Chicken Scampi Rice – Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Dinner

Chicken Scampi Rice is a comforting and flavorful meal that combines tender chicken, buttery garlic sauce, fresh lemon, and fluffy rice. Inspired by the classic shrimp scampi, this version swaps shrimp for chicken and turns it into a hearty dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

The combination of garlic, butter, lemon, and herbs creates a bright and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with warm rice. The recipe is simple, requires minimal ingredients, and can be ready in about 30 minutes.

This dish works well for family dinners, meal prep, or quick comfort food when you want something satisfying but easy to cook.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Cook for 6–7 minutes until chicken is golden and cooked through.
4. Add butter and minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, then simmer for 3–4 minutes.
6. Stir in cooked rice and mix well to coat with the garlic butter sauce.
7. Sprinkle parsley and parmesan cheese on top.
8. Serve warm with extra lemon wedges if desired.

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Tips for Best Flavor

Use fresh garlic: It creates the signature scampi flavor.

Add lemon at the end: Keeps the citrus flavor bright.

Use freshly cooked rice: Prevents the dish from becoming dry.

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Variations

Creamy Chicken Scampi Rice
Add ¼ cup heavy cream to the sauce.

Vegetable Chicken Scampi Rice
Add spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.

Spicy Version
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy garlic kick.

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Serving Suggestions

Chicken Scampi Rice pairs well with:

• garlic bread
• roasted vegetables
• Caesar salad
• steamed broccoli

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Final Thoughts

Chicken Scampi Rice is a simple yet flavorful meal that delivers restaurant-style taste at home. The garlic butter sauce, tender chicken, and fresh lemon create a balanced dish that feels both comforting and fresh.

Because it is quick, affordable, and easy to customize, this recipe is perfect for regular weeknight dinners.