Juicy golden chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, fresh lemon juice, and fluffy Parmesan rice combine to create the delectable restaurant-style dish Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice. Savory garlic taste, a touch of lemon, and creamy cheese delight abound in every bite. It’s ideal for a weekend treat, a family meal, or anytime you want to create something unique at home.
This easy recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together in about 35 minutes. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to make tender chicken and flavorful rice right in your kitchen.
Preparation Time
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 3–4 people
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Chicken Scampi
500 g boneless, skinless chicken breast
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
5 garlic cloves, finely minced
¼ cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Red chili flakes, optional
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups chicken broth or water
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped parsley, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Prepare the chicken breast first. To get rid of extra moisture, pat the chicken dry using paper towels. This aids in the chicken’s development of a lovely golden-brown crust while cooking.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or thin strips. To ensure consistent cooking, try to maintain the pieces about the same thickness.
Season the chicken with paprika, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss everything together until each piece is evenly coated. Set aside while you prepare the rice ingredients.
Step 2: Rinse and Prepare the Rice
Measure one cup of rice and rinse it under cold water two or three times until the water becomes clearer. This removes excess starch and helps the rice cook into fluffy, separate grains.
Drain the rice well and set it aside.
Prepare your garlic by mincing the cloves finely. Grate the Parmesan cheese and chop the parsley so everything is ready when you need it.
Step 3: Cook the Garlic Parmesan Rice
Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and add two tablespoons of butter. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic.
Sauté the garlic for about 30–45 seconds, stirring constantly. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
Add the rinsed rice and stir for one minute, allowing the grains to become lightly coated in the garlic butter.
Pour in two cups of chicken broth and season with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for approximately 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Cooking time may vary depending on the type of rice.
Turn off the heat and leave the rice covered for another five minutes. Fluff gently with a fork, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Your garlic Parmesan rice is now ready. Keep it covered while you prepare the chicken.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken Until Golden
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the pan is hot, arrange the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.
Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 3–5 minutes on the first side, depending on the thickness of the pieces. Turn and cook the other side until golden brown and cooked through.
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside. Leave the flavorful browned bits in the skillet because they will add extra flavor to the sauce.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Scampi Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining two tablespoons of butter to the same skillet.
Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits help create a rich, savory sauce.
Allow the sauce to simmer for two to three minutes until slightly reduced. Add a pinch of black pepper and red chili flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
For extra richness, stir in two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt or lemon juice as needed.
Step 6: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss the pieces gently in the garlic butter sauce until every piece is coated.
Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another one to two minutes so it absorbs the delicious garlic, butter, and lemon flavors.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of chicken broth. If it seems too thin, let it simmer briefly until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Spoon a generous portion of garlic Parmesan rice onto each plate or into a serving bowl.
Arrange the golden chicken pieces over the rice, making sure to include plenty of garlic butter sauce. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the rice so it absorbs all those delicious flavors.
Finish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a small squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Serve immediately while the chicken is juicy, the rice is warm, and the garlic butter sauce is fresh.
Tips for the Best Chicken Scampi
Avoid overcooking: Thin chicken strips cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to prevent dryness.
Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce its signature aroma and flavor.
Choose fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly into the rice than many pre-grated varieties.
Balance the flavors: Lemon juice brightens the buttery sauce and prevents it from tasting too heavy.
Make it a complete meal: Serve with steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
