Tender, juicy chicken breasts seared until golden and simmered in a buttery garlic-wine sauce, paired with creamy, flavorful Parmesan rice—this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is the kind of meal that makes any night feel special. It’s a weeknight-friendly recipe that delivers restaurant-style flavor in under 40 minutes, using simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients. The garlic-forward scampi sauce is brightened with lemon and parsley, balanced with a touch of cream, and spiked with a hint of chili for depth.

The rice steals the spotlight with its rich garlic and Parmesan infusion. It cooks up fluffy and soft, complementing the saucy chicken with cozy, cheesy goodness. This combo is perfect for those who love bold flavor without fuss. Whether you’re serving a family dinner or need a comforting plate after a long day, this dish brings warmth, aroma, and satisfaction.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here because they cook evenly and soak up the buttery garlic scampi sauce. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor and more tenderness. Just be sure to pound them slightly for even cooking.

Ingredients for the Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Chicken breasts: Lean and tender, they form the protein base of the dish.

Garlic: The star of the show, garlic infuses both the chicken and rice with bold, aromatic flavor.

Olive oil and butter: Olive oil helps sear the chicken while butter enriches the sauce and rice with silky richness.

White wine: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc adds depth and acidity to the scampi sauce. Chicken broth can be substituted.

Lemon juice: Brightens the sauce and balances the richness.

Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but adds a subtle heat that elevates the dish.

Parmesan cheese: Stirred into the rice for a savory, creamy finish.

Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley brings a fresh, herby note to the final plate.

Long grain white rice: Holds up well to the creamy, garlicky treatment.

Chicken broth: Used to cook the rice and intensify flavor.

Onion: Finely minced for a sweet, aromatic base in the rice.

How To Make the Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. For even cooking, you can lightly pound the thicker end of each breast.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside, covering loosely to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Scampi Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add a bit more butter, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in white wine (or broth) and simmer for 2-3 minutes to deglaze the pan. Add lemon juice and a final knob of butter. Let it bubble for another minute. Stir in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Cook the Garlic Parmesan Rice

In a separate saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced onion and garlic until soft. Add rice and stir for a minute to toast lightly. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook according to package instructions (usually about 18 minutes). Once done, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Slice the cooked chicken breasts and arrange them over a bed of garlic Parmesan rice. Drizzle the garlic scampi sauce over the top and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

How to Serve and Store Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

This dish is best served immediately while the chicken is juicy and the rice is creamy. Plate the garlic Parmesan rice first, then nestle slices of chicken on top, finishing with a generous drizzle of the buttery scampi sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

To round out the meal, consider a simple green salad or steamed broccoli for contrast. Garlic bread or crusty rolls also pair beautifully with the sauce.

For storage, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce and prevent the rice from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish without wine?

You can substitute chicken broth for white wine. It still adds depth and a savory layer to the sauce.

Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. The texture will also be a bit chewier.

Is this recipe spicy?

Only mildly. The red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, but you can omit them entirely for a no-heat version.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Absolutely! Cook the components separately and store them in portions. Reheat with a splash of broth to maintain texture.

What can I serve with it?

Steamed vegetables, roasted asparagus, a side Caesar salad, or even sauteed spinach all work well.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, though the rice may change texture slightly upon thawing. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to one month.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice, here are more delicious dinners to try next:

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet for a buttery, homestyle classic.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli when you’re craving creamy comfort food.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for a cozy weeknight favorite.
Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce if you want something lighter but still garlicky.
Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo Recipe for a spicy, savory twist.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s right there when the craving hits.

And if you give it a go, leave a comment and tell me how it turned out! Did you use chicken broth instead of wine? Maybe added mushrooms or spinach?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. And for more new favorites, follow along on Pinterest at Life with Jam where I share daily recipe inspiration.

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a hearty, flavorful meal featuring golden-seared chicken in a lemony garlic butter sauce paired with creamy Parmesan-infused rice. It’s easy enough for weeknights but rich enough to impress.

Instructions

1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pound slightly for even thickness.

2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.

3. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds. Add wine or broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Simmer 1 more minute.

4. In a separate saucepan, melt butter. Sauté garlic and onion until soft. Add rice and stir 1 minute. Pour in broth, bring to boil, then cover and simmer 18 minutes or until rice is tender.

5. Stir Parmesan into cooked rice until creamy.

6. Slice chicken and plate over garlic Parmesan rice. Drizzle with scampi sauce and top with parsley. Serve hot.