Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Dish
- Zesty & Rich: The lemon-butter pan sauce cuts through the richness of the chicken and cheese for perfect balance.
- Fast Weeknight Favorite: From stovetop to table in just 30 minutes—no stress, no mess.
- Custom-Friendly: Try it with shrimp, tofu, or even roasted veggies for a twist.
- One Skillet = Easy Cleanup: Minimal dishes, maximum satisfaction.
- Fancy Yet Fuss-Free: It feels gourmet but is beginner-friendly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Scampi:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, pounded evenly
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white or jasmine rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1: Make the Garlic Parmesan Rice
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add rice and stir for 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Pour in chicken broth. Bring to boil, then cover and reduce to simmer for 15–18 minutes.
- Once done, stir in Parmesan, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium-high.
- Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F/75°C).
- Remove from skillet and keep warm.
Step 3: Build the Lemon-Garlic Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium. Add 3 tbsp butter to the same skillet.
- Stir in garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add broth, lemon juice, and zest. Let it simmer 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Finish with remaining 1 tbsp butter and Parmesan, stirring until smooth.
- Season with pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
- Return chicken to skillet. Spoon the sauce over the top.
- Simmer 1–2 minutes to warm through.
- Serve hot over garlic Parmesan rice and garnish with parsley and lemon zest.
Why This Works
- The Sauce: Bright lemon, savory garlic, and butter create restaurant-level depth.
- The Rice: Creamy, cheesy, and infused with garlic—perfect complement to the chicken.
- Time-Saver: Everything comes together fast, using basic pantry staples.
Fun Variations
- Veggie Boost: Add spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Protein Swaps: Try shrimp, tofu, or turkey cutlets.
- Heat Level: Spice lovers can add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Low-Carb Version: Swap rice for cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Even Thickness: Pounding chicken ensures even cooking and better texture.
- Don’t Overcook: Pull chicken off the heat as soon as it hits 165°F internally.
- Use Fresh Citrus: Bottled lemon juice won’t deliver the same zing.
- Reheating Tip: Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
How to Serve
- Elegant Dinner: Plate with a lemon wedge and parsley for a refined look.
- Family Meal: Serve in a big dish with garlic bread on the side.
- Meal Prep: Make extra rice and chicken for easy lunches during the week.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is everything you crave: bold flavors, creamy textures, and lightning-fast prep. Whether you’re feeding guests or treating yourself, this dish delivers every time. Save it, share it, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new weeknight go-to.
Want more easy gourmet recipes? Let us know your favorite scampi twists in the comments below!
