Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

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I still remember the first time I made Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice. I was craving something flavorful yet comforting, and what started as a spur-of-the-moment dinner turned into a go-to favorite in my kitchen. The chicken is perfectly seasoned and sautéed with garlic and lemon butter, while the rice soaks up every ounce of savory parmesan and herb goodness. It’s a dish that feels fancy without any of the fuss.

What I love most is how it balances bold flavors with creamy textures. The zesty scampi sauce brightens the tender chicken, and the parmesan rice adds a rich, hearty touch that ties it all together. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or looking to impress guests, this recipe never disappoints.

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

• Restaurant-quality flavor, made at home – This dish tastes like something you’d order at a high-end Italian restaurant, but it’s surprisingly simple to pull off.
• Great for meal prep – The rice and chicken both reheat beautifully, making leftovers just as satisfying.
• Customizable – You can swap in shrimp or add vegetables, making it versatile for all preferences.
• Perfect balance of richness and brightness – Thanks to the butter, lemon, and parmesan working together in perfect harmony.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For this recipe, I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook quickly and stay juicy when sliced and sautéed. You can also use boneless chicken thighs if you want a richer flavor and slightly more tenderness. Just be sure to trim any excess fat before cooking.

If you have pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken on hand, you can absolutely use that as a shortcut—just warm it gently in the scampi sauce so it soaks up the flavor without overcooking.

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Options for Substitutions

No rice? No problem. While garlic parmesan rice is ideal for soaking up the scampi sauce, you can substitute with:

• Orzo – Light, pasta-like, and just as creamy when mixed with cheese.
• Quinoa – For a high-protein, slightly nutty alternative.
• Cauliflower rice – A low-carb option that still carries the garlic and parmesan flavor well.
• Mashed potatoes – Not traditional, but incredibly comforting with the buttery chicken.

As for the chicken:

• Shrimp – Easily transforms the dish into a classic shrimp scampi.
• Tofu or tempeh – Works for a vegetarian spin; just make sure to press out extra moisture and pan-sear to add texture.

And if you’re dairy-free, swap the parmesan with a plant-based alternative or nutritional yeast for that umami kick.

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Ingredients for Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Chicken breasts – Boneless and skinless, sliced into thin strips. They’re the heart of the dish and soak up the scampi sauce beautifully.

Olive oil – Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection while adding flavor.

Butter – Adds richness and creates the base for the scampi sauce.

Garlic – Freshly minced garlic brings that bold, aromatic flavor that defines scampi.

Lemon juice – Brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter and cheese.

Chicken broth – Used to cook the rice and enhance depth with savory notes.

Long-grain white rice – Fluffy and light, perfect for absorbing the garlic and parmesan flavors.

Parmesan cheese – Grated finely so it melts smoothly into the rice, adding a creamy, nutty finish.

Italian seasoning – Brings in a medley of dried herbs that lift both the chicken and rice.

Salt and pepper – For seasoning every layer of the dish properly.

Fresh parsley – A pop of green at the end for freshness and presentation.

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Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts into thin, even strips for quick and consistent cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels, then season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and a small knob of butter. Add the chicken strips in a single layer and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

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Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Lower the heat to medium, then add more butter to the same pan. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Don’t let it brown—it should stay soft and aromatic.

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Step 4: Make the Scampi Sauce

Pour in the lemon juice and a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and coat it in the sauce.

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Step 5: Cook the Garlic Parmesan Rice

In a separate saucepan, melt butter and add a little garlic. Stir in the uncooked rice and toast it for a couple of minutes. Pour in the rest of the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

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Step 6: Add Parmesan and Herbs

Once the rice is done, stir in grated parmesan cheese and a bit of chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

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Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Spoon the garlic parmesan rice onto plates or into bowls, top with the juicy chicken and scampi sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and parsley if you like.

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How Long to Cook Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

The total cook time is surprisingly quick—perfect for busy weeknights.

• Chicken: Takes about 6–8 minutes total to cook (depending on thickness).
• Scampi sauce: Simmering and reducing takes just 2–3 minutes.
• Garlic Parmesan Rice: Needs around 15–18 minutes to cook fully once the broth is added.

So in total, you’re looking at 30–35 minutes from start to finish, with many steps happening in parallel.

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Tips for Perfect Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

• Slice chicken evenly – Uniform slices mean even cooking and no dry spots.
• Don’t overcook the garlic – Keep it golden and fragrant, not browned or bitter.
• Toast the rice – Before adding broth, lightly toasting the rice in butter and garlic adds a nutty depth that really elevates the dish.
• Use freshly grated parmesan – It melts better and gives a creamier finish compared to pre-shredded options.
• Finish with lemon zest – A little zest added at the end brightens everything without extra acidity.
• Rest the chicken briefly – Letting it sit for a couple of minutes after cooking helps retain its juices.
• Taste and adjust – The broth, cheese, and lemon can vary, so taste the rice at the end and season to perfection.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcrowding the pan: If the chicken is packed too tightly in the skillet, it will steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed to get that golden color and texture.

Using too much lemon juice: A little brightens the dish, but too much can overpower the parmesan and butter. Always taste and adjust.

Skipping the rice toast step: This quick step makes a big difference. Toasted rice has better flavor and holds its shape without getting mushy.

Letting garlic burn: Garlic cooks fast. If it goes too long, it can become bitter and ruin the balance of flavors.

Using cold broth for rice: Warm or room-temperature broth keeps the rice cooking consistently and avoids temperature drops that may result in uneven texture.

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What to Serve With Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice?

Steamed or Roasted Broccoli

The mild, slightly bitter taste of broccoli pairs beautifully with the buttery richness of the dish.

A Crisp Caesar Salad

That garlicky dressing and crunchy romaine bring freshness and balance to the creamy rice and chicken.

Warm Garlic Bread

You’ll want something to mop up the extra scampi sauce—and garlic bread does the job perfectly.

A Glass of White Wine

Something light like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the lemony brightness in the scampi.

Lemon Roasted Asparagus

Adds brightness and ties in with the citrus notes already in the dish.

Creamed Spinach

Velvety, garlicky spinach adds richness without competing with the parmesan.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

A cool, refreshing side that cuts through the savory flavors with ease.

Burrata with Cracked Pepper and Olive Oil

If you’re feeling fancy, serve burrata as a creamy, indulgent appetizer.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezer:
Both the chicken and rice freeze well. Allow everything to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the rice and keep everything moist. Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving, serves 4)

• Calories: ~540 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Note: These are estimated values and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish spicy?

You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing, or finish the dish with a drizzle of chili oil for a subtle heat.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but it will take longer to cook and may need more liquid. Brown rice gives a nuttier flavor that complements the garlic and parmesan well.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely. Just warm it through in the scampi sauce. This is a great shortcut if you’re short on time or using leftovers.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply ensure your chicken broth and parmesan are certified gluten-free. The dish doesn’t require flour or pasta, so it’s easy to adapt.

How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?

Don’t skip the toasting step before adding broth, and avoid overcooking. Let it steam gently with the lid on until the liquid is absorbed.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the rice and chicken separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve. Just add a splash of broth to loosen it up.

What can I use instead of parmesan cheese?

Pecorino Romano is a great substitute—it’s saltier and more intense. If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely. Just use a large enough pan to sear the chicken in batches, and double all rice and sauce ingredients proportionally.

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Conclusion

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is one of those dishes that looks and tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, but it comes together so easily. The bright, garlicky chicken paired with rich, cheesy rice hits every note—comforting, zesty, and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it on a weeknight or for a special dinner, it always impresses.

What makes this recipe even better is how flexible it is. You can swap in shrimp, make it spicy, or adjust the richness to suit your tastes. But once you try the classic combo, I have a feeling you’ll be coming back to it again and again.

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