This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a perfect blend of tender, golden-seared chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and creamy, cheesy rice. The flavors of lemon, Parmesan, and fresh herbs come together for a dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal made right at home.
With just the right balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The garlic Parmesan rice soaks up every bit of the luscious scampi sauce, making every bite a comforting delight. Serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup baby spinach
Directions:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter and Parmesan cheese, then set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken slices with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and let it reduce for 2-3 minutes.
- Lower the heat and add heavy cream, lemon juice, and cooked chicken back into the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then toss in cherry tomatoes and spinach, cooking until just wilted.
- Serve the chicken scampi over the garlic Parmesan rice, garnished with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a delicious fusion of classic Italian-American flavors with a hearty, comforting twist. Inspired by traditional shrimp scampi, this recipe swaps out seafood for tender, pan-seared chicken while maintaining the rich, garlicky, and buttery goodness of the original dish. The addition of creamy, cheesy garlic Parmesan rice makes it a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal you can enjoy at home.
Origins and Inspiration
Scampi dishes trace their roots to Italian cuisine, where “scampi” originally referred to langoustines or small lobsters cooked in a simple garlic butter sauce. When Italian immigrants brought the dish to America, shrimp became the preferred seafood replacement. This version replaces shrimp with chicken, making it more accessible while still keeping the same luscious, buttery, and zesty flavors that make scampi so beloved.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and a quick cooking process make this a fantastic weeknight dinner option.
- Rich & Creamy: The garlic butter sauce combined with Parmesan-infused rice creates an indulgent texture and taste.
- Family-Friendly: A kid-approved dish that pairs well with vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Customizable: You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even swap out the protein for shrimp, salmon, or tofu for variety.
Cooking Tips & Techniques
1. Cooking the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender results.
- Searing the chicken in a mix of butter and olive oil gives it a golden, crispy exterior while keeping it juicy inside.
- Seasoning the chicken with Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper before cooking enhances its flavor.
2. Perfecting the Garlic Parmesan Rice
- Cooking the rice in chicken broth instead of water adds depth and richness.
- Stirring in freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the end gives the rice a creamy, umami-packed finish.
- Adding a small amount of butter at the end creates an extra velvety texture.
3. Elevating the Scampi Sauce
- A combination of butter, garlic, red pepper flakes, and white wine forms the base of the sauce.
- If you don’t cook with wine, substitute it with chicken broth and a squeeze of lemon juice to maintain the bright, tangy flavor.
- Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before adding the chicken back in.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve with roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a crisp side salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the garlicky, buttery notes of the dish.
Variations & Substitutions
- Keto-Friendly: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Spicy Version: Add an extra dash of crushed red pepper flakes or mix in some spicy Italian sausage.
- Seafood Twist: Swap out the chicken for shrimp, scallops, or even salmon for a seafood-inspired take on this dish.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and scampi sauce separately for up to 2 months. However, rice is best enjoyed fresh.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce from drying out.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Scampi
1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients
- Fresh garlic is essential for achieving the deep, aromatic flavors of the scampi sauce.
- High-quality Parmesan cheese melts beautifully into the rice, adding a nutty and salty richness.
- Fresh parsley and lemon juice bring brightness and balance to the dish.
2. Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
- Cook the chicken over medium-high heat in a mix of butter and olive oil for the perfect golden-brown crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear.
3. Achieve the Perfect Scampi Sauce
- Deglazing the pan with dry white wine enhances the dish with depth and acidity. If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute it with chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to concentrate the flavors before adding the chicken back into the pan.
4. Make the Garlic Parmesan Rice Extra Creamy
- Cooking the rice in chicken broth instead of water boosts the overall flavor.
- Stirring in Parmesan cheese and butter at the end creates a rich, velvety texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with fresh herbs – Chopped parsley or basil enhances the presentation and taste.
- Add a vegetable side – Serve with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a fresh green salad.
- Pair with a glass of wine – A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
Variations & Customization Ideas
🔹 Make It Spicier – Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a kick.
🔹 Swap the Protein – Try shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a different take on this recipe.
🔹 Low-Carb Version – Replace the rice with cauliflower rice or serve the chicken scampi over zucchini noodles.
🔹 Creamier Texture – Stir in a touch more heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – The chicken and scampi sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months (store separately from the rice for best texture).
- Reheating – Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce.
Conclusion
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is an indulgent yet simple dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your home. With its bold garlic butter sauce, juicy chicken, and cheesy, creamy rice, this meal is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special date night, this recipe proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create something truly delicious. Give it a try, and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of homemade scampi-style chicken!