Tangy Succulent Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

Tender pieces of chicken dance in a buttery garlic parmesan rice that promises pure culinary magic.

Seafood-inspired flavors blend seamlessly with perfectly seared chicken breasts.

Each forkful delivers a rich, aromatic experience that tingles taste buds with complex layers of seasoning.

The dish brings together classic Italian-inspired ingredients in a simple yet elegant preparation.

Herbs and fresh parmesan cheese create depth and warmth in every bite.

Weeknight dinners or special occasions call for this restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Prepare to savor a plate of comfort that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 4

Garlic Chicken Scampi With Rice Essentials

• Long Grain White Rice: Perfectly absorbs flavors and creates fluffy texture for hearty foundation.
• Chicken Broth: Adds rich depth and replaces plain water for more complex taste profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance overall rice flavor and balance.

• Garlic: Brings robust, zesty punch and classic Mediterranean warmth to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides bright, herbaceous finish with vibrant green color and freshness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces creamy, nutty dimension with elegant umami undertones.

• Butter: Creates silky base for sautéing, delivers rich golden color and luxurious mouthfeel.

Tools for Cooking Scampi and Parmesan Rice

• Medium Saucepan: Essential for cooking rice and melting butter evenly.
• Fork: Perfect for fluffing rice and mixing in Parmesan cheese.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping garlic and parsley.
• Sharp Knife: Used for mincing garlic and chopping fresh parsley.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurate broth and rice measurements.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring rice and preventing sticking.

How to Cook Chicken Scampi in Under 30 Minutes

• Awaken Garlic Flavors

Melt butter in a sizzling pan, then dance minced garlic around until its heavenly aroma fills the kitchen.

• Transform Rice into Comfort

Pour rice into the buttery garlic bath, coating each grain with deliciousness. Splash in chicken broth, sprinkle salt and pepper, then let it simmer quietly under a cozy lid until tender and fluffy.

• Crown the Rice with Cheesy Goodness

Pull the pan off the heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Shower Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley over the top, letting them melt and mingle into a creamy, herbal embrace.

• Sear Chicken to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet until it shimmers. Drop seasoned chicken pieces into the blazing pan, allowing each side to turn golden and crisp.

• Create Scampi Sauce

Splash white wine and lemon juice into the chicken’s cooking pan. Add butter and swirl until a silky, tangy sauce forms around the seared chicken.

• Combine and Serve

Nestle the sizzling chicken onto the cheesy rice, drizzling the vibrant scampi sauce over everything. Garnish with extra parsley for a burst of fresh color.

Ways to Amp Up the Garlic and Parmesan

• Mince garlic finely and watch it closely to prevent burning, which can make the flavor bitter and harsh.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Swap rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version that keeps the delicious garlic and Parmesan flavors intact.
• Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a similar umami flavor that works perfectly for lactose-intolerant guests.
• Substitute chicken with shrimp or white fish for a delightful seafood twist on this classic scampi recipe.

Serve This Dish for Weeknight Family Dinners

• Flavor Party Plate: Arrange the golden chicken scampi on top of the creamy garlic Parmesan rice, creating a beautiful contrast of colors and textures that'll make your dinner feel restaurant-worthy.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, adding a pop of green and a burst of cheesy goodness that elevates the entire meal's visual appeal.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the garlic and buttery flavors of the chicken and rice perfectly.
• Fresh Side Kick: Add a light side salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus to balance the rich, savory main dish and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy rice.

Store and Reheat Scampi With Flavor Intact

• Store leftover chicken scampi and rice separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Warm chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Microwave rice in 30-second intervals, adding a tablespoon of water to restore moisture and prevent clumping.
• Package cooled dish in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and quality.
• Prepare rice and chicken in larger batches during weekend cooking sessions. Portion into individual containers for quick, grab-and-go lunches throughout the week, saving time and reducing weekday cooking stress.

Succulent Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent chicken scampi dances with zesty lemon and garlic, nestled on a bed of creamy parmesan rice. Comfort meets elegance in this Italian-inspired dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor directly to your kitchen.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 chicken breasts (large, cut into thin strips)
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for creamy version)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Aromatic Garlic Base: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, gently sautéing minced garlic until its enticing fragrance fills the kitchen, releasing intense flavor within moments.
2. Rice Preparation: Introduce rice into the buttery garlic mixture, thoroughly coating each grain, then pour in chicken broth, seasoning with salt and pepper. Bring to a vigorous boil, immediately cover, and reduce heat to low, allowing the rice to simmer and absorb liquid for approximately 15 minutes until perfectly tender.
3. Final Flavor Enhancement: Remove rice from heat, delicately fluff with a fork to separate grains, then fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley. Cover and let the residual warmth meld the flavors while preparing the accompanying chicken scampi.
4. Chicken Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, carefully placing seasoned chicken pieces to achieve a golden-brown exterior, creating a crisp and flavorful crust.
5. Aromatic Sauce Creation: Reduce heat, introduce minced garlic and white wine to the skillet, allowing the liquid to slightly reduce and intensify the pan’s existing flavors. Add lemon juice, butter, and herbs to create a luxurious, silky sauce coating the chicken.
6. Final Assembly: Gently combine seared chicken with the prepared garlic Parmesan rice, ensuring each component is thoroughly heated and beautifully intertwined with the vibrant, herb-infused sauce.

Notes

• Toast garlic gently to release aromatic oils without burning, which can create a bitter taste. Use medium-low heat and stir constantly for perfect flavor development.
• Measure broth precisely to prevent soggy or dry rice. Use a 2:1 liquid-to-rice ratio for fluffy, perfectly cooked grains that absorb flavors beautifully.
• Add Parmesan after removing rice from heat to maintain its smooth texture and prevent graininess. Fold gently to distribute cheese evenly without breaking rice grains.
• Chop parsley just before adding to preserve vibrant color and maximize fresh, bright flavor. Add herbs at the last moment to retain maximum nutritional value and aromatic qualities.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg