Tender, golden chicken in a buttery garlic-lemon sauce served over rich, fluffy Garlic Parmesan Rice. A comforting restaurant-style dinner that’s easy enough for a weeknight!

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

 Ingredients

 Chicken

• 1½ lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter

 Scampi Sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp butter
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

 Garlic Parmesan Rice

• 1½ cups (300 g) long-grain white rice
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken

Slice each chicken breast horizontally into thinner cutlets, or cut into bite-size pieces.

Pat the chicken dry.

In a shallow bowl, combine flour, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Coat the chicken lightly in the seasoned flour and shake off the excess.

2. Cook the chicken

Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken in a single layer.

Cook for approximately 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through.

The thickest part should reach 165°F (74°C).

Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

3. Make the garlic scampi sauce

Reduce the heat to medium.

Add 3 tbsp butter to the same skillet.

Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30–60 seconds, until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice.

Scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Add Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes.

Simmer for 3–4 minutes.

4. Finish the sauce

Reduce the heat to low.

Stir in Parmesan until melted.

Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it.

Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

 Garlic Parmesan Rice

5. Sauté the rice

While the chicken cooks, melt 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.

Add the uncooked rice and stir for 1–2 minutes, lightly toasting it.

6. Cook the rice

Pour in the chicken broth.

Add salt and black pepper.

Bring to a gentle boil.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

Turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes.

7. Add Parmesan

Fluff the rice gently with a fork.

Stir in the Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

 Assemble

Spoon a generous portion of Garlic Parmesan Rice onto each plate.

Top with the golden chicken and plenty of the buttery garlic-lemon sauce.

Garnish with fresh parsley and an optional lemon wedge.

Serve immediately.

 Tips for the Best Chicken Scampi

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the chicken.
• Pound thick chicken breasts to an even thickness for more even cooking.
• Fresh lemon juice gives the sauce the best flavor.
• Add Parmesan over low heat to help keep the sauce smooth.
• Let the rice rest for 5 minutes before fluffing.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.

 Easy Variations

Chicken & Shrimp Scampi

Add cooked shrimp during the final few minutes.

 Spicy Scampi

Increase the red pepper flakes.

 Vegetable Scampi

Serve with steamed broccoli, asparagus, or spinach.

 Extra Lemon

Add fresh lemon zest along with the lemon juice.

 Extra Cheesy

Add another ¼ cup Parmesan to the rice.

 Nut & Allergy Information

The recipe contains no peanuts or tree nuts as written.

Potential allergens:

• Milk/dairy: butter and Parmesan
• Wheat/gluten: all-purpose flour

Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for coating the chicken, and check broth and seasoning labels.

Dairy-Free

Use dairy-free butter and Parmesan alternatives.

Always check packaged ingredients for allergen and cross-contact information when preparing food for someone with a serious allergy.

 Recipe Q&A

Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well, although cooking time may vary.

Can I skip the flour coating?
Yes. The chicken can be seasoned and pan-seared without flour. The coating simply helps create a golden exterior and slightly thickens the sauce.

Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires a different cooking time and liquid ratio. Follow the package directions.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?
You can, but fresh lemon juice gives a brighter flavor.

Why is my sauce too thin?
Simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes. The Parmesan will also help slightly thicken the sauce.

Why did my sauce become grainy?
The Parmesan may have been added over high heat. Reduce the heat to low before adding cheese and stir gently.

Can I prepare this ahead?
Yes. Store the chicken, sauce, and rice separately in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

How long do leftovers last?
Refrigerate promptly in airtight containers and use within 3–4 days.

Can I freeze it?
The chicken and sauce can be frozen, although the creamy cheese sauce may change texture slightly. Rice can also be frozen separately.

 Approximate Nutrition

Per serving:

• Calories: ~650–750 kcal
• Protein: ~45–50 g
• Carbohydrates: ~65–70 g
• Fat: ~25–30 g
• Fiber: ~2–3 g

Nutrition is approximate and depends on the exact chicken size, oil, butter, cheese, and portion sizes.

 Social Media Caption

CHICKEN SCAMPI WITH GARLIC PARMESAN RICE 🍚

Golden, juicy chicken coated in a buttery garlic-lemon Parmesan sauce, served over fluffy homemade garlic Parmesan rice.

It’s cozy, flavorful, and tastes like a restaurant meal right at home!

Save this recipe for your next dinner! ❤️