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Chicken Scampi Recipe

By: Author Jenna Margot

Posted on

Chicken Scampi Recipe

Hey y'all! If you're searching for a quick, restaurant-worthy dinner that's bursting with zesty flavor, look no further than this Chicken Scampi Recipe. Tender chicken, golden sautéed garlic, and a rich lemon-butter wine sauce come together to create the perfect weeknight meal that feels special enough for guests. Whether you're hosting friends or just treating yourself after a long day, this dish is sure to become a regular at your table. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Chicken Scampi Recipe

  • Packed with fresh, vibrant flavors from garlic, lemon, and herbs.
  • Quick and easy—on the table in about 30 minutes.
  • Works as a comforting family dinner or an impressive date night meal.
  • Uses simple, wholesome ingredients likely already in your kitchen.
  • Pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for versatile serving options.

Ingredients for Chicken Scampi Recipe

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), sliced into ½-inch strips
  • 2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided
  • 8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread, for serving (optional)

Directions: How to Make Chicken Scampi

1. Prep the Chicken

  1. Pound chicken breasts to even ½-inch thickness for quick, even cooking.
  2. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and the black pepper.
  3. Dredge chicken pieces lightly in flour, shaking off excess.

2. Sear the Chicken

  1. Heat 2 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chicken (in batches if needed); cook about 4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).
  3. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

3. Make the Scampi Sauce

  1. Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoon butter.
  2. Stir in sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and just golden (don’t burn!).
  3. Deglaze pan with white wine, scraping any brown bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
  4. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt.
  5. Simmer for 4-5 minutes, letting the sauce reduce slightly.

4. Finish and Serve

  1. Return chicken and any juices to the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce.
  2. Stir in chopped parsley, and simmer 2 more minutes for everything to come together.
  3. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with bread. Sprinkle with Parmesan and extra parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Notes for Perfect Chicken Scampi Recipe

  • Pound chicken to an even thickness for the juiciest results—see this guide for proper technique.
  • Use a quality dry white wine that you'd enjoy drinking for the best-tasting sauce.
  • If you don't have wine, swap with extra chicken broth and a splash more lemon juice for acidity.
Chicken Scampi Recipe

Chicken Scampi Recipe Variations

  • Shrimp Scampi: Replace chicken with peeled, deveined shrimp and cook just until pink.
  • Vegetarian Scampi: Use firm tofu or sliced mushrooms instead of chicken for a meat-free option.
  • Spicy Scampi: Increase red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon and add a splash of hot sauce.

Required Equipment for Chicken Scampi

  • Large skillet (preferably stainless steel or cast iron)
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin (for pounding chicken)
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Chicken Scampi Recipe Storage & Shelf Life

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
  • Not recommended for freezing, as the sauce may separate.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Chicken Scampi

  • Twirl over spaghetti or angel hair pasta and sprinkle with extra Parmesan.
  • Serve with garlicky roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
  • Pair with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious lemon-garlic sauce.
  • Enjoy with a glass of the same dry white wine used in the sauce for a perfect match—more on wine pairing here.

Pro Tips for Best Chicken Scampi Results

  • Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook chicken in batches for a beautiful golden crust.
  • Let the sauce reduce by simmering uncovered—this concentrates flavors beautifully (learn more about reducing sauces here).
  • Toss cooked pasta into the skillet with the chicken and sauce to coat every strand in garlicky goodness before serving.

Chicken Scampi Recipe FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work great—just increase cooking time by a couple of minutes if needed.
Is Chicken Scampi spicy?
It has just a mild kick from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust up or down to taste.
What’s the best pasta to serve with Chicken Scampi?
Angel hair or spaghetti are classic choices, but penne or linguine work too—just choose your favorite!
★★★★★ 4.30 from 165 ratings

Chicken Scampi Recipe

yield: 4 servings
prep: 15 mins
cook: 20 mins
total: 35 mins
A savory and zesty Chicken Scampi Recipe featuring juicy chicken breast sautéed with garlic, white wine, lemon, and a touch of butter, all served over al dente pasta for a delicious Italian-inspired dinner.
Chicken Scampi Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 8 oz linguine or spaghetti, cooked
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1
    Season chicken strips with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. 2
    Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. 3
    Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Stir in minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. 4
    Pour in white wine and lemon juice. Scrape any browned bits from the pan and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. 5
    Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add cooked pasta and combine thoroughly.
  6. 6
    Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 485cal
Protein: 34 gg
Fat: 16 gg
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Potassium: 0mg
Total Carbs: 48 gg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Net Carbs: 0g
Vitamin A: 0
Vitamin C: 0mg
Calcium: 0mg
Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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