Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

 

If you’re craving a restaurant-quality meal at home, this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is the perfect choice. The dish combines tender strips of chicken cooked in a buttery garlic-lemon sauce with creamy, cheesy rice that melts in your mouth. It’s elegant enough for entertaining but simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Scampi

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• Juice of 1 fresh lemon
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup dry white wine (or extra chicken broth if you prefer)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 1: Make the Garlic Parmesan Rice

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the rice and toast for about 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese (and heavy cream if using). Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Scampi

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds.
4. Add lemon juice, chicken broth, and white wine. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly reduced.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce for 2 minutes.
6. Stir in fresh parsley.

Step 3: Serve

• Place a bed of Garlic Parmesan Rice on each plate.
• Top with chicken scampi and drizzle with extra sauce from the pan.
• Garnish with parsley and freshly grated Parmesan.

Tips for Success

• For extra creaminess: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce or rice.
• For a stronger flavor: Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged.
• Make it lighter: Substitute olive oil for part of the butter.
• Protein variations: This recipe also works wonderfully with shrimp or turkey strips.
• Add veggies: Spinach, asparagus, or broccoli pair beautifully with the lemon-garlic flavors.

Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice moist, then warm on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 510 kcal
• Protein: 32 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fat: 21 g