Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Experience tender golden chicken paired with lusciously creamy garlic-Parmesan rice, enhanced by bright lemon juice and zest. In just one skillet, olive oil and butter create a flavorful base, while aromatic garlic and zesty citrus mingle with each grain of long-grain rice. Finished with smooth cream and plenty of Parmesan, each bite delivers rich comfort balanced by the freshness of parsley. A satisfying meal that brings together savory and tangy notes, perfect for everyday dinners yet elegant enough for guests. Serve with lemon wedges for extra brightness at the table.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Wed, 30 Jul 2025 14:05:56 GMT
A plate of chicken scampi with creamy garlic parmesan rice. Save
A plate of chicken scampi with creamy garlic parmesan rice. | lilicooks.com

Chicken scampi with creamy garlic parmesan rice is a weeknight hero in my kitchen when I crave garlic parmesan indulgence and something bright from fresh lemon. The tender chicken seared with herbs folds into buttery rice that soaks up all the pan juices, making every forkful totally irresistible. Even my fussiest eater devours it without a complaint.

I stumbled on this recipe trying to make the most of what I had in my fridge. Now it is a dinner I repeat when friends or family drop by and I want to impress without stress.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces ensure even cooking and juicy bites
  • Olive oil: For a golden sear and rich flavor use a fresh bottle for the best taste
  • Unsalted butter: Brings a classic scampi richness and soft texture
  • Italian seasoning: For deep herby flavor check your blend for freshness with a good sniff
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional but brings a gentle kick
  • Salt and black pepper: Essential for coaxing maximum flavor from chicken and rice
  • Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic is key for that deep warm aroma
  • Lemon: For both zest and juice which deliver an unbeatable brightness try to use unwaxed lemons if possible
  • Long-grain white rice: Grains stay fluffy and do not get sticky
  • Chicken broth: Deepens the flavor and keeps rice tender use low-sodium if you can
  • Heavy cream: Adds silkiness and a true creamy finish
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty nutty sharpness brings the dish together buy a block and grate for best melt and flavor
  • Fresh parsley: For an herbaceous bright finish
  • Extra lemon wedges: For serving add even more zest at the table

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep and Sear the Chicken:
Cut your chicken into evenly sized bite pieces and pat them dry which means better browning. In a deep large skillet heat olive oil and butter over a medium-high flame. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning salt black pepper and red pepper flakes. Lay out pieces in one single layer and let them cook without moving for about three to four minutes then flip to brown the other sides. When cooked through and golden remove the chicken and set aside on a plate to keep juicy.
Deglaze and Build the Lemon Garlic Base:
Turn the skillet down to medium and toss in the minced garlic. Stir it constantly for thirty seconds until it just starts to turn golden and you catch a whiff of that garlicky perfume. Pour in the lemon juice and scatter in the zest scraping up any golden bits from the bottom of the pan they are pure flavor.
Toast the Rice:
Add the uncooked rice right into the skillet. Stir well to coat every grain in garlicky lemony goodness. Toast for one to two minutes just until you hear a little sizzle and the rice takes on a slight translucent look.
Simmer the Rice:
Add chicken broth to the pan. Increase heat just until it comes to a strong simmer then immediately turn down to low and cover. Let it simmer for eighteen to twenty minutes undisturbed so the rice can drink in all the liquid and come out perfectly tender. Avoid peeking until you smell that nutty aroma.
Cream It Up and Finish:
When the rice is just cooked lift the lid and pour in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently to melt the cheese and make everything creamy and luscious.
Assemble and Garnish:
Spoon the rice onto plates then top with seared chicken and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve with extra lemon wedges for a final squeeze of tang.
A plate of chicken scampi with creamy garlic parmesan rice. Save
A plate of chicken scampi with creamy garlic parmesan rice. | lilicooks.com

I adore how the Parmesan cheese melts into the hot rice creating a smooth sauce that ties both the chicken and the grains together. Last summer my nieces helped zest the lemons and we laughed at who could zest the longest strip it was a small kitchen moment that made a huge memory.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool fully before covering and chilling. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of extra broth or cream to loosen the rice back up. I have found this reheats better than many creamy dishes just do it slowly and do not microwave on high.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have chicken breasts thighs will work and yield a richer flavor. Use arborio rice for extra creaminess or even brown rice but add more broth and time. For an herby twist toss in a little fresh basil or swap parsley for chives.

Serving Suggestions

This dish shines on its own but is excellent with a bright green salad or steamed asparagus. For gatherings I offer garlic bread so everyone can scoop up every bit of the cheesy rice. Sometimes I add a final drizzle of olive oil or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for even more flavor.

A plate of chicken scampi with creamy garlic parmesan rice. Save
A plate of chicken scampi with creamy garlic parmesan rice. | lilicooks.com

Cultural Roots

Scampi is an Italian American spin originally made with shrimp. Here chicken stands in and pairs with that classic trio of garlic butter and lemon. The creamy rice gives it a modern comfort food spin. My Italian grandmother would have loved this marriage of flavors that bridges old and new.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chicken works best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces cook quickly and remain tender in this preparation.

→ How can I make the rice extra creamy?

Adding heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan at the end enhances the rice's creaminess and richness.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, the crushed red pepper flakes are optional. Add more or less according to your heat preference.

→ Which side dishes complement this meal?

A crisp green salad or steamed green beans pair nicely, balancing the dish's creamy textures.

→ Can I use different herbs for garnish?

Fresh parsley adds a bright finish, but basil or chives also work well as flavorful garnishes.

Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice

Tender chicken with creamy garlic-Parmesan rice, accented by fresh lemon and parsley for a cozy, flavorful dish.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
30 min
Overall Time
40 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: Italian

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken and Seasoning

01 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
04 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
05 ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
06 1 teaspoon salt
07 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

→ Main Dish Components

08 4 cloves garlic, minced
09 Juice of 1 lemon and the zest of ½ lemon
10 1½ cups long-grain white rice
11 3 cups chicken broth
12 ½ cup heavy cream
13 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Garnish and Serving

14 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
15 Extra lemon wedges, for serving

Steps

Step 01

In a large deep skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 02

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Saute for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in the lemon juice and zest.

Step 03

Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to coat in the garlic-lemon mixture. Toast for 1-2 minutes, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 04

Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.

Step 05

Plate the rice and chicken, then garnish with a small pinch of finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Required Tools

  • Large deep skillet

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese, heavy cream)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 523.5
  • Fats: 26.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36.8 g
  • Proteins: 33.2 g