Tender pan-seared chicken breasts soaked in a buttery garlic scampi sauce, paired with fluffy garlic parmesan rice—this dish brings Italian restaurant flavors right into your kitchen. It’s bold, creamy, savory, and bursting with the perfect mix of herbs and citrus to brighten each bite. The silky scampi sauce clings to every piece of chicken and soaks into the rice like a dream.

This recipe is weeknight-easy yet dinner-party-worthy. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal for two or cooking for a family dinner, Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice never fails to impress. It comes together in under an hour and leaves your kitchen smelling like a garlicky dream.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

This dish delivers big flavor with simple pantry ingredients. You get juicy chicken that’s perfectly seasoned, lightly golden on the outside, and drenched in a buttery, lemony garlic sauce. The rice—soft, aromatic, and cheesy—balances the tangy scampi sauce like magic.

It’s an ideal recipe for both beginner cooks and seasoned home chefs. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt: serve it with steamed broccoli, swap in shrimp, or spoon it over pasta for a twist.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment:

Large Skillet or Saute Pan: Crucial for searing the chicken and making the scampi sauce all in one place. Use a pan with high sides to prevent splatter.
Medium Saucepan with Lid: For simmering the garlic parmesan rice to fluffy perfection.
Microplane or Zester: Adds a fine, vibrant zest of lemon into your sauce without the bitterness.
Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: Sharp tools make prepping your garlic, herbs, and chicken quick and clean.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision is key to balancing butter, broth, and parmesan.

Each tool plays a role in ensuring flavor and texture are locked in—from a golden sear to a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth rice.

Ingredients for the Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the protein-rich heart of the dish. Searing them adds texture and flavor.
Butter: Adds richness to both the scampi sauce and the rice. Essential for that silky mouthfeel.
Garlic: Used generously, garlic provides that signature punch in both sauce and rice.
Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the rice to create a creamy, savory base that complements the tangy sauce.
Chicken Broth: The foundation of the scampi sauce, delivering depth and seasoning.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Adds brightness and balances the buttery richness.
Parsley and Red Pepper Flakes: Fresh parsley adds herbaceous freshness while red pepper gives a touch of heat.
Olive Oil: Helps achieve a perfect golden sear on the chicken.
White Rice: Serves as the tender, flavorful sidekick to soak up all that luscious sauce.

How To Make the Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Scampi Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat and add butter and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any flavorful bits. Let simmer and thicken slightly.

Step 3: Prepare Garlic Parmesan Rice

While the sauce simmers, in a medium saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic. Add rice and stir until lightly toasted. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer with lid on. Once cooked, fold in parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Return the seared chicken to the skillet with the sauce, spooning the sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer a minute or two more. Plate over the parmesan rice, garnish with more parsley and red pepper flakes.

Serving and Storing This Flavorful Favorite

Serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice hot from the skillet for the most comforting experience. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan and a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra zing. This dish pairs beautifully with green vegetables like steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice may soak up some sauce, so when reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F. You can also slice into the thickest part—if the juices run clear and it’s no longer pink, you’re good.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs will bring a juicier bite and slightly richer flavor. Just adjust cooking time to ensure doneness.

Is it okay to use pre-minced garlic?

Fresh garlic is best for bold flavor, but pre-minced will work in a pinch—just be aware it may have a milder profile.

Can I swap rice with pasta?

Yes! Linguine or angel hair pasta works wonderfully. Toss the cooked pasta in the scampi sauce before topping with chicken.

What type of parmesan cheese should I use?

Freshly grated parmesan is ideal for better melt and flavor. Avoid the pre-shredded types with anti-caking agents.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Rice doesn’t always thaw well, but the chicken and sauce freeze great. Reheat gently to maintain the sauce’s texture.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice, you might enjoy these other reader favorites:

Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for a quick and cheesy handheld delight.
Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce for a crunchy yet creamy option.
Bang Bang Chicken for a sweet and spicy kick.
Tzatziki Chicken Veggie Naan Pizza for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders if you love crispy bites with bold flavor.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you serve it with pasta or stick to the parmesan rice? Did you add a dash of cream for extra richness?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook with confidence.