Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice (No Wine Recipe)

Chicken scampi brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen without breaking the bank. This wine-free version delivers all the buttery, garlicky goodness you crave while keeping things simple for busy weeknights.

The addition of creamy garlic parmesan rice transforms this into a complete, satisfying meal that feeds the whole family.

Skip the expensive wine and create a dish that’s both kid-friendly and budget-conscious. This recipe proves you don’t need alcohol to achieve rich, complex flavors that rival your favorite Italian restaurant.

What Makes This Chicken Scampi Special

Traditional scampi recipes rely heavily on white wine for depth and acidity. This version uses chicken broth and fresh lemon juice to create the same bright, savory base. The result is a cleaner flavor that lets the garlic and herbs shine through.

The garlic parmesan rice cooks alongside the chicken, absorbing all those delicious pan juices. This one-pan approach saves time on cleanup while maximizing flavor in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Scampi:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Rice

Start with the rice since it takes the longest to cook. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the rice and stir for 2 minutes to toast lightly. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.

Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm while preparing the chicken.

Making the Chicken Scampi

Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Add 6 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through.

Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Don’t overcook the chicken. Cut pieces evenly so they cook at the same rate. Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Control the garlic. Minced garlic burns quickly. Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly when cooking garlic to prevent bitter flavors.

Balance the acidity. Start with less lemon juice and add more to taste. The brightness should complement, not overpower, the buttery richness.

Save pasta water. If you want to thin the sauce, use a splash of the starchy rice cooking liquid instead of plain water.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken scampi over a bed of the garlic parmesan rice. The rice soaks up the buttery sauce beautifully, creating perfect bites every time.

Add a simple side salad with mixed greens and Italian dressing. Steamed broccoli or green beans also pair well with the rich flavors.

For bread lovers, serve with crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up any remaining sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice and chicken can be stored together in the same container.

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. You can also reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.

Variations to Try

Add vegetables: Toss in cherry tomatoes, spinach, or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking.

Make it creamy: Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.

Spice it up: Double the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne for more heat.

Herb alternatives: Try fresh basil, oregano, or thyme instead of parsley for different flavor profiles.

Why This Recipe Works

This chicken scampi delivers restaurant-quality results using pantry staples. The combination of butter, garlic, and lemon creates a classic flavor profile that never goes out of style.

The rice component makes this a complete meal, eliminating the need for separate side dishes. Everything cooks in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

By skipping the wine, this recipe becomes more accessible and family-friendly while maintaining all the flavors that make scampi so beloved. The result is a satisfying, flavorful dinner that brings everyone to the table.