Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

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Golden, juicy chicken bites sizzled to a perfect sear and tossed in a garlicky lemon butter sauce—Chicken Scampi is comfort food that comes with a gourmet twist. Pair that with fluffy, creamy garlic Parmesan rice and you get a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but is actually easy to pull off.

This dish delivers big on flavor without needing a long list of ingredients. The zing of fresh lemon, the warmth of garlic, and the richness of butter and Parmesan come together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding your family or prepping an impressive meal for guests, this one-pan wonder is a reliable go-to.

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Ingredients for this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon (plus lemon wedges for serving)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional for garnish)

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

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Step 1: Prepare the Rice

In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the rice to coat each grain in the buttery garlic. Add the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Turn off heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt. Keep covered until ready to serve.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the rice is cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and add the remaining minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds, then add the lemon juice. Stir and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Cook for 1–2 more minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Fluff the rice and spoon it onto plates. Top with the lemon garlic chicken and drizzle over any extra sauce from the pan. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a little heat. You can also sauté a sliced chili with the garlic.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and add a bit more richness and moisture to the dish.

What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is ideal for a fluffy texture. You could also use jasmine rice for added fragrance.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free butter and substitute nutritional yeast for the Parmesan.

How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?

Cook the chicken in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan. Watch for a golden sear and remove as soon as it’s no longer pink inside.

What sides pair well with this meal?

A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus pair wonderfully with this chicken and rice dish.

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