Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice – Crispy, Buttery Chicken Meets Creamy Dreamy Rice!
Golden, garlicky chicken pieces pan-seared to perfection and served over a fluffy bed of buttery parmesan rice—this dish is fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a cozy weeknight.
I still remember the first time I tried scampi-style chicken at a tiny bistro—bold garlic, citrusy zest, and a buttery finish. I came home and recreated it with rice instead of pasta, and now it’s my go-to comfort recipe for anyone who needs a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest, then add rice. Toast rice for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed (about 18 minutes).
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and mix until creamy.
- Return chicken to pan, heat through, and garnish with parsley.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | 530 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Sodium | 690 mg |
Printable Recipe Summary
| Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice | |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Chicken, garlic, rice, butter, lemon, broth, Parmesan |
| Instructions | Cook chicken, make garlic-lemon rice, mix in Parmesan and serve |
FAQs
Q: Can I substitute brown rice?
Yes, just increase the cooking time and broth slightly.
Q: Does this work with shrimp?
Absolutely! Shrimp scampi with garlic rice is another great variation.
Q: How do I reheat it without drying the rice?
Add a splash of broth or milk and heat gently on the stovetop.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
Add red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic for a spicy twist.
