Description
Looking for an easy dinner idea that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together fast? This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is your answer. Juicy pan-seared chicken cutlets are coated in a buttery garlic-lemon scampi sauce, then paired with creamy, cheesy rice full of Parmesan and fresh herbs. It’s comfort food with a touch of elegance, perfect for a quick weeknight meal, a healthy high-protein dinner, or a flavorful addition to your collection of easy recipes. This dish balances richness with brightness, and it reheats beautifully—so make extra for lunch!
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
6 garlic cloves, minced
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 cup long grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup finely chopped onion (optional)
Instructions
1. Slice chicken breasts horizontally into thin cutlets and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the chicken cutlets for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking just until fragrant.
5. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley to the pan, stirring to combine the scampi sauce.
6. Slice the chicken and return to the pan, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer on low for a few minutes.
7. In a separate pot, melt 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter and sauté garlic (and onion, if using) until softened.
8. Stir in rice and toast for 1 minute. Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer.
9. Cook the rice for 15–18 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
10. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in grated Parmesan and parsley. Adjust seasoning as needed.
11. Plate the rice and top with chicken and scampi sauce. Garnish with extra cheese or herbs if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
Don’t skip toasting the rice—it adds depth and prevents sogginess.
Rest the chicken before slicing to lock in its juices and keep it tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (chicken + rice)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: chicken scampi, garlic parmesan rice, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, high protein, comfort food, dinner ideas