Alright, if you’re anything like me, you love a dinner that feels fancy *but* comes together fast enough for a weeknight. This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is exactly that—a total crowd-pleaser that smells like you’re dining out but tastes like home. Picture juicy, garlicky chicken swimming in a buttery lemon sauce, paired with the creamiest, cheesiest rice you’ll ever meet. I’m telling you, the combination is just irresistible! Plus, the garlic Parmesan rice is the kind of side you’ll find yourself sneaking bites of before the main is even ready. Seriously, can’t wait for you to make this and fall in love with that buttery, tangy sauce and cozy rice bowl combo as much as I have.
Quick Facts
Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
1 lemon, juice and zest
3 tbsp unsalted butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
How I Make It
Step 1:
First things first, rinse your rice under cold water until it runs clear—this helps keep it fluffy. In a medium pot, melt **3 tablespoons of butter** over medium heat, then add **3 cloves minced garlic**. Let the garlic cook until fragrant (about 1 minute), stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn.
Step 2:
Add the **rinsed rice** to the pot and stir it around to coat it in that buttery garlic goodness. Pour in **2 cups of chicken broth**, add a pinch of salt, then bring it to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Once done, stir in **½ cup Parmesan cheese** and season with pepper. Yum!
Step 3:
While the rice cooks, heat **2 tablespoons olive oil** in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Add them to the pan and cook until nicely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, flipping once halfway.
Step 4:
Remove the chicken to a plate and reduce the heat to medium. Add the **minced garlic** (from the main dish ingredients) to the pan and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Then pour in **½ cup white wine or chicken broth** to deglaze, scraping up those golden bits (these are flavor gold!). Let it reduce by half, around 2-3 minutes.
Step 5:
Lower the heat and stir in **3 tablespoons butter**, lemon juice, and lemon zest, swirling the pan until the sauce is silky and slightly thickened. Toss the chicken back in to coat, heating it through for another minute or two.
Step 6:
Serve your gloriously sauced chicken over a bed of that creamy garlic Parmesan rice. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright pop of color and a fresh finish. Dive in while it’s hot!
Variations & Tips
Swap chicken breasts for shrimp for a lighter take on classic scampi.
Use jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant rice experience.
Don’t have white wine? Chicken broth works perfectly or even a splash of lemon juice with water.
For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end of your sauce.
Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free broth and ensuring Parmesan is gluten-free certified.
How I Like to Serve It
This dish shines for a cozy weeknight supper but also impresses for casual dinner parties. Pair it with a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette for a bright contrast. During lemony spring or summer evenings, I love tossing in some grilled asparagus or roasted cherry tomatoes on the side to keep things fresh and light.
Notes
Store leftovers covered in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently to keep the chicken tender.
If the rice thickens after sitting, stir in a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.
Closing: This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice has become my go-to for meals that feel like a treat but are totally doable any night—trust me, it just hits all the right notes every time!
