Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is that perfect dinner dish that brings restaurant-style flavor right into your kitchen. It combines tender chicken breast sautéed until golden with a zesty garlic butter scampi sauce. The buttery, lemony glaze clings to every piece of chicken, making each bite incredibly satisfying.

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What truly elevates this dish is the creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice served underneath. Cooked slowly until rich and velvety, it balances the bright tang of the scampi with savory depth. Whether you’re cooking to impress guests or craving something cozy on a weeknight, this recipe delivers big on comfort and flavor.

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

You get all the comfort of a creamy pasta dish, but with the added brightness of lemon, garlic, and fresh parsley. The rice base is indulgently cheesy and perfect for soaking up the sauce. It’s a one-pan kind of meal that doesn’t take a culinary degree to pull off, yet tastes like something from a high-end Italian bistro. Bonus: it’s family-friendly and scales up easily for entertaining.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For the most tender results, boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins are ideal. They’re easy to sear and slice, and they soak up the scampi sauce like a dream. You can also use boneless thighs if you prefer a juicier cut with a bit more richness. Just make sure to trim excess fat and cut them into even pieces for even cooking.

Ingredients for the Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

The key to a great Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is choosing fresh, quality ingredients that complement one another. Each element here plays a role in creating that rich, garlicky, and lemon-bright flavor that makes this dish shine.

Chicken breasts
Garlic cloves
Olive oil

Butter
Lemon juice
Chicken broth

Parmesan cheese
Heavy cream
Long-grain rice

Fresh parsley
Salt and pepper
Crushed red pepper flakes

How To Make the Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches, cooking until golden on the outside and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Scampi Sauce

Reduce the heat and add more butter to the pan along with finely minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then deglaze the pan with fresh lemon juice and chicken broth. Let it simmer for a few minutes to concentrate the flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Garlic Parmesan Rice

In the same skillet or a separate pot, combine rinsed long-grain rice with chicken broth. Let it simmer until the rice is fully cooked. Stir in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to create a rich, creamy texture. Season to taste.

Step 5: Combine and Garnish

Return the seared chicken to the pan with the scampi sauce. Toss to coat and let everything mingle over low heat for a couple minutes. Serve over a bed of Garlic Parmesan Rice and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

How to Serve and Store Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

This recipe makes enough to generously serve four hungry people. The flavors are bold yet comforting, making it perfect for weeknights or casual dinner parties. Plate the chicken scampi over a bed of Garlic Parmesan Rice, allowing that sauce to seep into the rice for a perfect bite every time.

If you have leftovers, store the chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce back to its velvety texture.

What to Serve With Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice?

Sautéed Asparagus with Lemon Zest

The citrus in the asparagus brightens and mirrors the lemony scampi sauce.

Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls

Great for sopping up every last bit of that buttery garlic sauce.

Caesar Salad

The crunch and tanginess from a good Caesar dressing pairs beautifully with the creamy rice.

Roasted Broccolini

Adds a touch of charred depth that plays off the chicken’s golden sear.

White Wine

A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc lifts the garlic and citrus notes.

Grilled Zucchini

Light and tender, it adds veggie goodness without stealing the show.

Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella make a refreshing contrast to the warm, creamy dish.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice, you’ll definitely want to explore more easy and flavor-packed chicken meals from Luna Meals:

Smothered Chicken and Rice for comforting Southern flavor in every bite.
Low Carb Chicken Casserole when you want hearty with a health-conscious twist.
Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni if creamy pasta is your go-to.

Easy Chicken with Zucchini Corn Garlic Sauce for a light, veggie-rich skillet meal.
Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce for bold heat and comfort in a bowl.

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Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make the rice extra creamy? Add more lemon for a zingy kick? Maybe tossed in some spinach?

I love seeing how others customize these dishes. And if you have a question while cooking, don’t hesitate to ask—we’re all here to make weeknight meals better together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a plate full of warm, buttery joy with just the right touch of zest. It’s as quick to pull off as it is impressive to serve, whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself to something special. It’s cozy, bright, creamy, and downright irresistible—just the kind of dish we keep in rotation year-round.

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice