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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

Enjoy restaurant-quality Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi with Creamy Rice at home! This dish features tender chicken strips seared to golden perfection, coated in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with lemon juice and Parmesan. The chicken is served over a bed of creamy rice infused with Parmesan and heavy cream for an extra rich experience. Ready in under 45 minutes, it's the perfect comforting and satisfying meal for any night of the week. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of freshness.

Key steps include searing the chicken, making the garlic butter sauce, and preparing the creamy rice separately before combining. Don't forget the crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

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Casey
Updated on Thu, 16 Oct 2025 18:04:44 GMT
A pan of food with chicken and cheese. Pin it
A pan of food with chicken and cheese. | cookingwithcasey.com

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi with Creamy Rice is my weekday secret weapon for those nights when everyone craves comfort food but I do not want to spend hours in the kitchen. Juicy strips of chicken are bathed in a dreamy garlic butter sauce and then spooned over extra creamy Parmesan rice. If you love restaurant-style dinners at home, this dish is a total game changer.

I still remember the first time I tried this with my best friend on a rainy Friday night. Now I get requests for it every time someone comes over.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts sliced into strips: Choose plump chicken breasts without any added solution for the juiciest results
  • Garlic cloves minced: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor it should be firm and free of green shoots
  • Olive oil: Go for extra virgin olive oil for a richer taste and silky texture
  • Butter: Unsalted works best so you can control the saltiness of your sauce
  • Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed adds brightness look for juicy heavy lemons
  • Chicken broth: Homemade or a high quality low sodium broth makes the sauce extra savory
  • Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts better and brings deeper flavor
  • Heavy cream: Opt for full fat but light cream can work too for a lighter version
  • Long grain rice: Choose firm glossy grains like jasmine or basmati for the creamiest texture
  • Fresh parsley: Adds freshness and color flat leaf variety is most flavorful
  • Salt: Use kosher or sea salt for perfect seasoning
  • Black pepper: Freshly cracked for the best bite
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: Adjust to your heat preference and use fresh flakes for bigger flavor

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Season chicken strips with salt black pepper and red pepper flakes on all sides. This ensures every bite is seasoned and has a hint of heat.
Sear the Chicken:
Heat one tablespoon each of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium high. Sauté the chicken in batches for even browning and juicy centers. Turn each piece until golden on all sides then transfer to a plate. Do not crowd the pan to avoid steaming.
Build the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Reduce the skillet heat and add the remaining butter. Stir in the minced garlic and let it gently cook for about a minute. When the garlic smells sweet and fragrant add the lemon juice and a half cup of chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up those tasty browned bits sticking to the pan. Let the mixture simmer until slightly reduced with a glossy sheen.
Cook the Rice:
While the sauce simmers pour the rice and the remaining cup of chicken broth into a separate saucepan. Cover and cook on low until the rice is tender and fluffy about fifteen to twenty minutes. Gently fluff with a fork at the end.
Make it Creamy and Cheesy:
Add the heavy cream and Parmesan to the hot rice. Stir well until every grain is coated in the creamy cheesy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed so the rice sings with flavor.
Bring it All Together:
Return the cooked chicken to the garlic butter skillet and toss well. Let everything mingle on low heat for a couple of minutes letting the chicken soak up more of the sauce.
Serve and Garnish:
Spoon the creamy Parmesan rice onto plates and pile the chicken scampi on top. Sprinkle fresh parsley and a little extra cheese to finish. Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.
A pan of food with rice and chicken. Pin it
A pan of food with rice and chicken. | cookingwithcasey.com

My favorite ingredient has to be the freshly grated Parmesan It melts so beautifully and turns the rice into velvety heaven. Once when I made this for my family game night everyone ended up competing for the last spoonful of the rice. That is when I knew I had a new classic on my hands.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in a tightly covered container in the fridge for up to three days. For best texture reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream. Avoid microwaving for too long so the chicken stays juicy and the rice remains creamy not dry.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken for shrimp or even tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian twist. For dairy free needs use coconut cream and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and cream. If you are short on fresh parsley try chives or basil for a different flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. For an Italian feast add roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach on the side. Garlic bread is always welcome to mop up every bit of that luscious sauce.

Cultural Context

Scampi typically refers to a garlicky buttery sauce Italians use for shrimp but I love giving a chicken twist for heartier dinners. The rich rice is inspired by classic risotto but quicker and easier for weeknights. This blend brings together Mediterranean comfort with an American cozy twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different type of cheese for the creamy rice?

While Parmesan cheese is the classic choice, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago. Keep in mind that different cheeses will have slightly different flavor profiles.

→ How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Avoid overcooking the chicken by searing it quickly in batches. Ensure the pan is hot enough before adding the chicken. Also, returning the chicken to the sauce at the end helps it stay moist and absorb the flavors.

→ What's the best way to store leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead of time by slicing the chicken, mincing the garlic, and grating the Parmesan cheese. However, for the best results, cook the chicken and rice just before serving.

→ What can I serve with this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi?

This dish pairs well with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would also complement the flavors nicely.

→ Can I use precooked rice to shorten cook time?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked rice but be sure to reduce the amount of chicken broth used. Add the cream and parmesan until your preferred consistency has been reached.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi

Quick and easy garlic parmesan chicken with creamy rice. Tender chicken in a rich garlic butter sauce served over cheesy rice.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Protein

01 2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced

→ Dairy

02 45g unsalted butter
03 60g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
04 120ml heavy cream

→ Produce

05 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
06 15g fresh parsley, finely chopped

→ Pantry

07 30ml olive oil
08 45ml fresh lemon juice
09 360ml chicken broth
10 200g long-grain white rice
11 2.5g fine sea salt
12 1.2g freshly ground black pepper
13 0.6g crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

Step 01

Thinly slice the chicken breasts into uniform strips. Season thoroughly with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Step 02

In a large skillet, heat 15ml of olive oil and 15g of butter over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken strips in small batches until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 03

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 30g of butter to the same skillet and allow it to melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for approximately one minute, until fragrant but not browned.

Step 04

Deglaze the skillet by pouring in the 45ml of fresh lemon juice and 120ml of chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and reduce for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.

Step 05

Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, combine the 200g of long-grain white rice with the remaining 240ml of chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 06

Once the rice is cooked, stir in the 120ml of heavy cream and 60g of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary.

Step 07

Return the seared chicken strips to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Gently toss to coat the chicken. Allow it to warm through on low heat for about 2 minutes.

Step 08

Portion the creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice onto serving plates. Top generously with the chicken scampi. Garnish with the finely chopped fresh parsley and additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  1. For a lighter alternative, substitute light cream for heavy cream.
  2. Enhance nutritional value by incorporating vegetables such as broccoli florets or fresh spinach into the cooked rice.
  3. To intensify the spice level, increase the quantity of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  4. For a traditional variation, prepare this dish using shrimp instead of chicken.
  5. Achieve optimal flavor and texture by utilizing freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy
  • Poultry

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 550
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 50 g
  • Protein: 40 g