A delicious, restaurant-style dinner featuring tender, golden-brown chicken bites coated in a buttery garlic-lemon Parmesan sauce, served over fluffy, creamy garlic Parmesan rice. This comforting one-pan-inspired meal is packed with flavor and perfect for family dinners!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American-Italian
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the chicken scampi
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the garlic Parmesan rice
1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Optional garnish
Extra Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley
Lemon wedges
A pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Cut chicken breasts into evenly sized bite-sized pieces.
Pat dry with paper towels.
Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the garlic Parmesan rice
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add rinsed rice and stir for 1 minute.
Pour in chicken broth, salt, and black pepper.
Bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.
Fluff with a fork and stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Step 3: Cook the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Work in batches if necessary.
Cook for approximately 3–5 minutes per side, depending on size, until golden brown and cooked through.
Check that the thickest pieces reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Transfer chicken to a plate.
Step 4: Make the scampi garlic butter sauce
Reduce skillet heat to medium.
Add 3 tablespoons butter.
Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes.
Cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Do not let garlic burn.
Pour in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice.
Scrape the bottom of the pan to release all those delicious browned bits.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes slightly creamy.
Step 5: Combine everything
Return cooked chicken to the skillet.
Toss chicken in the garlic Parmesan sauce until completely coated.
Add fresh parsley.
Simmer for another minute to allow the flavors to combine.
Step 6: Serve
Spoon a generous portion of garlic Parmesan rice into serving bowls.
Top with buttery garlic chicken.
Drizzle extra sauce over everything.
Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan.
Serve with lemon wedges while warm.
Nutritional Information
Estimated nutrition per serving
Based on 4 servings, including chicken and rice.
Nutrient
Amount
Calories
680 kcal
Protein
52 g
Total Fat
28 g
Saturated Fat
12 g
Carbohydrates
52 g
Dietary Fiber
1 g
Total Sugars
1 g
Cholesterol
175 mg
Sodium
950 mg
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on chicken size, Parmesan brand, broth, and butter quantity.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook chicken in batches to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts more smoothly and gives the sauce better flavor.
Don’t burn the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly, so keep the heat moderate when preparing the sauce.
Adjust the lemon: Add more lemon juice if you prefer a brighter, tangier scampi flavor.
Make it creamy: Stir 2 tablespoons of heavy cream into the sauce for a richer finish.
Keep the rice fluffy: Allow it to rest covered before fluffing with a fork.
Serving Suggestions
Roasted Broccoli with Lemon and Garlic Recipe | ItsOnly.Recipes
Roasted broccoli
Adds freshness and crunch.
Homemade Garlic Bread – Cup of Yum
Garlic bread
Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Ensalada verde con pepino y tomate Nutrition
Garden salad
A light, refreshing side.
Classic Asparagus with Lemon Butter Recipe | ItsOnly.Recipes
Lemon asparagus
Complements the garlic and lemon.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze chicken and rice in separate airtight containers for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating: Add a splash of chicken broth or water and microwave covered until steaming hot, or reheat gently in a skillet.
Food safety: Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C).
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully. They are naturally juicier and have a richer flavor.
Q2: Can I make this recipe without Parmesan cheese?
Yes. You can omit Parmesan or substitute another hard cheese, although the signature flavor will be different.
Q3: Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Follow the package instructions.
Q4: Is Chicken Scampi spicy?
Not necessarily. Red pepper flakes are optional. Leave them out for a mild, family-friendly dish.
Q5: Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cook the chicken and rice separately, refrigerate, and combine with freshly reheated garlic butter sauce before serving.
Q6: How do I make the sauce thicker?
Add a little extra Parmesan or stir in a small cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water).
Q7: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes. Add cooked chicken to the prepared sauce and heat thoroughly. Avoid overcooking, which can dry it out.
Q8: Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free. Use certified gluten-free chicken broth and check the labels on all seasonings and Parmesan.
Q9: Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives. The taste and texture will change slightly.
Q10: What makes this recipe different from regular chicken and rice?
The lemon-garlic butter scampi sauce gives the chicken a bright, buttery, savory flavor, while the rice is independently flavored with garlic and Parmesan.
Recipe Notes
For extra flavor, add 1 tablespoon white wine to the scampi sauce before adding the chicken broth.
For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream.
For a lighter version, reduce the butter and Parmesan slightly.
Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked.