Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice (Easy One-Pan Dinner)

This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is the ultimate one-pan dinner — creamy, garlicky, and loaded with flavor. Tender chicken is seared and tossed in a buttery lemon-garlic sauce, then served over rich, cheesy rice for a cozy meal that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together fast at home. No fancy ingredients, just bold taste in under 45 minutes.

Why You’ll Love It

Let’s be honest: some meals just hit all the right notes — quick, creamy, and comforting. This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice checks every box, and here’s why it’ll end up on repeat in your kitchen:

• One pan, one mission: Everything cooks in just one skillet and one saucepan. Less mess, more flavor.
• Better than takeout: That buttery garlic-lemon sauce rivals anything from your favorite Italian spot — without the markup.
• Custom-friendly: Don’t like wine? Skip it. Want shrimp instead? Easy swap. Need gluten-free? No problem.
• Family-proof: The creamy Parmesan rice is rich and comforting, and even picky eaters go back for seconds.

What makes this scampi different?

Unlike traditional shrimp scampi with pasta, this version uses juicy chicken and creamy garlic-Parmesan rice for a heartier, cozier take. It’s a fusion of two classics — garlic-butter scampi and cheesy rice — that somehow feels both familiar and new.

FAQ — Can I skip the wine?

Absolutely. Just replace it with extra chicken broth and a bit more lemon juice. You’ll still get that bright, garlicky flavor without the alcohol — perfect for kid-friendly or pantry-friendly meals.

Ingredients for Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

This recipe uses everyday staples to build big flavor — no fancy ingredients needed. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken Scampi

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup white wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• No wine? Replace with an extra tablespoon of lemon juice and ¼ cup more broth.
• No fresh garlic? Substitute with 1 teaspoon garlic powder per 2 cloves.
• Gluten-free? Just confirm your broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free.
• Prefer shrimp? Swap the chicken for peeled shrimp and cook just 2–3 minutes per side.

FAQ — What’s the best rice for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice works best — it stays fluffy and soaks up flavor beautifully. According to the USDA, it also has a slightly lower glycemic load than shorter grains, which helps keep the dish balanced.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe comes together in two simple parts: cooking the chicken scampi and making the creamy garlic Parmesan rice.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan — give the chicken room to brown for the best flavor.

Step 2: Make the Garlic-Lemon Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and wine (if using).
3. Scrape up the brown bits at the bottom — that’s where the flavor lives.
4. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Stir in the butter until melted and well combined.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
7. Remove from heat and let it sit while the rice finishes.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Rice

1. In a separate saucepan, add rice, chicken broth, and garlic.
2. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low.
3. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
4. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tip: Don’t stir rice while it simmers — it’ll stay fluffier and absorb flavor better.

Step 4: Plate and Serve

Spoon the creamy rice onto plates, top with the chicken and garlic-butter sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve hot.

FAQ — Can I make this all in one pan?

Technically yes — you can cook the rice in the same pan after the chicken is done, but the texture may be creamier and less distinct. For best results, use a second saucepan for the rice.

Add-Ins & Variations

Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, the fun begins.

Add-Ins to Boost Flavor or Nutrition

• Spinach or kale
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Peas or asparagus tips
• Chili flakes

Protein Swaps & Upgrades

• Shrimp Scampi Version
• Chicken + shrimp combo
• Crispy breaded chicken

Flavor Variations

• Lemon zest
• Fresh herbs like basil or thyme
• Extra cheese (mozzarella, Romano)

FAQ — Can I turn this into a baked dish?

Yes — layer the rice in a baking dish, top with the cooked chicken and sauce, sprinkle with extra Parmesan or breadcrumbs, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden on top.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Chicken Tips

• Don’t overcook it
• Slice evenly
• Let it rest

Rice Rules

• Use long-grain or jasmine
• Keep the lid on
• Season after Parmesan

Sauce & Flavor Boosters

• Scrape brown bits
• Balance lemon and butter
• Use fresh garlic

FAQ — Why is my rice mushy?

Most likely, the heat was too high or the lid wasn’t tight. Stirring too much can also make it gummy.

Serving Suggestions

On the Side

• Green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Garlic bread

What to Drink

• White wine (Pinot Grigio)
• Sparkling citrus water
• Herbal iced tea

How to Plate It

Spoon rice, top with chicken, drizzle sauce, sprinkle parsley and Parmesan.

FAQ — Can I make this for a dinner party?

Yes — prep everything ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Storage & Reheating

How to Store

• Fridge: 3 days in airtight container
• Freezer: Up to 1 month

Reheating Tips

• Skillet with splash of broth
• Microwave in bursts with a little water or butter
• Oven: 325°F covered for 15–20 minutes

Bonus: Add fresh parsley and Parmesan after reheating.

FAQ — Can I freeze the whole dish together?

Yes — expect slightly softer rice. Reheat gently and refresh with cheese or broth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~550 kcal
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Sugars: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Fat: 27g (Saturated: 9g)
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Sodium: ~620mg
• Calcium: 150mg

Note: Use a nutrition calculator for precise values based on brands used.

Conclusion

If you’re craving something that’s rich, comforting, and secretly easy to pull off, this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice absolutely delivers. It’s one of those meals that looks and tastes like you fussed — even though you didn’t.

From the buttery garlic sauce to the creamy, cheesy rice, every bite hits that “just one more spoonful” spot. And with all the swap options — shrimp, spinach, lemon tweaks — you can reinvent it to fit whatever’s in your fridge.

So go ahead: bookmark it, print it, share it. Then pour yourself something crisp, grab a fork, and enjoy your new weeknight favorite.

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Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Linda

A creamy, comforting one-pan dinner featuring golden-seared chicken in garlic lemon butter sauce served over rich Parmesan rice.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Saucepan

Ingredients

  

Chicken Scampi

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into thin strips
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 1 lemon juiced
• 0.25 cup white wine optional
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, plus more for garnish

Garlic Parmesan Rice

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Season and sear chicken in a skillet until golden; set aside.
• In the same pan, sauté garlic, add broth, lemon juice, and wine; simmer.
• Stir in butter, return chicken, and coat in sauce.
• In a separate pot, cook rice with broth and garlic until tender.
• Stir Parmesan into rice, season, and serve topped with chicken and sauce.

Notes

For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with the wine and scrape up all browned bits. You can substitute shrimp for chicken or skip the wine with more lemon juice.

Keyword creamy rice, easy comfort food, family-friendly, garlic butter chicken, one-pan meal, weeknight dinner