If you’ve ever wished dinner could magically appear after a long day, this chicken scampi recipe comes pretty close. Think tender, lemon-kissed chicken in a buttery garlic sauce—served over creamy, dreamy parmesan rice that’s basically comfort in a bowl. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy enough for guests but comes together in just 35 minutes, which is my kind of culinary magic.
I love recipes like this because they balance “I’ve got this” confidence with “Wow, did I really make that?” results. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, impressing your partner, or just treating yourself after a marathon of errands, chicken scampi with creamy garlic parmesan rice hits all the right notes: bright, savory, comforting, and oh-so satisfying.
So grab your skillet and your favorite wooden spoon—it’s time to make a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen. Spoiler alert: the sauce alone will have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe licking their plates… no judgment here!).
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Scampi
This chicken scampi is the ultimate combination of elegance and ease. It’s quick enough for a Tuesday night but special enough for a Saturday dinner. The tangy lemon scampi sauce wraps each piece of chicken in buttery goodness, while the creamy garlic rice balances it with richness and warmth.
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Ready in 35 minutes – Perfect for busy schedules.
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Simple ingredients – Nothing fancy, just delicious.
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Flavor-packed – Garlic, lemon, butter, and parmesan? Yes, please.
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Family-approved – Even picky eaters will ask for more.
Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is the perfect blend of elegance and ease — juicy, lemon-garlic chicken served over rich, velvety parmesan rice. The scampi sauce is bright and buttery with a hint of heat, while the creamy rice adds comforting balance. It’s a 35-minute weeknight wonder that feels like dining at your favorite Italian restaurant without ever leaving home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Scampi:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
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2 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Zest and juice of 1 lemon
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1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice:
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1 cup long-grain white rice
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2 cups chicken broth
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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½ cup heavy cream
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½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt, to taste
Instructions
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Sear the Chicken:
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through (5–6 minutes). Transfer to a plate and set aside. -
Start the Rice:
In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in rice and toast for 1 minute. -
Cook the Rice:
Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. -
Make It Creamy:
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt. Cook on low heat until creamy and smooth. -
Make the Scampi Sauce:
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt remaining butter and olive oil. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Whisk until the sauce becomes glossy and fragrant. -
Combine:
Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss in the scampi sauce, letting it soak up all the buttery, lemony flavor. -
Serve:
Spoon creamy garlic rice onto plates, top with chicken scampi, drizzle with extra sauce, and sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
For extra creamy rice, add a splash of cream or cream cheese while stirring.
To avoid overcooking, don’t crowd the pan when searing chicken.
Want more spice? Add extra red pepper flakes.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Chicken
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(See full list above—because everything from the garlic to the lemon zest plays a starring role!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sear the Chicken:
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and sear until golden and fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
2. Start the Rice:
In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and let it sizzle for 30 seconds—just until fragrant (don’t burn that beautiful garlic!). Stir in rice and toast for about a minute.
3. Cook the Rice:
Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and rice is fluffy.
4. Make It Creamy:
Stir in heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt. Cook on low heat until the sauce thickens slightly and turns irresistibly creamy.
5. Scampi Sauce:
In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt the remaining butter and olive oil. Add minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Whisk it all together into a bright, fragrant sauce.
6. Combine:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, toss it well to coat in the scampi sauce, and let it soak up all that lemony, garlicky flavor.
7. Serve:
Spoon the creamy garlic parmesan rice onto plates and top with the saucy chicken. Drizzle any remaining scampi sauce over the top, sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Scampi
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Don’t crowd the pan. Give your chicken space so it sears beautifully instead of steaming.
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Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same sparkle—trust me on this.
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Want extra creamy rice? Add a splash more cream or even a bit of cream cheese for that velvety texture.
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Spice it up! A dash of extra crushed red pepper will make your lemon chicken skillet sing.
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No parmesan? Try Romano or Asiago cheese for a sharper twist.
And if your sauce looks a little too buttery or separated at first, don’t panic—just whisk it like you mean it! It’ll come together beautifully.
A Little Story Behind the Recipe
This chicken scampi with creamy garlic parmesan rice came to life one hectic weeknight when I was juggling emails, laundry, and a hangry family. I had chicken, rice, and a lemon—hardly a five-star setup, right? But with a little garlic and parmesan magic, it turned into something special.
Now it’s one of those recipes I reach for again and again. It reminds me that even simple ingredients can become something wonderful when you add a touch of love (and butter). My husband still says it’s his “birthday dinner,” even when it’s just a regular Tuesday.
Cooking this dish fills the kitchen with the cozy aroma of garlic and lemon—one of life’s simplest joys.
What to Serve with Chicken Scampi
This dish already brings plenty of richness and flavor, but if you want to build out your meal, here are a few favorites:
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Crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess.
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Garlic bread or breadsticks—because there’s no such thing as too much garlic.
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Steamed broccoli or asparagus adds color and freshness.
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A chilled glass of Chardonnay (or sparkling water with lemon!) to tie it all together.
If you’re feeding a crowd, serve family-style: rice in one big bowl, chicken piled high in another, and watch it disappear in minutes.
How to Store and Reheat
Got leftovers? Lucky you!
Store the chicken scampi and creamy garlic rice separately if possible. Place them in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The rice tends to thicken as it chills, so when reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to bring back that luscious texture.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or pop it in the microwave, stirring halfway through. Avoid high heat—it can make the chicken rubbery and the sauce oily.
You can also freeze portions of the chicken (without the rice) for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs stay extra juicy and work beautifully in this recipe.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
You can, but note that it takes longer to cook. The Parmesan rice recipe will still turn out deliciously nutty and creamy.
Can I make this without cream?
Try using half-and-half or a mix of milk and a tablespoon of cream cheese—it won’t be quite as rich but still satisfying.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
Skip the red pepper flakes, and you’ll still have a buttery, lemony masterpiece.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure your skillet is large enough to handle the extra chicken and sauce.
A Flavorful Final Note
This chicken scampi with creamy garlic parmesan rice proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s bright, creamy, garlicky, and utterly soul-soothing—a dish that makes ordinary nights feel a little special.
Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just treating yourself (because you deserve it), this recipe delivers on every level: quick, delicious, and full of heart.
So, go ahead—tie on your apron, zest that lemon, and get cooking. Your taste buds are about to fall in love.
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