This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is what happens when comfort food meets restaurant-style flair. Imagine golden, seared chicken tenders nestled into buttery, garlicky rice that’s finished with a whisper of Parmesan. Every bite brings a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and herby flavors, making it hard to believe this all comes together in one skillet.

What makes this dish a weekly dinner winner is not just the flavor but the ease. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together, using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving a hungry family or just need something satisfying after a long day, this chicken scampi is that go-to dish that tastes like you fussed without actually doing so.

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

It brings the kind of flavor you’d expect from a fancy Italian restaurant, but without the need for reservations or spending hours at the stove. The chicken is juicy with a light crisp, and the garlic Parmesan rice cooks in the same pan, soaking up all the savory pan drippings.

Plus, it’s an adaptable recipe. Want it creamier? Add a splash of heavy cream. More veggie-forward? Toss in some spinach or roasted peppers. Gluten-free? Just swap in a gluten-free rice option. It fits just about any craving or pantry situation.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Chicken tenders are the easiest route for this recipe. They cook fast, stay juicy, and develop a lovely golden crust in the pan. If you have chicken breasts or thighs on hand, those work great too—just slice them thin so they cook evenly.

Boneless, skinless cuts are ideal since they don’t require any trimming or fuss. And if you’re starting with frozen chicken, make sure it’s fully thawed so it sears instead of steaming.

Ingredients for the Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

A few key ingredients make this dish incredibly flavorful and easy to pull off. The goal is to keep it simple but bold, so every element in the skillet contributes to that buttery, garlicky goodness.

Chicken tenders
Olive oil
Butter
Garlic
Chicken broth
White rice
Parmesan cheese
Lemon juice
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Parsley (optional)

The chicken tenders are the star of the show, searing beautifully and soaking up all that buttery garlic flavor. Olive oil and butter build the base of richness, while garlic adds that unmistakable aromatic punch.

Chicken broth is key for infusing the rice with depth and savory notes, and white rice keeps things classic and creamy. Parmesan cheese melts right into the rice, making it velvety and packed with umami. A splash of lemon juice brightens everything, while Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper round out the flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice 2

How To Make the Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden on both sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add a bit more butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant. Don’t let it brown—you want that sweet garlicky aroma, not bitterness.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Pour in the white rice and stir to coat it in the garlic butter. Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let the rice cook on low until tender and fluffy, usually around 18 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Parmesan and Lemon

Once the rice is cooked, stir in the Parmesan and lemon juice. Let it melt and get creamy. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice. Spoon a little of the garlicky rice over the top. Cover for a few more minutes to reheat and let flavors mingle.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm straight from the skillet for the coziest presentation.

How to Serve and Store Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

This dish is made for those nights when you need something cozy and soul-satisfying. It’s best served hot, right out of the skillet, where the chicken is still juicy and the rice is creamy and infused with garlic and cheese. This recipe feeds around 4 people generously, making it ideal for family dinners or easy entertaining.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the rice. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each to keep the texture just right.

What to Serve With Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice?

Roasted Asparagus

The crispness of roasted asparagus cuts through the creamy rice, adding freshness to the plate.

Garlic Bread

Because more garlic is always a good thing. Perfect for sopping up any leftover buttery sauce.

Caesar Salad

A cold, crunchy Caesar is a great contrast to the warm and savory scampi.

Steamed Broccoli

Simple and classic, broccoli adds a wholesome touch without overpowering the flavors.

Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

The sweet tang of balsamic makes these sprouts a bold sidekick to the buttery rice.

Lemon Butter Green Beans

A zesty and bright option that echoes the citrus notes in the scampi.

Creamy Mushroom Sauce

If you want to go extra cozy, serve a little creamy mushroom sauce on the side or drizzled over the chicken.

Chopped Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella keep things light and fresh, especially on warmer days.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice, you’re definitely going to want to try more cozy, hearty meals like this one. Here are some favorites from MiaPlates to inspire your next dinner: