If you love bold flavors, tender chicken, and creamy, cheesy rice, this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is the perfect dish for you. Combining the best of Italian-inspired cuisine, this recipe is packed with rich flavors, a zesty garlic-infused sauce, and a satisfying, cheesy rice base. It’s an easy yet impressive meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prepping.

• Full of flavor – The combination of garlic, lemon, and Parmesan makes this dish incredibly rich and satisfying.
• Easy to make – With simple steps and pantry-friendly ingredients, this dish is perfect for any cook.
• Customizable – You can make it creamy, spicy, or even swap out proteins if desired.
• Perfect for meal prep – Store leftovers and enjoy delicious meals throughout the week.

For the Chicken Scampi:

• 2 large chicken breasts (cut into thin strips)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• Large skillet
• Medium saucepan
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon
• Fork for fluffing rice

Make the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

1. Sauté Garlic – In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Cook the Rice – Add the rice and stir to coat. Pour in the chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
3. Finish with Cheese – Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Cover and set aside while preparing the chicken.

Make the Chicken Scampi:

1. Season & Cook the Chicken – In a bowl, season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce – In the same skillet, melt the butter and add garlic, cooking for 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
3. Finish the Dish – Stir in heavy cream (if using) and Parmesan cheese. Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Serve – Spoon the Garlic Parmesan Rice onto plates, top with chicken, and drizzle with the scampi sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

• Make it creamy: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
• Add veggies: Sauté bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach with the chicken for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Swap the protein: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a classic shrimp scampi.
• Go low-carb: Serve the chicken scampi over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze chicken scampi (without rice) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warm.

• Pair with a salad: A fresh arugula or Caesar salad complements the richness of this dish.
• Enjoy with wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully.
• Bread on the side: Serve with garlic bread to soak up the delicious scampi sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the rice and chicken separately and store them in the fridge. Reheat everything together when ready to serve.

Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. Omit them if you prefer a milder dish.

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook (about 40-45 minutes).

How can I make this dairy-free?

Use olive oil instead of butter and omit the Parmesan cheese. Replace the cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.

This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a must-try for anyone who loves flavorful, comforting meals. With its tender chicken, garlicky Parmesan rice, and a light yet rich scampi sauce, this dish will become a staple in your kitchen.

Give it a try and let us know how it turned out! If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes. Happy cooking!