Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is buttery, garlicky, and packed with flavor! Tender chicken is seared with lemon pepper seasoning, then served over Parmesan-infused rice with a hint of citrus for balance.

Try our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta or Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi next!

😍Why You’ll Love It

We love a good scampi dish, but sometimes we want something more comforting than pasta. That’s where this Garlic Parmesan Rice comes in! It soaks up all the buttery, garlicky flavors, making every bite ultra-creamy and rich. The lemon juice enhances the sauce, adding just the right amount of freshness to keep it from feeling too heavy. Plus, it all comes together in one skillet for an easy cleanup!

✅What You’ll Need

• Chicken breasts – Cut into strips for quick, even cooking. Chicken tenders are a great alternative, or use boneless thighs for extra juiciness.
• Lemon pepper seasoning – Adds a tangy, peppery kick. If you don’t have it, mix black pepper, salt, and a pinch of lemon zest for a similar effect.
• Butter – Swap with ghee or a mix of olive oil and butter for a lighter option.
• Garlic & red pepper flakes – Infuses the dish with bold flavor and a little heat. If you prefer it mild, reduce the red pepper flakes or replace them with a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle warmth.
• White wine & lemon juice – Essential for the classic scampi flavor. Chicken broth can replace the wine if needed, and while fresh lemon juice is best, bottled lemon juice will still do the trick.
• Uncooked white rice – Jasmine or long-grain rice are ideal for the right texture. You can use Arborio rice for a creamier consistency, while basmati will give a lighter, fluffier result.
• Chicken broth – Cooks the rice while adding extra depth of flavor. If using low-sodium broth, adjust the salt accordingly. Vegetable broth works too.
• Parmesan cheese – The key to that rich, cheesy finish. If you want a sharper taste, Pecorino Romano is a great swap.

👨‍🍳Helpful Tips

• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor—jarred just won’t have the same kick.
• Use High-Quality Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a richer, creamier texture than pre-shredded versions.

🔪How to Make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

Cook the Chicken – Season and sear until golden brown, then set aside.

Make the Scampi Sauce – Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in butter, then deglaze with white wine and add lemon juice.

Cook the Rice – Stir in uncooked rice, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the sauce. Add chicken broth and salt, bring to a boil, then cover and cook until the rice is tender.

Finish the Dish – Stir in Parmesan cheese, top with chicken, and drizzle with reserved pan sauce.

✨Substitutions & Variations

• Swap chicken breasts for shrimp for a classic shrimp scampi twist.
• Make it extra creamy by stirring in a splash of heavy cream.
• Add some baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for more color and flavor.

🍽️What to Serve With It

This dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side Tomato and Cucumber Salad or Air fryer Garlic Bread.

🗄️Leftovers & Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep the rice creamy.
• We don't recommend freezing, as the rice may become mushy.