Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

I’ve always loved dishes that balance richness with brightness, and Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice does exactly that. It brings together golden-seared chicken breast with a silky, garlicky rice that's been cooked down with Parmesan until it's creamy and comforting. It’s one of those meals I turn to when I want something that feels indulgent but doesn’t require a hundred ingredients or hours in the kitchen.

This dish came about on a busy weeknight when I was craving the zing of lemony scampi, but also wanted the soothing texture of creamy rice. I experimented with a few versions, trying to get that buttery garlic flavor just right. The end result was so satisfying, it earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation—and it might just earn one in yours too.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

The contrast in textures and flavors is what makes this meal so special. The chicken is juicy and golden with a slight tang from lemon and white wine, while the rice is rich, cheesy, and full of garlicky depth. It feels elevated, but it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have.

This recipe also wins on flexibility—you can make it on a weeknight or serve it to guests. It reheats beautifully, and the flavors actually deepen over time. Whether you're craving comfort food, trying out new dinner ideas, or looking for something the whole family will love, this is a dish that checks all the boxes.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For this recipe, I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook quickly and slice neatly over the creamy rice. However, chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative if you want something with a bit more flavor and tenderness. Just keep in mind they may need a few extra minutes of cooking time.

If you’re short on time, you can even use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken—just give it a quick sauté in butter, garlic, and lemon juice to build up that signature scampi flavor. It won’t have the same golden sear, but it’s a solid shortcut that still tastes great.

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Options for Substitutions

One of the great things about Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is how adaptable it is. Whether you're working with dietary needs or pantry limitations, here are a few easy swaps:

• Rice: You can substitute long-grain white rice with arborio for a risotto-style finish, or use brown rice for a heartier bite. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Parmesan: Pecorino Romano or even Grana Padano can stand in for Parmesan if needed. Just go easy on added salt, as these cheeses can be quite salty.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and a good dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese if you're avoiding dairy. The garlic and lemon will still shine through.
• Wine Substitute: If you’d rather skip the wine, use a splash of chicken broth with a teaspoon of white wine vinegar or lemon juice to replicate that acidic brightness.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower. The rice base is flavorful enough to stand alone.

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Ingredients for This Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

Chicken breasts – The star of the dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein and soak up the lemony garlic butter perfectly.

Olive oil – Used to sear the chicken and start building flavor in the pan. It adds a subtle richness and helps create that golden crust.

Butter – Essential for the scampi sauce and the creamy rice. It adds depth, silkiness, and brings everything together with a classic finish.

Garlic – You’ll want plenty. It’s the backbone of both the scampi and the rice, offering bold, aromatic flavor.

Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed lemon adds brightness and tang, balancing the richness of the butter and cheese.

White wine – A dry white wine lifts the sauce with acidity and complexity. It’s what gives scampi its signature taste.

Chicken broth – Used as the base for cooking the rice. It adds savory depth and ensures the rice soaks up all that flavor.

Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is best for maximum melt and flavor. It turns the rice into something creamy and irresistible.

Long grain white rice – Acts as the creamy, starchy foundation. It cooks low and slow in broth and garlic until velvety and soft.

Heavy cream – Just a splash rounds out the rice and helps bind the cheese into a luscious sauce.

Salt & black pepper – To season the chicken and rice just right, without overpowering the other flavors.

Parsley – Fresh parsley is optional, but adds a nice pop of color and a subtle herbal contrast.

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Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Sear each side for 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

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Step 2: Make the Scampi Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, then return the chicken to the pan to soak up the flavor. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, then transfer everything to a plate and tent loosely with foil.

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Step 3: Start the Creamy Garlic Rice

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add more garlic and cook until just fragrant, then stir in the rice. Toast the rice lightly for 1–2 minutes to bring out its nutty flavor before adding warm chicken broth.

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Step 4: Simmer Until Creamy

Lower the heat and let the rice simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed—about 18–20 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

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Step 5: Plate and Serve

Spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan rice onto plates or into shallow bowls. Slice the chicken and arrange it on top. Drizzle some of the scampi pan sauce over everything and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

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How Long to Cook Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

This dish comes together in under 45 minutes, making it an ideal choice for both weeknights and casual dinner parties. Here's a quick time breakdown:

• Searing the chicken: 8–10 minutes total (4–5 minutes per side)
• Simmering the scampi sauce: 3–5 minutes
• Cooking the rice: 18–20 minutes
• Finishing and assembling: 5 minutes

Altogether, you’re looking at about 35–40 minutes from start to finish.

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Tips for Perfect Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

• Use freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and can affect the creamy texture of the rice.
• Don’t overcook the chicken – Use an instant-read thermometer if needed; you're aiming for 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
• Deglaze the skillet well – All those little browned bits after searing the chicken are packed with flavor—don’t skip this step when making the sauce.
• Keep the rice stirring occasional – Not as intensely as risotto, but enough to prevent sticking and ensure a silky finish.
• Add lemon juice at the end if needed – Taste before serving. If it needs more brightness, a squeeze of lemon can elevate everything.
• Let the chicken rest – After cooking, give it a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps it tender.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a straightforward dish like this can go sideways if a few key details are missed. Here’s what to avoid:

• Using cold chicken straight from the fridge – Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before searing to ensure even cooking and better browning.
• Overcooking the garlic – Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter. Keep the heat moderate and sauté just until fragrant.
• Rushing the rice – It needs time to absorb the broth fully and develop that creamy texture. Resist cranking up the heat.
• Using too much wine – A splash adds brightness, but too much can overwhelm the sauce. Stick to the measurements.
• Skipping the resting time – Cutting into the chicken right away will release its juices. Give it 5 minutes to rest before slicing.
• Not tasting as you go – Between the cheese, broth, and butter, you may not need as much salt as you think. Taste before seasoning more.

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What to Serve With Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice?

This dish is rich, creamy, and savory, so pairing it with sides that bring freshness or crunch helps balance the plate. Here are a few winning ideas:

Roasted Broccolini

Lightly charred with olive oil and lemon zest, it complements the garlicky rice beautifully.

Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Peppery greens with a bright citrus dressing help cut through the richness of the dish.

Garlic Bread

It’s a classic pairing—great for mopping up any extra scampi sauce on your plate.

Lemon-Garlic Asparagus

Quickly sautéed or roasted, asparagus brings a vibrant green note to the meal.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

Cool, crisp, and juicy—this refreshing side balances the warm, creamy rice.

Steamed Green Beans with Almonds

Lightly blanched green beans tossed with toasted almonds add crunch and color.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

As a starter, it contrasts well with the garlic-Parmesan profile of the rice.

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Storage Instructions

This dish keeps surprisingly well, which makes it a smart choice for meal prep or next-day lunches.

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the chicken and rice together or separately—it reheats well either way.
• Freezer: You can freeze it, though the texture of the creamy rice may change slightly. If you do, use a freezer-safe container and eat within 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating the rice to bring back its creamy texture. Avoid overheating the chicken to keep it juicy.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough estimate per serving (assuming 4 servings total):

• Calories: ~580
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 125mg
• Sodium: 560mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

These values may vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes, but it gives you a solid nutritional snapshot of what you’re enjoying.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best wine to use in chicken scampi?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best. It adds acidity without overpowering the garlic-lemon flavor.

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Can I make this recipe without wine?

Yes, absolutely. Swap the wine with chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice or white wine vinegar to keep the brightness in the sauce.

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Is this dish spicy?

Not at all by default, but if you want a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the garlic butter will do the trick.

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Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken can work. Just warm it in the scampi sauce so it soaks up the flavor.

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Will this recipe work with brown rice?

It can, but brown rice needs a longer cook time and more broth. It’ll be nuttier and slightly less creamy, but still delicious.

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Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, both the rice and chicken can be cooked ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to restore the texture.

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What can I use instead of Parmesan?

Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Grana Padano are great alternatives. Just be mindful of saltiness—taste before seasoning.

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Is this gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the chicken broth and cheese you use are gluten-free (always check labels), this dish is naturally gluten-free.

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Conclusion

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is the kind of dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is totally doable at home. The golden seared chicken with its garlicky, lemony butter sauce paired with that luxurious Parmesan rice hits every comfort note without being too heavy. It’s fresh, cozy, and endlessly flexible—perfect for a family dinner, a date night, or just a quiet evening when you want something really satisfying.

It’s become one of my go-to easy dinner ideas, and I think once you make it, it might become one of yours too.

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