Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together tender, garlicky chicken strips with creamy, cheesy rice for a comforting and elegant meal. It’s simple to make yet packed with bold flavors, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish offers the best of both worlds: seared, juicy chicken with the zesty punch of garlic and the richness of Parmesan-infused rice. The recipe is straightforward and uses pantry-friendly ingredients, yet yields restaurant-quality results. It’s a complete meal on its own but also pairs beautifully with vegetables or salad.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or fresh lemon juice for garnish
directions
- Cook the Rice
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the rice and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. - Season and Cook the Chicken
While the rice cooks, season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Add the minced garlic in the last 1–2 minutes and stir until aromatic and lightly golden. - Add Cheese to the Rice
Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. - Assemble and Serve
Spoon the garlic Parmesan rice onto plates and top with the seared garlic chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or peas for added nutrition.
- Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken while cooking.
- Cheesy version: Add mozzarella or cream cheese to the rice for a richer texture.
- Lemon scampi: Add a splash of white wine and lemon juice while sautéing the chicken for a more traditional scampi flavor.
- Herbaceous finish: Mix fresh basil, thyme, or parsley into the rice for extra aroma.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the texture of the rice and cheese.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs add more moisture and flavor and can be used interchangeably.
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice is ideal, but jasmine or basmati also work well.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, cook the rice and chicken in advance and store separately. Reheat and combine when ready to serve.
Is Parmesan the only cheese option?
Parmesan is preferred, but Pecorino Romano or Asiago can also be used.
Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes, stir the garlic and Parmesan into warm pre-cooked rice, but reduce broth to avoid excess moisture.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and slice the chicken thinly so it cooks quickly and evenly.
What can I serve on the side?
A green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread complement this dish well.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use olive oil in place of butter and omit the cheese, though flavor and creaminess will be reduced.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just use a larger skillet and pot to accommodate the increased quantity.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the mild garlic and cheesy flavors are usually well-liked by children.
Conclusion
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken and rich, cheesy rice in perfect harmony. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s a wonderful go-to meal for both busy nights and cozy dinners at home. Enjoy it as-is or add your favorite twists for a truly personalized plate.
Print
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-servings
Description
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful, skillet-cooked dish featuring tender chicken strips sautéed with garlic and herbs, served over creamy, cheesy rice. It’s an easy and elegant weeknight dinner packed with bold, savory flavor. Keywords: Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice, garlic chicken skillet, parmesan rice dinner, easy chicken scampi recipe, one-pan chicken and rice.
Ingredients
→ For the Chicken:
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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2 tablespoons butter
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
→ For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 cup long grain white rice
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2 1/4 cups chicken broth
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 minced clove sautéed in butter)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Garlic Parmesan Rice
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In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter.
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Add rice and sauté for 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted.
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Pour in chicken broth and garlic powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until rice is tender and broth is absorbed.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside and keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Scampi
5. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper.
6. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
7. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
8. Stir in lemon juice and butter; cook for 2 more minutes until chicken is glossy and flavorful.
Step 3: Serve
9. Spoon the garlic Parmesan rice onto plates and top with chicken scampi.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
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Add a splash of white wine to the chicken for added depth.
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Substitute rice with orzo or pasta if preferred.
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For a low-carb version, serve over cauliflower rice or sautéed spinach.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
