Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice – Quick, Delicious & Easy

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is the kind of cozy dinner we all crave when life feels a little too hectic. It starts with that savory promise of garlicky chicken kissed with butter, then takes a sharp turn into comfort land with creamy, cheesy rice that hugs your soul in all the right places. Whether you’re wrangling toddlers, fighting inbox chaos, or just trying to figure out what to make that everyone will actually eat—this recipe has your back. And the best part? It comes together in about 35 minutes and all in one skillet. Fewer dishes.

More flavor. Serious win. And yes, the Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice makes just enough leftovers for tomorrow’s “I don’t feel like cooking” moment (if there’s any left at all). It’s comfort food made easy—and let’s be real, that’s the kind of help we all need on a Tuesday night.

Table of Contents

What is Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice?

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is a cross between your favorite Italian takeout and the warm embrace of a homemade meal. Traditionally, “scampi” is a shrimp dish tossed in garlic butter, white wine, and lemon—but here, juicy chunks of seasoned chicken take center stage. Instead of pasta, we’re laying it over a dreamy garlic-Parmesan rice that’s creamy like risotto but way less fussy.

The dish gets its richness from a mix of butter, chicken broth, and a touch of cream (or milk if that’s what’s in your fridge), all soaking into jasmine or long-grain rice. It’s a stovetop wonder—no oven, no problem. Perfect for busy weeknights, especially when everyone’s hungry now. It feels fancy but doesn’t require a culinary degree or 17 spices you can’t pronounce. Just solid ingredients, simple steps, and pure, delicious comfort.

Reasons to Try Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

First, it’s basically your weeknight dinner superhero. Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice checks all the boxes: quick (hello, 35-minute total time), uses one skillet (less mess), and tastes like something you’d pay $20 for at a restaurant. The garlic butter sauce clings to the chicken in the most addictive way, and the cheesy rice is rich without being over-the-top heavy.

It’s the kind of meal that gets actual cheers from the table—and let’s be honest, that’s rare unless pizza is involved. Plus, it’s easily customizable. Want to sneak in veggies? Go for it. Prefer thighs over breasts? Totally fine. It’s also ideal for picky eaters (because who says no to garlic and cheese?), and just fancy enough to serve when friends come over. One reader even told us it helped her win over her future in-laws. If that’s not a sign to try it, I don’t know what is.

Ingredients Needed to Make Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsp butter, divided
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (fresh or 1 tsp dried)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or cream
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice or jasmine
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional but adds a bright touch)

Instructions to Make Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

Ready to turn dinner into something crave-worthy? Let’s walk through this step by step so you feel confident from the first sizzle to the final cheesy spoonful. This recipe might sound restaurant-level fancy, but it’s made for real-life kitchens — kids running around, laundry piling up, and all. Each part builds flavor while keeping things simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious. Let’s do this.

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breast or thighs into bite-sized chunks. This helps them cook evenly and quickly — a real bonus on busy nights. Now season generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy here! Seasoning early gives the chicken a solid flavor base. If you’re looking for more prep tips for chicken, check out our One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles for another quick skillet dinner that shows off great seasoning.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Until Golden

Heat 1.5 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot and shimmering (but not smoking), add the chicken. Let it sear undisturbed for a couple of minutes so it gets that beautiful golden crust—no beige chicken here! Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and browned. Remove the pieces and set aside on a plate. They’ll make a comeback soon.

Step by step tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. If needed, sear the chicken in batches to keep that skillet hot and sizzling.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter, and once melted, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the garlic is soft and fragrant—this is where your kitchen starts to smell amazing. Be careful not to let it brown (or worse, burn), as that can turn the sauce bitter.

Toss in the red pepper flakes (use less if you’re spice-sensitive), chopped parsley, and lemon juice. The lemon adds a fresh, bright note that cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese later. Let everything simmer together for about 2 minutes to meld those flavors.

Want a twist? Try a splash of white wine in place of the lemon juice. It adds depth and pairs beautifully with the Parmesan. See our Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes for more creamy garlic inspiration.

Step 4: Return Chicken to the Skillet

Slide the chicken back into the garlic butter sauce and give it a good stir to coat every piece. Simmer together for another 2–3 minutes. This step lets the chicken soak up all that flavor while staying juicy and tender.

Step by step reminder: Keep the heat low to medium here. You want the sauce to thicken slightly without evaporating or separating.

Step 5: Simmer the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

In a separate saucepan, combine the chicken broth and your milk or cream. Bring this to a gentle simmer—don’t boil it or you risk curdling the dairy. Stir in your uncooked rice, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook according to your rice package instructions (usually 15–18 minutes).

The rice will slowly absorb all the liquid and become tender and creamy—almost like a stovetop risotto, but with way less work. If you’re curious about rice swaps or how to make it even richer, our 35-Minute Ground Chicken and Rice with Veggies breaks down some great options and tips.

Step 6: Stir in Parmesan and More Garlic

Once the rice is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It should melt smoothly into the rice, making it creamy and cheesy without needing a ton of extra dairy. Want to boost the garlic flavor even more? Add a tiny pinch of garlic powder or another sautéed garlic clove here.

Pro tip: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded. It’s worth the extra few seconds with the grater.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Now for the fun part. Spoon a generous serving of creamy garlic Parmesan rice onto a plate or shallow bowl. Top it with that golden, garlicky chicken straight from the skillet. Sprinkle with extra parsley or more cheese if you’re feeling fancy.

And just like that—you’ve made Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice, step by step. One pan. Full hearts. Empty plates.

Looking for more easy comfort meals that feel gourmet without the fuss? Don’t miss our Firecracker Ground Chicken or this cozy Chicken Fajita Casserole — both perfect for weeknights when time is tight, but flavor still matters.

What to Serve with Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

This dish is already hearty on its own, but if you’re feeling like making dinner a bit more extra, consider pairing it with something crisp or green. A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds brightness and cuts through the creaminess like a champ. Garlic bread or a warm baguette? Always a yes—for soaking up every last drop of that butter sauce.

Want to sneak in veggies without complaints? Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or even air-fried zucchini go great here. For drinks, a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or a sparkling water with lemon makes a great refresh. And for dessert? Something simple like our Paul Hollywood Favorite One Bowl Lemon Dessert would hit the spot without adding to your dish pile.

Key Tips for Making Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

First, don’t skimp on the garlic—it’s the heart of this dish. But also, don’t burn it, or it’ll turn bitter and hijack your entire sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan for meltier, smoother rice (pre-shredded tends to be clumpy). If your rice is looking too thick, stir in a splash more broth or milk to loosen it up. Prefer a spicier kick? Up the red pepper flakes.

Want to keep the rice from sticking or clumping at the end? Stir it a little more often during the last few minutes of cooking. And if you’re feeling bold, a splash of dry white wine in the sauce adds a touch of sophistication without being over the top. Most importantly—taste and adjust. Everyone’s saltiness and spice tolerance is different, and your kitchen, your rules.

Storage and Reheating Tips Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

Leftovers? Lucky you. Store Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Keep the chicken and rice separate if you want the texture to hold up better when reheating. For reheating, the microwave works fine—just add a splash of broth or milk before nuking to revive the creaminess.

Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each. If you’re using the stovetop, reheat on low with a bit of liquid added to avoid drying out. Freezing? Not recommended—the dairy in the rice can separate and go grainy. If you do freeze, double-wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating. But honestly? This dish rarely makes it to the freezer.

FAQs

Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Swap chicken for shrimp and reduce cook time—shrimp only takes 2–3 minutes per side.

Can I make it dairy-free?
You can use plant-based butter and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, but flavor and texture may vary slightly.

What if I don’t have Parmesan?
Asiago or Pecorino Romano will work. Just go easy—they can be saltier.

Can I use brown rice?
Sure, but it takes longer and may need extra broth or cream. Watch it closely.

Is this kid-friendly?
Most definitely! Just reduce or skip the red pepper flakes for little ones.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice is one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’ve really nailed dinner—without needing a million ingredients or an hour of prep. It’s buttery, garlicky, creamy, and cheesy in all the best ways, but still feels balanced and satisfying. It also plays well with whatever your fridge is throwing at you—veggies, leftover rotisserie chicken, or even some chopped-up bacon (just sayin’). This is comfort food that works for real life. If you’re looking for more easy chicken recipes that don’t disappoint, check out Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes or One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles. You’ve got dinner handled—and it’s going to be delicious.

Visit our Pinterest for regular slow cooker recipe updates, or join our Facebook discussions where cooking fans exchange their favorite hearty meal ideas.

Print