Zesty Garlic Butter Chicken Scampi Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Discover a mouthwatering chicken scampi that dances with zesty Mediterranean flavors and promises pure culinary delight.

Succulent pieces of tender chicken bathe in a vibrant garlic-infused sauce that whispers pure comfort.

Bright lemon notes add a sparkling twist to this classic Italian-inspired dish.

Fragrant herbs and delicate white wine create a symphony of taste that will transport you straight to a charming coastal restaurant.

Parmesan cheese melts into silky ribbons, bringing depth and richness to every single bite.

Perfectly balanced and elegantly simple, this recipe welcomes you to experience restaurant-quality magic right in your kitchen.

Prepare to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why Chicken Scampi Is Light Yet Flavorful

• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding shrimp or adjusting spice levels to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Master Restaurant-Quality Cooking: Learn professional techniques like searing chicken, creating pan sauces, and achieving perfect golden-brown exteriors that elevate home cooking.
• Create Versatile Meal Option: Pair this chicken scampi with pasta, rice, or salad for a flexible dinner that works for casual family meals or impressive dinner parties.
• Boost Flavor Complexity: Develop rich, layered tastes through strategic techniques like caramelizing chicken, deglazing the pan, and balancing wine, butter, and citrus notes.

What You’ll Need For Chicken Scampi

• Chicken Breasts: Lean meat that provides a tender and juicy base for the scampi dish.
• Shrimp (Optional): Adds a delicate seafood element to complement the chicken.

• Garlic Cloves: Provides a robust and pungent flavor that forms the core of the scampi sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the natural flavors of the protein and creates a balanced seasoning.
• Dried Parsley, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds herbal notes and a subtle heat to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Creates a smooth cooking surface and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
• Butter: Develops a rich, golden foundation for the sauce and adds depth of flavor.
• White Wine: Introduces a bright acidity and complexity to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional depth and moisture to the cooking liquid.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the overall flavor profile with a fresh, citrusy tang.

• Fresh Parsley, Lemon Wedges: Adds visual appeal and a fresh, zesty finish to the dish.

How To Make Chicken Scampi Step By Step

Step 1: Prep The Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into even strips to ensure each bite is perfectly cooked and full of flavor. Aim for uniform pieces that will cook quickly and absorb the delicious sauce.

Step 2: Season With Zest

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried parsley
• Red pepper flakes

Massage the spices into the meat to create a mouthwatering flavor profile.

Step 3: Sear To Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering hot. Carefully place chicken strips in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in all the juicy goodness.

Step 4: Create The Flavor Base

Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. Lower the heat to medium and add butter, letting it melt into a rich, golden pool of deliciousness.

Step 5: Awaken The Garlic

Toss minced garlic into the butter, stirring quickly until it becomes fragrant and just starts to turn translucent. This should take about 30-45 seconds – don’t let it burn!

Step 6: Build The Magical Sauce

Pour white wine and chicken broth into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those incredible caramelized bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These little flavor bombs will make your sauce incredible.

Step 7: Optional Seafood Twist

If you’re feeling adventurous, add shrimp to the sauce. Let them simmer for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and curl slightly.

Step 8: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken to the skillet, coating each piece generously with the luxurious wine-butter sauce. Let everything mingle and get acquainted with the flavors.

Step 9: Brighten The Dish

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the entire skillet. This adds a zesty brightness that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 10: Final Flourish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and add a few lemon wedges for extra visual appeal and flavor.

Step 11: Serve With Excitement

Plate immediately while the sauce is hot and the chicken remains tender. Pair with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce.

Smart Tips For Chicken Scampi Success

• Optimize Chicken Cuts: Slice chicken breasts uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and maximize flavor penetration throughout each piece.
• Spice Massage Technique: Thoroughly rub seasonings into chicken meat, ensuring spices like salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes deeply infuse the protein for maximum taste impact.
• Wine Sauce Secret: Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping caramelized bits to create a rich, complex sauce that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Quick Protein Perfection: Sear chicken strips briefly over high heat to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust while keeping the interior wonderfully juicy and tender.
• Citrus Brightness Boost: Finish the dish with fresh lemon juice to cut through the richness of butter and wine, adding a vibrant, fresh dimension to the scampi's deep flavors.

Fun Twists On Chicken Scampi

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Scampi: Replace dried parsley with a blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano for an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken Scampi: Swap red pepper flakes with Cajun seasoning, adding andouille sausage for extra heat and complexity.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Scampi: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, creating a lighter, vegetable-forward version of the classic dish.
• Coconut Curry Chicken Scampi: Incorporate coconut milk and mild curry powder, transforming the recipe into a fusion-style dish with Southeast Asian influences.

What To Serve With Chicken Scampi

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked California Chardonnay that complements the buttery wine sauce and cuts through the richness of the chicken with its crisp acidity.
• Serve alongside Garlic Parmesan Risotto: Create a creamy, garlicky side dish that echoes the flavor profile of the scampi, absorbing the delicious wine-butter sauce and providing a luxurious texture contrast.
• Match with Roasted Asparagus Spears: Grill slender asparagus with olive oil, salt, and lemon zest to create a light, fresh vegetable side that balances the rich protein and adds a vibrant green element to the plate.

How To Store Chicken Scampi Right

• Store chicken scampi in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and bacterial growth.
• Transfer leftover chicken scampi to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, the dish maintains quality for up to 2 months when frozen at 0°F.
• Thaw refrigerated or frozen chicken scampi in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or white wine to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and maintain the sauce's creamy texture.

Your Chicken Scampi Questions Answered

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great! They’re more flavorful and stay juicier, though cooking time might slightly vary due to their different texture.

• What wine is best for this recipe?

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works perfectly. These wines complement the dish’s delicate flavors without overpowering the chicken.

• How spicy will this dish be with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick. You can adjust the quantity from a pinch to 1/2 teaspoon based on your heat tolerance, making it adaptable to different spice preferences.

• Is this dish gluten-free?

The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free.

Chicken Scampi Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Chicken Scampi delivers a Mediterranean-inspired culinary journey through garlic-kissed pasta and tender chicken. Delightful flavors blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this classic Italian-American comfort dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast
• 0.25 cup shrimp (optional)

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp dried parsley
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes

Liquids and Additional Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup white wine
• 0.25 cup chicken broth
• 0.25 cup lemon juice
• 0.33 cup olive oil
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 lemon (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Slice chicken breasts into uniform strips, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
2. Mince garlic cloves finely to release their aromatic essence and create a robust flavor base.
3. Season chicken pieces generously with salt, black pepper, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes, massaging the spices into the meat.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and ripples with intense warmth.
5. Sear chicken strips for 3-4 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown exterior and sealing in succulent juices.
6. Remove chicken and set aside, maintaining its perfect temperature and texture.
7. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet, allowing it to melt and create a rich, golden foundation.
8. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant and slightly translucent, approximately 30-45 seconds.
9. Pour white wine and chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any caramelized bits from the bottom to intensify the sauce’s depth.
10. Add optional shrimp and simmer for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and curl slightly.
11. Return chicken to the skillet, coating it thoroughly with the luxurious wine-butter sauce.
12. Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the dish, brightening the flavors and adding a citrusy tang.
13. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges for a vibrant, restaurant-quality presentation.
14. Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and the chicken remains tender and juicy.

Notes

• Perfectly slice chicken into uniform strips by using a sharp knife at a 45-degree angle, ensuring consistent thickness for even cooking and flavor absorption.
• Enhance garlic’s flavor by crushing or mincing it just before cooking, releasing its full aromatic potential and preventing bitter undertones.
• Experiment with protein variations by substituting chicken with shrimp, tofu, or white fish to create a versatile and diet-friendly dish that suits different preferences.
• Elevate the sauce’s richness by using high-quality butter and a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 640
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg