Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice

Name: Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup long grain white rice; 2¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

I love how this dish brings together juicy chicken, garlicky scampi-style sauce, and creamy Parmesan rice—all cooked in one skillet for a meal that’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to pull off any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’m always drawn to recipes that taste like they came from a restaurant but are simple enough to whip up at home. This one fits the bill perfectly. The chicken is tender and seasoned with herbs and spice, the rice soaks up a buttery garlic sauce, and the finish of Parmesan gives it that rich, savory edge I crave. Best of all, the whole meal comes together quickly and doesn’t leave a sink full of dishes.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long grain white rice
2 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

directions

I season the diced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
In a large skillet over medium heat, I heat the olive oil and butter. Once hot, I add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. I remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. I sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
I stir in the rice, letting it toast lightly in the garlic oil for 1–2 minutes.
I pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. I reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
I stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and cooked chicken. I let everything heat through for a couple of minutes.
I garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4. It takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cook time, so dinner is ready in approximately 30 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap in shrimp for the chicken to make a seafood version.
I stir in spinach or peas at the end for extra veggies.
I use brown rice, but I increase the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
For a creamier version, I add a splash of heavy cream with the cheese.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the rice and chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water. This helps loosen the rice and keeps everything moist. The microwave works too, but I stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Yes—I often do that to save time. I add it back in at the end just to warm it through.

Can I make this without Parmesan?

Definitely. The Parmesan adds richness, but I’ve used Pecorino or a dairy-free cheese alternative, and it still turns out great.

What type of rice works best?

Long grain white rice is my go-to because it cooks quickly and evenly. Jasmine rice also works well for a slightly floral flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has just a hint of heat from the red pepper flakes. I increase or decrease the amount depending on who I’m serving.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes—I make it a day in advance and reheat with a splash of broth. It’s a great meal prep option.

Conclusion

This Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice has become a go-to in my kitchen for good reason. It’s rich, flavorful, and comes together in one pan with simple ingredients. Whether I’m feeding the family or making lunch for the week, it’s always a hit and never fails to satisfy

Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice

Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

ingredients

directions

Servings and timing

Variations

storage/reheating

FAQs