Golden-seared chicken breast draped in a buttery garlic scampi sauce, served alongside a fluffy mountain of parmesan-kissed rice—this is comfort food with elegance. Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice brings together juicy, herb-infused chicken and creamy, cheesy rice that soaks up every drop of the luscious scampi sauce. It’s a weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion.

The combination of tender, juicy chicken with bright citrus, garlic, and butter creates layers of flavor that contrast perfectly with the soft, savory parmesan rice. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just treating yourself, this dish is an easy way to turn simple ingredients into something truly memorable.

What Makes This Chicken Scampi So Flavorful?

The key to this dish is in its simplicity. The scampi sauce, traditionally used with shrimp, translates beautifully to chicken. Butter and olive oil create a rich base, while fresh garlic and a touch of crushed red pepper bring in bold, savory depth. Fresh lemon juice adds brightness, and chopped parsley brings freshness and color to the final plate. When served over parmesan rice, it becomes a full meal that hits every craving—creamy, zesty, buttery, and bold.

Ingredients for the Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The protein centerpiece. Sliced and seared until golden brown for juicy tenderness.
Olive Oil & Butter: Used together for a balanced cooking fat that adds flavor and richness to both the chicken and the sauce.
Garlic: Finely chopped to release maximum aroma and flavor. It’s the soul of the scampi sauce.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch adds the perfect kick, balancing out the richness.
Lemon Juice: Fresh-squeezed for bright acidity that lifts the whole dish.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: Brings freshness and color while highlighting the herbaceous notes.
White Rice: Cooked until tender and used as the creamy base for the garlic parmesan flavor to shine.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated into the warm rice to create a savory, cheesy texture that ties the whole plate together.
Chicken Broth: Helps cook and flavor the rice, making it more than just a filler—it becomes a star of its own.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that ensures every layer of the dish is perfectly balanced.

How To Make the Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil and a bit of butter. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, place the chicken in the skillet and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Garlic Scampi Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add more butter. Stir in finely minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Add lemon juice and a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the golden bits. Let it simmer gently to reduce slightly.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Rice

In a saucepan, combine white rice and chicken broth. Cook according to the rice package instructions. Once cooked, stir in grated parmesan cheese, a bit of butter, chopped parsley, and a pinch of black pepper. The rice should be creamy but not mushy.

Step 4: Return the Chicken to the Sauce

Slice the seared chicken and return it to the pan with the garlic lemon sauce. Let the chicken warm through, soaking up all that flavor. Spoon the sauce over the top to coat.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Spoon a generous portion of garlic parmesan rice onto a plate and top with the sliced chicken. Drizzle the pan sauce over everything and garnish with extra parsley and parmesan if desired.

How to Serve and Store Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is best served hot, right after the chicken has had a moment to soak in the scampi sauce. The rice should be fluffy and creamy, perfectly complementing the lemony garlic butter coating the chicken. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and chopped parsley for presentation.

If you’re planning ahead or have leftovers, store the chicken and rice in separate airtight containers. They will stay fresh 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 keep the rice moist and the chicken tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Make sure you don’t overcook the chicken. Searing it over medium-high heat just until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F will keep it tender and moist.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are flavorful and stay juicy. Just adjust the cooking time since they might take a bit longer.

What can I use instead of white rice?

You can swap in orzo, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Just be sure to adjust cooking methods and liquids accordingly.

Is this dish spicy?

Not overly! The red pepper flakes add warmth but not intense heat. You can scale up or down to match your taste.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, replace butter with plant-based alternatives and use a dairy-free parmesan substitute. The sauce still comes out flavorful.

Can I freeze this recipe?

You can freeze the chicken and sauce, but rice tends to lose its texture when thawed. If freezing, store the rice separately and cook fresh when serving.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you’re loving this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice, here are more flavorful dinners to try next:

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine — Light citrus and rich parmesan blend beautifully.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta — Decadent and dreamy with every bite.
Sweet Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta — A bold twist with a hint of sweetness.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli — A cozy, creamy classic.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes — Simple and hearty comfort on one plate.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can return to it whenever you need a cozy meal idea.

And I’d love to hear how your Chicken Scampi turned out! Did you go spicy or keep it classic? Did you toss in extra parmesan?

Drop your thoughts or twists in the comments below—your ideas help others (and me!) make each meal even better.

Want even more kitchen inspiration? Follow along on my Pinterest where I post daily recipe updates: Life with Nina on Pinterest

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Print Recipe

Description

This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dinner made with golden-seared chicken breasts draped in a lemon garlic butter sauce and served over creamy parmesan rice. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!

Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in lemon juice and a splash of chicken broth. Simmer to reduce.

3. In a separate saucepan, cook rice in remaining chicken broth according to package instructions. Stir in parmesan, butter, parsley, and black pepper once cooked.

4. Slice chicken and return it to the skillet with the sauce. Let warm through and coat well in sauce.

5. Plate rice and top with chicken. Spoon over extra pan sauce. Garnish with more parmesan and parsley.