Restaurant-Worthy Comfort Food in 30 Minutes!
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice combines tender, golden chicken with a luscious lemon-garlic cream sauce, served over decadently cheesy rice. It’s an impressive yet easy dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Elegant enough for company – Looks and tastes gourmet
Quick weeknight solution – Ready in 30 minutes flat
Bright, balanced flavors – Zesty lemon cuts through the richness
Ultra-comforting – Creamy Parmesan sauce over fluffy rice
Ingredients
(Serves 4)
For the Chicken Scampi
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup dry white wine (or extra broth)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice
- 2 cups cooked white rice (about ⅔ cup uncooked)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Pound chicken to even ½” thickness between plastic wrap
- Mix flour with salt and pepper in shallow dish
- Dredge chicken, shaking off excess
2. Cook the Chicken
- Melt 2 tbsp butter in large skillet over medium-high
- Cook chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden (165°F internal)
- Transfer to plate and tent with foil
3. Make the Scampi Sauce
- In same skillet, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter
- Sauté garlic 30 seconds until fragrant
- Add broth, wine, and lemon juice – simmer 3 minutes
- Stir in cream and Parmesan – cook 2 minutes until thickened
- Return chicken to pan, spooning sauce over top
4. Prepare the Rice
- In separate pan, melt butter over medium
- Sauté garlic 30 seconds
- Stir in cooked rice, Parmesan, and parsley
- Season with salt
5. Serve & Garnish
- Plate rice, top with chicken and sauce
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley
- Serve with lemon wedges
Pro Tips for Perfection
Even cooking – Pound chicken to uniform thickness
Wine substitute – Use extra broth + 1 tbsp white vinegar
Zest boost – Add 1 tsp lemon zest to sauce
Extra richness – Stir 1 tbsp cream cheese into sauce
Make-Ahead & Storage
Prep ahead – Cook rice and pound chicken in advance
Storage – Keep components separate in fridge up to 3 days
Reheating – Gently warm in skillet with splash of broth
Serving Suggestions
Pair with – Roasted asparagus or crisp green salad
Bread option – Garlic bread for sauce-sopping
Wine pairing – Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead?
A: Yes! Adjust cook time to 5-6 minutes per side
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
A: Keep heat medium-low when adding cream
Q: What if I don’t have fresh lemon?
A: Use 2 tbsp bottled juice + ½ tsp zest
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Substitute cornstarch or GF flour for dredging
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice delivers restaurant-quality flavor in the comfort of your kitchen. The bright lemon-garlic sauce perfectly complements the creamy, cheesy rice, while the golden chicken adds satisfying protein.
Print
Creamy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
- Total Time: 40 mins
Description
Indulge in this flavorful Chicken Scampi paired with creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice. A perfect blend of savory chicken and cheesy rice for a delightful meal!
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
4 tablespoons butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups cooked white rice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
Instructions
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add chicken broth, white wine, and lemon juice to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the chicken. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is thickened.
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice, combine the cooked white rice with grated Parmesan cheese and minced fresh parsley. Stir until the rice is well-coated and creamy.
Serve the Chicken Scampi over the Garlic Parmesan Rice. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Enjoy this savory and comforting dish!
Prep Time: 30 minutes
