Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi with Rice Recipe

I absolutely love this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi with Rice Recipe because it combines all those rich, comforting flavors in one skillet — tender chicken, buttery garlic sauce, and cheesy, creamy rice. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how easy it was to make, yet it tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but still special enough to impress your family or guests.

You’ll find that this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi with Rice Recipe works wonderfully whenever you crave that perfect balance of savory, garlicky goodness paired with a filling side all cooked together. Plus, cooking the chicken and rice in the same pan saves cleanup time, which is always a win in my book. Trust me — once you make this, it’s going straight into your regular dinner rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple, fresh ingredients come together beautifully to create the perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi with Rice Recipe. I always recommend using fresh garlic and good quality parmesan—trust me, it makes all the difference.

• Chicken tenderloins: Tender, quick-cooking, and perfect for soaking up all the sauce flavors.
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder: Basic seasonings that enhance the chicken’s flavor without overpowering it.
• Olive oil: For a nice sear on the chicken, adds subtle richness.
• Butter: This is where the sauce magic begins — brings a luscious, creamy texture.
• Fresh minced garlic: I always use fresh for that pungent yet sweet garlic punch.
• Red pepper flakes: A little heat to balance the richness.
• Dry white wine: Adds brightness and depth; I like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio.
• Chicken broth: The base for cooking the rice and extending the sauce flavor.
• Uncooked white rice: Absorbs all those wonderful flavors — makes this dish complete.
• Fresh grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the rice and sauce for that signature savory finish.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi with Rice Recipe is. I often switch things up depending on what’s in my fridge or seasonally available, and you should totally feel free to make it your own too!

• Shrimp instead of chicken: I did this once when I had guests who prefer seafood, and it was just as delicious with tender shrimp soaking up that buttery sauce.
• Add vegetables: Toss in some spinach, peas, or mushrooms during the rice cooking step for a pop of color and extra nutrients.
• Make it spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes slightly or add a dash of cayenne if you like it hot — it makes the flavors dance!
• Dairy-free version: Swap butter for olive oil and skip the parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative for those with dietary needs.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi with Rice Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sauté the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken tenderloins with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. I like using garlic powder here because it adds an extra layer of garlic flavor beyond the fresh minced garlic in the sauce. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook until golden and cooked through—about 3-4 minutes per side. You want nice browning but no overcooking, or the chicken will dry out. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate to rest; this helps keep it juicy.

Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t clean it — that’s where the flavor lives!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant — about 30 seconds. Then sprinkle in red pepper flakes and salt to taste. Pour in the dry white wine and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor. Let this simmer and reduce slightly, about 5 minutes. Before moving on to the rice, scoop out 2 tablespoons of this sauce and set aside; you’ll drizzle this over the finished dish for a flavor boost.

Step 3: Cook the Rice in the Sauce

Next, add the uncooked rice directly into the skillet with the sauce. Stir it gently to coat the rice grains, then pour in the remaining chicken broth. Bring it all to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook gently for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Keep the heat gentle so the rice cooks evenly without burning. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often — it needs steam to cook perfectly.

Step 4: Finish with Parmesan and Chicken

Once your rice is tender, sprinkle the fresh grated parmesan cheese over the top and stir gently until it melts into the rice. Place the cooked chicken tenderloins neatly on top, then drizzle the reserved garlic butter sauce over everything. Cover the skillet again and let it rest off the heat for about 5 minutes — this little standing time lets the flavors meld and the chicken stay warm. When you lift the lid, the aroma will be irresistible!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi with Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with extra freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. The parsley adds such a lovely pop of color and a little herbal brightness against the rich sauce. Sometimes I squeeze a tiny bit of freshly squeezed lemon juice on top for a zesty lift — it’s a personal favorite twist!

Side Dishes

Because this recipe is a meal all on its own, I tend to keep sides simple: a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted asparagus to add freshness and crunch. Sometimes I also serve it with garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce — because why waste a drop?

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this dish in individual shallow bowls, layering the rice first, then the chicken on top, drizzled with sauce. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens adds an elegant touch that always gets compliments. Also, plating the chicken sliced on a bed of rice makes for a lovely presentation that’s easy to enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to pack leftovers in airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The garlic parmesan rice tends to thicken as it cools, so I recommend stirring in a little broth or water when reheating to bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi with Rice Recipe freezes reasonably well if you want to prep ahead. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. I usually freeze rice and chicken together — just add a splash of broth during reheating to keep it moist.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet or microwave. Adding a little chicken broth or water keeps the rice from drying out. If using a skillet, cover it to trap steam and warm everything evenly without overcooking the chicken.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi with Rice Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites for its ease, flavor, and comforting vibes. It hits every note — garlicky, buttery, cheesy, with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice — and I love sharing it with friends because it always feels like a little celebration. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and add your own twists, too. Trust me, once you do, it’ll be one of your go-to recipes whenever you want a home-cooked meal that’s both simple and extraordinary.

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