Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a buttery garlic lemon sauce, served over creamy, cheesy garlic parmesan rice. It’s a restaurant-style meal that’s easy to make at home.
⏱️ Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
🥘 Ingredients
For the Chicken Scampi
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup lemon juice
¼ cup heavy cream (optional for creamier sauce)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp butter
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in rice and toast lightly for 1 minute.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender.
Stir in parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Keep warm.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a bowl toss chicken strips with:
salt
pepper
paprika
Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Scampi Sauce
In the same skillet melt butter.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream if using.
Step 5: Combine
Return chicken to the skillet.
Toss to coat in the sauce and cook 2 minutes.
Add parsley and red pepper flakes.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the chicken scampi over garlic parmesan rice and spoon extra sauce on top.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with:
steamed broccoli
roasted asparagus
fresh green salad
garlic bread
❓ Q&A
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Boneless chicken thighs will make the dish juicier and more flavorful.
Can I make this dish lighter?
Yes. Skip the heavy cream and use extra chicken broth.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but it will require about 35–40 minutes of cooking time.
How do I make it more lemony?
Add extra lemon zest or another tablespoon of lemon juice.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely. Good additions include:
spinach
mushrooms
zucchini
bell peppers
✅ Tip: Add a little lemon zest at the end for brighter flavor and a restaurant-quality finish.
