chicken broth and minced garlic. Once boiling, I cover and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes until tender and the broth is absorbed.

8. Off the heat, I stir in the Parmesan cheese and season the rice to taste.

9. To serve, I plate the garlic Parmesan rice, top it with the scampi chicken, spoon extra sauce over everything, and garnish with more parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time is 15 minutes, cook time is 30 minutes, and total time is about 45 minutes.

Variations

• I sometimes use shrimp instead of chicken for a more traditional scampi feel.

• If I want a spicier kick, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic as it sautés.

• For extra creaminess, I mix a splash of cream or a dollop of cream cheese into the rice.

• I’ve also made this with brown rice or orzo—just adjust the cooking time and liquid as needed.

• Fresh basil or thyme can be swapped in for parsley for a slightly different herb profile.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too, but I do it in short bursts to keep the chicken tender.

FAQs

Can I make this without wine?

Yes, I often skip the wine or substitute it with more chicken broth and a splash of white vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.

What’s the best cut of chicken to use?

I use thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but thighs work just as well and stay super juicy.

Can I make this dish ahead?

Parts of it, yes. I sometimes prep and cook the rice ahead of time and reheat it just before serving. The chicken is best freshly cooked for the juiciest texture.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, the flavors are bright and mild. I usually omit the wine and go light on the lemon for younger palates.

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Absolutely. If I have leftover rice, I reheat it with garlic, a little broth, and Parmesan stirred in—it still turns out delicious.

Conclusion

This Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice is one of those meals that feels like a treat but doesn’t take a ton of time or effort. The combination of lemon-garlic butter sauce and cheesy rice is irresistible, and it all comes together in a simple, well-balanced plate. It’s fresh, flavorful, and a dish I always come back to when I want something comforting yet vibrant.