Easy Buttery Garlic Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Rice

Introduction

If you’re craving something savory, indulgent, and incredibly satisfying, this buttery garlic chicken scampi with creamy parmesan rice is exactly what you need. The dish combines the bold, garlicky richness of a classic scampi with the irresistible comfort of creamy rice infused with parmesan cheese. It’s a family-friendly dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant but can be made in your own kitchen with simple ingredients. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or want to impress guests, this recipe delivers on both flavor and presentation.

My recipe story

The inspiration for this recipe came from my love of combining classic comfort food with restaurant-inspired dishes. Chicken scampi is typically paired with pasta, but I wanted to create something a little different that leaned into the creamy, risotto-like flavors of parmesan rice. The combination turned out to be absolutely perfect. The garlic butter sauce coats the tender chicken beautifully, while the parmesan rice acts as the ultimate backdrop to soak up all that delicious flavor. After making it for my family one evening, it quickly became a requested dish that I now cook regularly. This recipe is proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or exotic ingredients to create a meal that feels special.

Ingredient breakdown

One of the best things about this recipe is that it uses ingredients you probably already have on hand. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish so flavorful.

For the chicken scampi, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into strips. Olive oil and butter provide the perfect balance of richness and flavor while helping the chicken brown beautifully. Garlic is, of course, the star here, giving the dish its signature aroma and taste. A splash of chicken broth and lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter, while parsley brings a fresh finish.

The creamy parmesan rice comes together with long-grain white rice, chicken broth, and milk. These create a soft, luscious texture that’s made even more indulgent with the addition of parmesan cheese. The combination ensures every bite is creamy, savory, and perfectly complementary to the scampi chicken.

Equipment you’ll need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Medium saucepan with lid
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater for parmesan cheese

Step-by-step directions

1. Prepare the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine chicken broth and milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then stir in the rice. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. This should take about 18–20 minutes. Stir in parmesan cheese until creamy and set aside, keeping it warm.
2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breast strips dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides. This step ensures the chicken is flavorful and helps create a nice crust when seared.
3. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips in a single layer and cook until golden brown on each side, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to infuse the sauce with rich flavor.
5. Finish the chicken: Return the chicken strips to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the sauce and ensuring it’s fully cooked through.
6. Plate and serve: Fluff the parmesan rice with a fork and spoon it onto plates. Top with the garlic butter chicken, making sure to drizzle some of that luscious sauce over the rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra parmesan if desired.

Variations & substitutions

This recipe is highly versatile, and you can tweak it to suit your taste. If you prefer, swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs for extra juiciness. You can also use shrimp instead of chicken for a more traditional scampi experience. For a healthier twist, try using brown rice or quinoa in place of white rice. Adding vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms is another great way to bulk up the dish and add extra nutrients. For those who love spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce will give the meal a subtle kick.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and rice in a skillet with a splash of broth or milk to restore the creamy texture. While the chicken freezes well, the rice can lose some of its creaminess when frozen, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you’d like to make ahead, cook the rice and chicken separately and store them in the fridge. Assemble and reheat just before serving for the best results.

Serving ideas & pairings

This dish is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with a light side salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette to complement the garlic butter sauce. Steamed or roasted vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or zucchini also make excellent companions. For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works wonderfully. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, sparkling water with lemon slices keeps the meal refreshing. To round things out, consider finishing with a light dessert like lemon sorbet or fresh fruit.

FAQ

Can I use pre-cooked rice for this recipe?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. If you use pre-cooked rice, stir it into warm milk and parmesan to create a creamy consistency.

What type of parmesan works best?
Freshly grated parmesan from a block melts better and provides superior flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth and parmesan are certified gluten-free.

How can I make this dish lighter?
You can substitute low-fat milk or even unsweetened almond milk for the rice. Reducing the butter slightly will also lighten it up without sacrificing too much flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The stovetop works best—warm the chicken and rice together with a splash of broth or milk to maintain creaminess and prevent dryness.

Final thoughts

Buttery garlic chicken scampi with creamy parmesan rice is one of those recipes that hits all the right notes: comforting, flavorful, and elegant enough to serve for guests. The combination of juicy chicken, velvety rice, and bold garlic butter sauce makes it unforgettable. It’s proof that with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels indulgent and restaurant-worthy without spending hours in the kitchen. Give this recipe a try, and it may just become one of your go-to favorites for both weeknight meals and special occasions.

Buttery Garlic Chicken Scampi with Creamy Parmesan Rice

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Tender chicken strips simmered in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over creamy parmesan rice for a comforting, restaurant-style dinner. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (for rice)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. In a saucepan, bring chicken broth and milk to a simmer. Stir in rice, reduce heat, cover, and cook until tender, 18–20 minutes. Stir in parmesan cheese until creamy; set aside. 
2. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a skillet, sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside. 
3. Add remaining butter and garlic to the skillet. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping browned bits. 
4. Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and simmer 2–3 minutes until cooked through. 
5. Serve chicken and sauce over creamy parmesan rice. Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan if desired.

Notes

Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess. Great paired with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American