Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

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Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is the kind of dinner that makes a weeknight feel like a special occasion. Tender, juicy chicken breast is seasoned to perfection and pan-seared until golden, then nestled atop a bed of creamy, garlicky parmesan rice. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of savory and bright flavors, with a hint of lemon that makes everything pop.

This dish is inspired by the comforting classic shrimp scampi but brings a homestyle twist with chicken and rich, cheesy rice instead of pasta. It’s a one-pan wonder that packs in flavor without overwhelming effort, making it perfect for a family meal or even a dinner party. Whether you’re craving something cozy or just want to spice up your dinner routine, this scampi is sure to win hearts at the table.

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

It’s fast, flavorful, and fits just about any mood. You get crispy, juicy chicken with a buttery garlic-lemon sauce that seeps into fluffy parmesan rice. It hits the comfort food sweet spot but still feels fresh and bright. Plus, it’s made in under 40 minutes, which means a gourmet-style dinner with minimal cleanup.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work wonderfully for this recipe. Breasts are leaner and cook up quickly, but thighs bring extra juiciness and rich flavor. Just make sure the chicken pieces are evenly sized so they cook at the same rate. You could even use tenderloins if you’re looking for something super quick-cooking and kid-friendly.

Ingredients for the Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

The beauty of this dish lies in how each ingredient complements the others. The chicken brings the protein, while the rice soaks up all the buttery, lemony flavor. Garlic and parmesan? They’re the ultimate comfort combo. Here’s what you need:

• Chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic cloves
• Unsalted butter
• Lemon juice
• Chicken broth
• Parmesan cheese
• White rice
• Parsley (optional)

Each element plays its role: olive oil for searing, garlic and butter for richness, broth to cook the rice with deep flavor, lemon juice for that pop of brightness, and parmesan to make everything creamy and crave-worthy.

How To Make the Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same pan. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. This is your flavor foundation, so don’t rush it.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all those delicious browned bits. Add the rice and bring everything to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Chicken

Stir in the parmesan cheese until the rice turns creamy and rich. Place the chicken back on top, cover, and let it all sit for a few minutes so the flavors can meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch and serve immediately. The chicken should be juicy, and the rice irresistibly cheesy and garlicky.

How to Serve and Store Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

This dish serves about 4 people generously, making it ideal for a family dinner or a cozy meal with friends. Serve the chicken directly over the creamy rice for a satisfying, all-in-one plate that needs no extra sauce.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the rice to bring back that creamy texture. The flavors deepen overnight, so it’s just as delicious the next day.

What to Serve With Chicken Scampi?

Garlic Roasted Broccoli

The char and crisp from roasted broccoli is the perfect green contrast to the rich rice.

Caesar Salad

A fresh, crunchy Caesar salad brings a touch of acidity and lightness to round out the meal.

Crusty Bread or Garlic Knots

You’ll want to sop up every bit of that buttery garlic sauce. Bread is a must.

Lemon Butter Green Beans

Keep the citrus theme going with green beans tossed in lemon butter.

Roasted Carrots with Thyme

Sweet, earthy carrots are a colorful and comforting side.

Creamy Cucumber Salad

If you want something cool and refreshing, a cucumber salad balances the warmth perfectly.

Grilled Zucchini

A quick char on the grill brings out zucchini’s natural sweetness.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Tangy and caramelized, these sprouts hold their own against the rich main dish.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice, you might want to try more comforting and flavorful dishes. Here are some of our favorites:

• Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Creamy Chicken and Broccoli when you’re craving something wholesome and rich.
• Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce for another deliciously garlicky hit.
• Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken when you want set-it-and-forget-it comfort food.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine if you’re in the mood for a cozy pasta spin.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use chicken breasts or go with thighs? Maybe you added some crushed red pepper for heat?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. If you have any questions, drop them below. Let’s help each other get dinner on the table with joy.

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Conclusion

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a dish that feels luxurious but is made with everyday ingredients. It’s quick, hearty, and packed with flavor that satisfies every time. Perfect for those moments when you want to treat yourself without complicating your night. Give it a try and let it become a new staple in your dinner rotation.

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