Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice: A Flavor-Packed Family Favorite

Name: Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenderloins; Salt and black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 stick butter, divided; 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice; 3 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Craving a restaurant-quality dinner at home? This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is the perfect one-skillet meal that delivers tender chicken, buttery rice, and rich parmesan-garlic flavor in every bite. Inspired by Italian-American classics like Olive Garden’s chicken scampi, this version is easier, creamier, and even more comforting — making it ideal for weeknights, date nights, or special gatherings. From picky kids to sophisticated palates, everyone loves this dish, and the aromatic garlic parmesan rice just might steal the show!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice stands out for its simplicity and flavor depth. It’s a 45-minute wonder that requires just one skillet, making cleanup easy and the cooking process seamless. It brings together the tender texture of seared chicken tenders with a bold garlic butter sauce, perfectly balanced with dry white wine and savory parmesan rice. Whether you’re looking for a quick comfort food fix or a crowd-pleasing dish for guests, this chicken scampi delivers.

Quick and easy one-skillet meal
Family-friendly and kid-approved

Restaurant-style flavor without the hassle
Customizable with shrimp, vegetables, or gluten-free grains
Leftovers taste even better the next day

Ingredients for Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

• Chicken tenderloins: The star protein — tender, juicy, and cooks quickly
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the natural flavor
• Garlic powder: Boosts the savory profile of the chicken
• Olive oil: For searing the chicken and infusing richness
• Butter: Adds luxurious flavor to the rice and garlic sauce
• Minced garlic: Essential for that classic scampi flavor
• Red pepper flakes: Provides a mild heat and dimension
• White wine (dry): Enhances aroma, adds acidity, and mimics restaurant-quality rice
• White rice: Absorbs all the garlicky, buttery goodness
• Chicken broth: Builds depth and richness into the rice
• Parmesan cheese (fresh grated): Melts into the rice for cheesy texture and umami

Ingredient Swaps and Dietary Alternatives

Need to customize your chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice? Here are some easy substitutions:

Chicken breasts instead of tenderloins: Just slice into strips for even cooking.

Shrimp scampi variation: Use peeled, deveined shrimp and cook until just pink.
Vegetarian twist: Replace chicken with mushrooms or tofu and use veggie broth.
No wine option: Mix 1 tbsp lemon juice with chicken broth for a similar effect.

Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free parmesan cheese.
Gluten-free: All ingredients are naturally gluten-free — just double-check your broth and cheese labels.

How to Make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Season and cook the chicken: Pat chicken tenderloins dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sauté chicken until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside, keeping it warm.

Sauté garlic and spices: In the same skillet, melt half a stick of butter. Add fresh minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Cook gently for 3 minutes, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.
Deglaze with white wine: Increase heat to medium-high. Pour in the dry white wine and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon to emulsify. Let the mixture simmer and reduce for about 5 minutes. Reserve 2 tablespoons of this sauce for later.
Toast the rice: Add uncooked white rice directly into the skillet. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to lightly toast and soak up the buttery garlic flavor.

Simmer the rice: Pour in chicken broth and remaining salt. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring once or twice in the first 15 minutes.
Assemble and finish: Sprinkle grated parmesan over the cooked rice. Place the chicken on top, drizzle with the reserved garlic wine sauce, cover, and let rest off-heat for 5 minutes.
Garnish and serve: Top with extra parmesan and fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot.

Tips to Nail This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Use fresh garlic: Jarred garlic won’t deliver the same bold flavor.
Don’t skip the wine: It elevates the rice with depth and a delicate acidity.
Watch the garlic: Sauté gently — if it browns too much, it turns bitter.

Rice texture tip: Don’t over-stir while it’s cooking — stir once or twice max.
Customize spice level: Adjust red pepper flakes to taste.
Resting matters: Let the final dish sit covered for 5 minutes to meld flavors.

Delicious Variations and Side Dish Ideas

Pair your Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice with one of these tasty companions:

Roasted asparagus or garlic green beans: Add a pop of green and freshness.
Crisp Caesar salad: Balances the richness with crunchy greens and acidity.

Crusty garlic bread: Ideal for soaking up any remaining sauce.
Shrimp and chicken combo: Surf-and-turf twist that works beautifully.
Add veggies to rice: Stir in spinach, peas, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrition.

Low-carb option: Serve the chicken and sauce over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Make-ahead tip: Cook the rice separately and refrigerate it. Reheat with a splash of broth and fresh parmesan before serving with the chicken.

A Dish That Brings People Together

This comforting Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice brings a blend of tradition and modern convenience to your table. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or impressing dinner guests, this skillet meal guarantees satisfaction. Its balance of bold garlic, creamy parmesan, and juicy chicken makes it a dish people will request again and again.

With plenty of room to customize — from swapping proteins to adding seasonal veggies — this recipe is a versatile foundation for countless variations. Once you master it, it might just become your go-to dinner solution.

Try it tonight, and let the flavors speak for themselves!

The Final Word: A Comforting Classic with a Gourmet Touch

Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or hosting friends, Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a guaranteed winner. This recipe hits the sweet spot between easy and elegant — transforming pantry staples into a flavorful, restaurant-style dish that feels indulgent yet accessible. The garlicky, buttery rice alone is worth bookmarking, but when paired with juicy pan-seared chicken and a hint of wine, it becomes unforgettable.

With its customizable nature, this dish allows for endless creative spins — from shrimp swaps to veggie add-ins. It’s the kind of meal that becomes a signature in your home — one that’s requested again and again.

So go ahead and bring this delicious one-skillet wonder to your table. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s a reader favorite and a repeat-weekly kind of recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Can I make Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice without wine?

Yes, you can substitute the white wine with a mix of 1 tablespoon lemon juice and chicken broth (to equal ½ cup). While wine adds depth and authentic flavor, the lemon juice alternative keeps the dish bright and savory.

What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long grain white rice is ideal, as it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors well. You can use jasmine rice or basmati rice for a fragrant variation. Brown rice can be used, but it will require longer cooking time and more broth.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely. Just slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips for even cooking. Tenderloins are naturally soft, but breast meat works perfectly if not overcooked.

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