When you’re craving something buttery, garlicky, and comforting, Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is the perfect weeknight upgrade. You get tender chicken in a bright lemon-garlic scampi sauce, then you serve it over fluffy rice tossed with Parmesan and herbs for a rich, cozy finish.
Unlike traditional shrimp scampi, this version uses chicken for a hearty, family-friendly meal that still feels elegant. It’s quick enough for busy nights but impressive enough for guests.
Ingredients
Serves 4
For the Chicken Scampi
- 1 1/2 lb (680g) chicken breast or thighs, sliced into strips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (plus lemon wedges for serving)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice
- 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (or basil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional add-ins:
- 1 cup baby spinach (stir into scampi at the end)
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (cook with chicken)
- Extra Parmesan for topping
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: About 40 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 20–30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in rinsed rice and cook 1 minute. Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low.
Simmer 15–18 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and cook 4–6 minutes, turning until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
Step 4: Make the Scampi Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds (don’t let it brown).
Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Scrape up browned bits from the pan and simmer 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Finish the Scampi
Return chicken to the skillet. Add lemon zest and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer 2 minutes to coat the chicken.
Stir in parsley and taste—add more salt, lemon, or butter if needed.
Step 6: Finish the Garlic Parmesan Rice
Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in Parmesan and parsley. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Step 7: Serve
Spoon garlic Parmesan rice onto plates and top with chicken scampi. Add extra Parmesan, parsley, and lemon wedges if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a complete meal.
- Add a simple salad with lemon vinaigrette for freshness.
- Pair with warm bread to soak up the scampi sauce.
- Make it spicy with extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
- For meal prep, store rice and chicken separately for best texture.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/4 recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 560 |
| Protein | 42 grams |
| Total Fat | 22 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 9 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 48 grams |
| Sugars | 2 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 780 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Chicken provides lean protein that keeps the meal satisfying.
- Garlic and parsley add flavor without extra calories.
- Parmesan boosts calcium and richness—use a little less for a lighter dish.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Scampi
- Slice chicken evenly so it cooks at the same rate.
- Don’t brown the garlic too much—it can turn bitter.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- If the sauce reduces too much, splash in a bit more broth.
- For extra glossy sauce, add a small pat of butter right at the end.
Variations to Try
- Creamy Chicken Scampi: Stir in 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream at the end.
- Shrimp + Chicken Combo: Use half chicken, half shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Cauliflower Rice Option: Swap rice for cauliflower rice for a lower-carb meal.
- Lemon Herb Orzo: Replace rice with orzo pasta for a different texture.
- Veggie Boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes.
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is the perfect mix of bright, garlicky flavor and comforting creamy richness. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve when you want something impressive without extra effort.
Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist, this recipe guarantees a buttery, lemony, garlic-packed bite every time.
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