Name: Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced (divided); 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish); 1 cup long grain white rice; 2 tablespoons butter (for rice); 2 cloves garlic, minced (for rice); 2 cups chicken broth (for rice); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk for creaminess

This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is one of my favorite meals when I want something restaurant-quality at home—without the price tag or the effort. Juicy chicken sautéed in a buttery garlic lemon sauce sits perfectly over creamy, cheesy rice. It’s a simple, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and always hits the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it combines two things I crave: rich garlic-parmesan rice and buttery, lemony chicken. It’s comforting without being too heavy, and the flavors are bright and savory with just the right amount of zing. The rice soaks up the scampi sauce like a dream, and the whole thing comes together in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy nights or anytime I want to feel like I’m eating out at home.

Ingredients

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

For the chicken scampi:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
Olive oil
Butter
Fresh garlic, minced
Lemon juice
Chicken broth or white wine
Salt
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the garlic Parmesan rice:

Long grain white rice
Butter
Garlic, minced
Chicken broth
Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt
Black pepper
Optional: heavy cream or milk for creaminess

Directions

I start by cooking the rice: in a saucepan, I melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. I stir in the rice, toast it for a minute, then add chicken broth and bring it to a boil. I reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender.
Once cooked, I stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. I sometimes add a splash of cream for a richer texture.
While the rice cooks, I season and sauté the chicken in olive oil and butter until golden and cooked through.
I add garlic to the pan, followed by lemon juice and broth or wine, letting it simmer for a few minutes to form a buttery sauce.
I return the chicken to the pan and coat it in the scampi sauce.
I spoon the garlic Parmesan rice onto plates and top with the saucy chicken. A sprinkle of parsley finishes it off perfectly.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes around 30–35 minutes total—10 minutes to prep and 20–25 minutes to cook.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the chicken for shrimp to make a classic shrimp scampi version. When I want a veggie boost, I stir in spinach or peas into the rice at the end. For extra richness, I add a splash of cream or a pat of butter to the sauce just before serving. I’ve also used brown rice or orzo for a twist on texture.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth to loosen up the rice and sauce, or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, I can. I just slice or shred it and heat it in the sauce until warmed through. It’s a great shortcut for busy nights.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s not unless I add red pepper flakes. I like adding just a pinch for a little kick, but it’s totally optional.

What kind of Parmesan works best?

I prefer freshly grated Parmesan—it melts better and gives the rice a creamier texture and deeper flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead?

I can make the rice and scampi sauce ahead and store them separately. Reheat and combine when ready to serve for best texture.

What sides go well with this?

A green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables are great choices. It’s a full meal on its own, but a crisp side always rounds it out nicely.

Conclusion

This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting, flavorful dish that feels fancy without the fuss. The buttery garlic sauce and cheesy rice are a match made in heaven, and it’s all ready in about half an hour. Whether I’m feeding the family or treating myself, this dish always satisfies and earns a spot on my weekly menu.