This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a fast, flavor-packed dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in under an hour. Bright lemon, tender chicken, buttery garlic sauce, and cheesy rice make it a family favorite!
⏱️ Quick Look
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Easy
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken Scampi
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
Salt & pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth
Juice of 1 lemon
¼ cup white wine (optional)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
In a medium saucepan, combine:
1 cup rice
2 cups chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside and keep warm.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Lemon-Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet:
Add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Deglaze with ½ cup chicken broth, juice of 1 lemon, and ¼ cup white wine (if using).
Simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly.
Stir in 2 tbsp butter until melted and emulsified.
Step 4: Finish the Chicken
Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
Step 5: Assemble & Serve
Spoon the garlic Parmesan rice into bowls or plates.
Top with the saucy chicken strips.
Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy a cozy, zesty, comforting meal!
💡 Pro Tips
Make it creamy: Stir a splash of cream into the sauce for a rich twist.
No wine? Just use extra chicken broth and a bit more lemon juice.
Want heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce.