This article gives a clear, simple guide to make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice at home.
introduction
This dish pairs garlicky, lemony chicken with creamy parmesan rice. It is easy to make and tastes fresh. If you like rich garlic flavors, you may also enjoy this garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan recipe for another simple weeknight meal.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe when you want a quick dinner that feels special. The sauce is bright with lemon and garlic. The rice is creamy and cheesy and soaks up the sauce. This meal uses common pantry items and cooks fast. For another idea with bold garlic sauce, see this chicken kofta with creamy garlic yogurt sauce.
how to make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Follow easy steps to cook the chicken and rice. Work in order: cook and rest the chicken, make the scampi sauce in the same pan, then cook the rice and finish with parmesan. While the rice cooks, the sauce gets ready and you finish the dish quickly. You can learn a similar pan sauce method from this creamy garlic parmesan chicken breast guide.
Ingredients :
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for rice)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (for rice)
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (for rice)
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for rice)
Directions :
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Lower the heat in the same skillet and add 3 tablespoons butter and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Scrape the pan bottom to deglaze. Add lemon zest and simmer 3–4 minutes.
- Return chicken to the pan. Spoon sauce over chicken and simmer 2–3 minutes to heat through.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté briefly.
- Stir in 1 cup white rice and toast for 1 minute.
- Add 2 cups chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer 15 minutes until rice is tender.
- Remove rice from heat. Stir in ½ cup grated parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley.
- Serve chicken over rice with scampi sauce spooned on top. Garnish with extra parsley and red pepper flakes if you like.
how to serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Place a scoop of the parmesan rice on each plate. Lay a chicken breast on top. Spoon extra scampi sauce over the chicken and rice. Add a small lemon wedge on the side if you like. Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
how to store Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Cool leftovers to room temperature within two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to restore sauce. Do not freeze well because the rice can change texture.
tips to make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to get a good sear.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
- Do not overcook the garlic or it will taste bitter.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving so juices stay in the meat.
- For another garlic-parmesan idea, try this garlic parmesan chicken meatloaf for a different dinner option.
variation (if any)
- Swap chicken breasts for thin-cut chicken thighs for more flavor.
- Add shrimp with the chicken to make a mixed scampi.
- Stir in spinach or peas into the rice at the end for color and veg.
- Use brown rice, but increase cook time and broth per package directions.
FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-cooked rice?
A: Yes. Heat the sauce and chicken. Warm the cooked rice and mix in parmesan at the end.
Q: Can I use butter only and skip olive oil?
A: You can. Olive oil helps the chicken sear without burning the butter.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: It is mild. Add red pepper flakes to make it spicy.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free chicken broth and check parmesan for additives.
Conclusion
This simple Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe makes a bright, garlicky main with creamy cheese rice. For a reference version and more tips, see this full recipe on South Your Mouth’s Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice. You can also view another take on the dish and notes at Olive Oil Marketplace’s Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice.
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Ingredients
For the Chicken Scampi
- 2 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (for rice)
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for rice)
Instructions
Preparation
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce
- Lower heat in the same skillet and add 3 tablespoons butter and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Scrape the pan bottom to deglaze. Add lemon zest and simmer 3–4 minutes.
- Return chicken to the pan. Spoon sauce over chicken and simmer 2–3 minutes to heat through.
Cook the Rice
- In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté briefly.
- Stir in 1 cup white rice and toast for 1 minute.
- Add 2 cups chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer 15 minutes until rice is tender.
- Remove rice from heat. Stir in ½ cup grated parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley.
Serve
- Place a scoop of the parmesan rice on each plate. Lay a chicken breast on top. Spoon extra scampi sauce over the chicken and rice. Add a small lemon wedge on the side if you like. Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
