Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe because it brings together so many flavors I crave on a busy weeknight. The garlicky, buttery sauce coats tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice, making every bite feel indulgent yet comforting. If you’ve been hunting for a dish that feels fancy but comes together easily, this recipe is your new go-to.

When I first tried this, I was blown away by how the white wine and parmesan give a little tang and richness that make it extra special. You’ll find that it works wonderfully for family dinners or even when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your rotation.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create layers of flavor that balance richness with freshness. When shopping, picking fresh garlic and a good-quality parmesan cheese really takes this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe to the next level.

• Chicken tenderloins: These cook quickly and stay juicy, perfect for this recipe’s quick sauté.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural flavors.
• Garlic powder: Adds an extra layer of garlicky goodness to the chicken.
• Olive oil: Helps to get a nice sear on the chicken without overpowering flavors.
• Butter: The star for that silky, rich sauce base.
• Fresh minced garlic: I always recommend fresh over pre-minced for a punchier, brighter garlic flavor.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a touch for warmth; feel free to adjust for heat.
• White wine: Adds acidity and depth; opt for a dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
• Chicken broth: Keeps the rice moist and soaks in all those flavors.
• Uncooked white rice: Absorbs that delicious sauce so well, making it the perfect side built right in.
• Fresh grated parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and that signature cheesy finish you’ll want to sprinkle generously.

Variations

I love how flexible this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe is—once you get the base down, you can make it your own. Try adding your favorite veggies or swapping proteins based on what’s in your fridge.

• Shrimp instead of chicken: I swapped in shrimp once, and it was fabulous—quicker to cook and just as flavorful.
• Mild spice level: Omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer no heat; my kids prefer this version.
• Vegetables: Throw in some spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute white wine with lemon juice and extra broth, perfect for gluten sensitivities.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sauté the Chicken to Perfection

Start by seasoning your chicken tenderloins with salt, pepper, and garlic powder—that little sprinkle of garlic powder really makes the chicken pop. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in your skillet. I’ve found that cooking the chicken until just golden on the outside and fully cooked inside (about 4-5 minutes per side) gives the best juicy bite—avoid overcrowding the pan to keep that nice sear. Once done, set them aside so you can focus on the sauce.

Step 2: Create the Rich Garlic Parmesan Scampi Sauce

Use the same skillet so you capture all the chicken’s flavor bits at the bottom. Melt the butter, then add your fresh minced garlic, sautéing briefly until fragrant—this only takes about 30 seconds, so watch carefully to prevent burning. Stir in red pepper flakes and salt before deglazing with white wine. Let that bubble and reduce for a couple of minutes, then pour in the chicken broth to build your sauce base. Once it’s simmered and deliciously aromatic, scoop out about 2 tablespoons of sauce and set it aside for finishing touch drizzling later.

Step 3: Cook the Rice Right in the Sauce

Next, add your uncooked white rice directly into the skillet with the sauce. Stir it briefly to coat the grains, then add the chicken broth that goes with the rice (some recipes add more broth here, so just follow the recipe card). Simmer gently with a lid on, about 15-20 minutes, until the rice becomes tender and infused with all those rich flavors. I always peek in around 15 minutes to check the texture—a little patience here really pays off.

Step 4: Combine and Finish with Parmesan

Once your rice is cooked, stir in a good handful of fresh grated parmesan cheese—that creamy, salty finish is what defines this dish as ‘scampi’. Place the cooked chicken back onto the rice, then drizzle with that reserved sauce from earlier. Cover the skillet and let everything rest for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. Before digging in, sprinkle a little extra parmesan and fresh parsley if you have it on hand—this little touch will make your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe look as good as it tastes!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and a scattering of chopped fresh parsley—it brightens up the plate and adds a lovely fresh aroma. A twist of lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving never fails to wake up the flavors and add a bright contrast to the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This is such a complete meal with rice and chicken, but I often serve it alongside a simple green salad with vinaigrette or steamed broccoli for a bit of crunch and color. Garlic bread on the side also pairs perfectly if you’re looking for something a little more indulgent and want to soak up extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to plate the rice in a neat mound, top with sliced chicken tenderloins fanned out, then drizzle the reserved sauce artistically around. Garnishing with a sprig of fresh thyme or basil adds an elegant touch, and serving with a glass of the same white wine you cooked with makes the experience truly memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator and find it tastes great for up to 3 days. The rice soaks up the sauce even more after chilling, so I usually add a splash of broth when reheating to bring back that saucy texture.

Freezing

Freezing works, but I recommend freezing the chicken and rice separately if possible to maintain texture. I freeze the sauce in little containers or ice cube trays to add fresh when reheating. Thawed leftovers reheat best on the stovetop with gentle heat and a little added broth.

Reheating

When reheating, I gently warm the rice and chicken covered in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too but can dry things out, so a small drizzle of liquid helps. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the chicken tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe is truly one of those dishes I reach for again and again because it’s reliable, flavorful, and a hit with everyone I serve it to. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—it’s like a warm hug on a plate and a definite crowd-pleaser. Cooking it has become a little joy for me, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the ease and deliciousness it brings to your table too.

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