If you’re craving something rich, garlicky, and comforting, this chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice delivers it all in one skillet. Tender golden chicken cooked in garlic butter meets creamy, cheesy rice that soaks up every drop of flavor.

This one-pan recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. It’s inspired by classic scampi techniques, minus the seafood and pasta, and reimagined as a hearty rice dish that’s ready in under 45 minutes.

Whether you’re looking for new cooking recipes for dinner, want something like garlic parmesan chicken pasta TikTok recipes, or just need a cozy soul food dinner with bold flavors, this dish fits right into your pasta dinner recipes collection.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Scampi With Garlic Parmesan Rice

Bold garlic flavor meets creamy parmesan goodness
Uses simple ingredients but delivers restaurant-level taste
One skillet means fewer dishes and more flavor
Perfect for fans of chicken pasta recipes with mushrooms or farfalle pasta swaps
Easily adaptable to spicy, creamy, or low-carb versions
Delivers everything people love about chicken parmesan pasta with a garlic-forward twist
Fulfills comfort cravings while staying light and savory
Great meal prep option, tastes even better the next day
Inspired by Cajun chicken pasta TikTok favorites with its creamy garlic heat option

If you enjoy dishes like creamy chicken and rice or pasta with rich sauce, this meal bridges the best of both worlds.

Ingredients for Chicken Scampi With Garlic Parmesan Rice

Here’s what you need to make this dish come alive:

1 pound chicken breast or tenders, sliced thin
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, for extra depth
2 tablespoons olive oil, for searing
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 garlic cloves, minced (or more if you love garlic)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, for a mild kick
sub 1 tablespoon lemon juice + 1/2 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
3 cups chicken broth, low sodium preferred
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, for creaminess and flavor
Optional: sautéed mushrooms, fresh parsley, or lemon wedges for garnish

Want another rich and satisfying meal with bold flavor? Try this Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Recipe next for a tangy, cheesy dinner option.

How to Make Chicken Scampi With Garlic Parmesan Rice

Season and sear the chicken
Season sliced chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove from pan and set aside.
Make the garlic butter sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet and sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and let it bubble gently for 1 minute to lift flavor from the pan and create a bright, tangy base.
Toast and simmer the rice
Stir uncooked rice into the pan. Toast for 2–3 minutes, then add broth and bring to a gentle boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 18–20 minutes or until rice is tender.
Add parmesan and chicken
Stir in the remaining butter and parmesan cheese. Add the seared chicken back to the pan and cover for 5 minutes off heat to let flavors combine.
Garnish and serve
Top with optional parsley, sautéed mushrooms, or a squeeze of lemon. Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Looking for creamy alternatives with a cheesy kick? Check out these White Chicken Enchiladas Dinner that come together in just minutes.

What to Serve With Chicken Scampi and Garlic Parmesan Rice

This recipe pairs beautifully with both fresh and hearty side dishes. Try these ideas to round out your meal:

Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus
Fresh Caesar salad or arugula tossed with vinaigrette
Oven-roasted carrots or brussels sprouts
Garlic bread or crusty sourdough for scooping up rice
Grilled zucchini or squash slices
A simple cucumber tomato salad for contrast

Prefer something warming and spoonable on the side? This Chicken Poblano Soup – Easy 30-Minute Meal makes a great pairing that’s full of bold flavor.

Chicken Scampi Variations and Customizations

Here’s how to make this dish your own with quick tweaks and swaps:

Farfalle pasta with chicken and mushrooms
Use farfalle instead of rice and stir in mushrooms for a pasta-based version.
Cajun chicken pasta twist
Add Cajun seasoning to the chicken and increase red pepper flakes for a spicier take.
Garlic parmesan chicken pasta TikTok version
Add 1/2 cup heavy cream with the parmesan for a viral creamy finish.
Low-carb option
Swap the rice for riced cauliflower and reduce broth to 1 1/2 cups.
Shrimp scampi instead of chicken
Replace chicken with shrimp and follow the same garlic-butter method.
Lemon-forward flavor
Add zest and juice of 1 lemon for brightness.
Creamy spinach addition
Stir in 1 cup baby spinach at the end for extra greens.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store: Let leftovers cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: For stovetop, reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth. For microwave, use 60-second bursts with a loose lid or damp paper towel.
Avoid drying out: Always add moisture like broth or a touch of butter when reheating rice to keep texture creamy and rich.
Bonus tip: Add a bit of shredded mozzarella before reheating for a melty upgrade.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Scampi With Garlic Parmesan Rice

Toast the rice first: This unlocks deeper flavor and better texture.
Don’t skip the garlic: Fresh garlic is key, don’t substitute with powder in the sauce.
Use freshly grated parmesan: It melts smoother and tastes sharper than pre-shredded.
Sear in batches if needed: Overcrowding the pan leads to steaming, not browning.
Let the rice rest: A quick 5-minute steam with the lid on at the end improves absorption.
Deglaze with lemon early: This step adds brightness and pulls flavor from the pan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using instant rice: It won’t absorb the flavors and tends to become mushy. Stick to long-grain.
Overcooking garlic: Burnt garlic tastes bitter. Keep heat medium and stir constantly.
Forgetting to rest the rice: Letting it sit off-heat with the lid on improves texture and taste.
Using pre-shredded cheese: It contains anti-caking agents that can cause clumps.
Over-seasoning too early: Rice absorbs salt. Wait until the end to adjust seasonings.
Skipping the sear: Golden chicken = more flavor. Don’t skip this step even if you’re in a rush.

Chicken Scampi With Garlic Parmesan Rice Wrap-Up

This one-skillet meal is everything a home-cooked dinner should be, flavorful, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. The garlic butter sauce infuses the rice and chicken with richness, while the parmesan gives it a creamy finish.

Whether you’re craving pasta dinner recipes, inspired by garlic parmesan chicken pasta TikTok trends, or just need something new to rotate into your weeknight meals, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Be sure to pin it, save it, and share it with fellow chicken lovers.

FAQs About Chicken Scampi With Garlic Parmesan Rice

What is chicken scampi made of?

Chicken scampi is typically made with sautéed chicken, garlic butter sauce, lemon, and often served with pasta or rice. This version uses garlic parmesan rice as a flavorful base.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but increase cook time and liquid. Brown rice takes 40–45 minutes and will need closer to 3.5 cups broth.

How do I make this a creamy pasta?

Replace rice with cooked pasta like penne or farfalle, add cream with the parmesan, and toss everything together before serving.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely. It stores well, reheats beautifully, and the flavors deepen overnight. Store in individual containers for ready-to-go meals.