Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice (Easy One-Pan Recipe)

chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice

Quick, savory, and irresistibly creamy this chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice is your new favorite comfort food! Packed with bold flavor and ready in under 30 minutes, our original one-pan skillet method ensures juicy chicken and perfectly cooked rice every time. Discover pro tips, substitutions, and step-by-step visuals for better-than-restaurant results.

What is Chicken Scampi? (and Why Garlic Parmesan Rice)

Chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice blends Italian-American restaurant comfort with the budget-friendly convenience of chicken instead of shrimp. Traditionally, “scampi” refers to garlic and white wine sautéed shellfish or crustaceans, but chicken is now a popular substitution in the U.S. for weeknight dinners packed with flavor. Garlic parmesan rice adds richness, making this a stand-out family meal.​

Why You’ll Love This chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice

• Fast, one-pan preparation perfect for busy weeknights.​
• Creamy, buttery garlic parmesan rice that pairs with juicy chicken scampi.
• Simple ingredients, easy swaps for allergens or personal taste.
• Authentic flavor: Italian skillet techniques with American comfort food roots.
• Kid-friendly, meal-prep tested, and crowd-approved at dinner tables.​

Ingredients Overview and Substitutions

Main Ingredients

• Chicken breast or tenderloins (substitute shrimp or turkey for variation)
• Long-grain or Jasmine rice (Arborio for extra creaminess)
• Fresh garlic
• Parmesan cheese (dairy-free options: nutritional yeast or plant-based parmesan)
• Chicken broth or white wine (lemon juice for a lighter version)
• Olive oil & butter
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, lemon pepper, Italian herbs

Substitution Table

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients

• Dice chicken into bite-sized pieces; mince fresh garlic; prepare rice and broth/file:1.

2. Sear Chicken (Pro Tip: Don’t overcook just golden and juicy)

• Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high.
• Season chicken with salt, pepper, and lemon pepper.
• Sear chicken 2-3 min per side, then remove and set aside.

3. Sauté Garlic and Rice

• Lower heat; add minced garlic, then rice.
• Stir until fragrant and slightly toasted.

4. Deglaze & Simmer

• Add chicken broth (and/or wine), scrape browned bits from pan.
• Return chicken to skillet; cover and simmer until rice absorbs liquids (15-20 minutes).

5. Finish with Parmesan

• Stir in grated parmesan until rice is creamy and chicken coats in sauce.
• Season to taste; garnish with parsley, extra cheese, and lemon zest.

6. Serve Hot

• Spoon rice and chicken onto plates. Best enjoyed immediately!

Ingredient Substitutions & Dietary Swaps

• Wine Alternatives: Substitute with all chicken broth or add 2 tablespoons lemon juice for acidity.
• Dairy-Free: Use vegan parmesan and plant-based margarine.
• Gluten-Free: Choose certified gluten-free chicken broth and rice; check all seasoning blends.
• Add Veggies: Stir in fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes in final 5 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Side options: garlic bread, simple green salad, sautéed asparagus, roasted Italian vegetables.
• Repurpose leftovers: make wraps, stuffed peppers, or meal-prep bowls.

Chicken vs Shrimp Scampi: Flavor & Nutrition Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in microwave or skillet with a splash of broth.
• Freeze for up to 1 month; thaw in fridge overnight.

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Sarah Yummyum Recipes

Irresistible Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe for 2025

Quick, creamy and packed with garlic parmesan flavor discover the easiest chicken scampi with rice, including pro tips, substitutions, and step-by-step photos!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Marinating Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Skillet Meal

Cuisine: American, American Comfort Food, Italian, Mediterranean

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb chicken breast or tenderloins cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup long-grain or Jasmine rice can use Arborio for creamy texture
• 3 cups chicken broth or substitute with 2 cups broth + 1 cup dry white wine
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5-6 cloves garlic minced
• ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese use plant-based for dairy-free
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp lemon pepper seasoning
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley plus more for garnish
• ¼ cup heavy cream for extra creaminess (Optional)

Equipment

• Large deep skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Season chicken with salt, black pepper, and lemon pepper.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side or until just golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Add remaining butter to skillet. Lower heat to medium, add garlic, and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
4. Stir in rice and toast for 1 minute, then add broth (and wine, if using). Scrape up any browned bits.
5. Return chicken to skillet. Add lemon juice and half the parsley. Stir well. Cover and simmer on low, 15-20 minutes, until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
6. Remove from heat. Stir in parmesan cheese (and cream, if using) until rice is creamy and chicken is coated.
7. Taste; add extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
8. Serve immediately. Garnish with more parsley and extra parmesan.

Notes

Substitute shrimp for chicken for a shrimp scampi variation; sear for only 1-2 minutes per side.

Use all chicken broth and additional lemon juice if you prefer to avoid wine.

Make the recipe gluten-free with certified GF broth and seasonings.

For dairy-free, swap parmesan and butter for plant-based alternatives.

Reader Comments & Reviews

Tried this recipe? Leave your review below and share your tips or favorite substitutions! Save to Pinterest or share via email with friends for easy weeknight inspiration.

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