Zesty Garlic Butter Chicken Scampi Recipe for Dinner Magic

My go-to garlic butter chicken scampi recipe promises deliciousness in every single bite.

Savory aromas will dance through your kitchen moments after starting.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of flavors.

Creamy butter sauce captures the essence of comfort and indulgence.

Fresh herbs scattered across the plate add bright, zesty notes that awaken your palate.

Quick and simple techniques make this dish accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Prepare to experience a restaurant-quality meal that transforms an ordinary evening into something extraordinary.

Why Garlic Butter Chicken Scampi Is Bursting With Flavor

• Tackle Any Skill Level: Perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike, this chicken scampi recipe offers simple steps that anyone can master with confidence.
• Create a Crowd-Pleasing Dinner: Packed with zesty garlic, tangy lemon, and rich butter sauce, this dish guarantees smiles around the table and satisfies diverse taste preferences.
• Streamline Your Cooking Process: Using just one skillet means minimal cleanup and quick preparation, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknight meals or spontaneous dinner gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Swap linguine with your favorite pasta, adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes, or add vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated modifications.

Everything You Need For Garlic Butter Chicken Scampi

• Chicken Strips: Tender meat that forms the main protein of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Essential for searing and browning the chicken.
• Butter: Creates a rich, creamy sauce with a smooth texture.
• White Wine or Chicken Broth: Adds depth and helps create the base of the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, tangy flavor to balance the richness.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the chicken.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic and pungent flavor to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and spiciness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty finish to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a fresh, herbal garnish and bright color.

• Linguine: Serves as the base carbohydrate and helps absorb the flavorful sauce.

How To Make Garlic Butter Chicken Scampi

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Grab your chicken strips and give them a delightful seasoning boost with salt and pepper. Massage the seasonings into the meat to ensure maximum flavor infusion.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Fire up a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the seasoned chicken strips into the sizzling pan.

Cook each strip until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and reaches perfect doneness, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Unleash the Garlic Magic

In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and let it dance around for about a minute, releasing its intoxicating aroma throughout the kitchen.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Explosion

• White wine
• Chicken broth
• Lemon juice
• Red pepper flakes

Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and intensify.

Step 5: Craft the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and introduce butter to the skillet. Stir gently until the butter melts completely, transforming the liquid into a luxurious, creamy sauce.

Step 6: Reunite the Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, lovingly coating each piece in the spectacular sauce.

Step 7: Combine and Garnish

Toss in the cooked linguine, ensuring every strand gets a generous coating of the garlic butter sauce.

Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a final touch of elegance.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your masterpiece immediately while it’s piping hot.

For an extra zingy experience, serve with additional lemon wedges on the side.

Tips To Nail Garlic Butter Chicken Scampi

• Swap chicken with shrimp or tofu for a delightful protein variation that keeps the dish exciting and versatile.
• Control the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes – less for mild flavor, more for a spicy kick that tingles your taste buds.
• Choose dry white wines like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to enhance the sauce's depth and create a restaurant-quality flavor profile.
• Ensure chicken is completely cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F, preventing any potential foodborne illnesses and guaranteeing juicy, tender meat.
• Prepare ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process, making this restaurant-style meal quick and stress-free for busy home cooks.

Garlic Butter Chicken Scampi With A Twist

• Seafood Scampi Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops for a classic seafood version, maintaining the same garlic butter sauce and cooking technique.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Add oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes to create a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile with a zesty kick.
• Spicy Cajun Remix: Substitute red pepper flakes with Cajun seasoning, adding andouille sausage for a bold, Louisiana-style interpretation of the dish.
• Low-Carb Veggie Noodle Edition: Swap linguine with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, vegetable-based alternative that keeps the rich garlic butter sauce.

Best Sides For Garlic Butter Chicken Scampi

• Pair with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Light, zesty white wine that perfectly complements the garlic butter sauce and cuts through the richness of the chicken.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture to the meal, enhancing the garlic and buttery flavors of the dish.
• Serve with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a bright, peppery side that balances the creamy pasta and provides a refreshing contrast to the rich scampi.
• Complement with Roasted Asparagus: Add a green vegetable with a subtle char that echoes the dish's flavor profile and provides a nutritious accompaniment.

How To Store Garlic Butter Chicken Scampi Like A Pro

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Transfer cooled chicken scampi to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheating Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave Option: Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

FAQs On Garlic Butter Chicken Scampi

• What makes this chicken scampi different from traditional shrimp scampi?

This recipe uses chicken instead of shrimp, creating a protein-packed alternative that’s equally delicious and perfect for those who prefer chicken or have shellfish allergies.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?

Yes, you can substitute dried parsley, but use about 1/3 of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh parsley provides a brighter flavor and better visual appeal.

• Is white wine necessary for the recipe?

No, you can replace white wine with chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. The broth will still provide depth and flavor to the sauce.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to boost the heat level according to your preference.

Garlic Butter Chicken Scampi Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken scampi delivers Mediterranean coastal flavors straight to your kitchen table. Tender chicken and perfectly sautéed shrimp swim in a rich, herbed butter sauce that promises a delightful dining experience you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

Seasonings and Spices:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Liquids and Fats:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) white wine or chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 ounces (340 grams) linguine, cooked
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

1. Generously season chicken strips with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, approximately 2 minutes.
3. Sear chicken strips until golden brown and fully cooked, rotating once, about 5-6 minutes total.
4. Transfer chicken to a clean plate, maintaining skillet’s heat and remaining oil.
5. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, stirring rapidly to prevent burning, releasing aromatic notes for 30-45 seconds.
6. Deglaze pan with white wine or chicken broth, incorporating lemon juice and red pepper flakes for complexity.
7. Simmer liquid ingredients for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and slightly reduce.
8. Lower heat to minimum and incorporate butter, gently swirling until sauce transforms into a luxurious, creamy consistency.
9. Reintroduce cooked chicken to the skillet, carefully coating each piece with the velvety sauce.
10. Fold in prepared linguine, ensuring even distribution of sauce and protein.
11. Finish dish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley for vibrant presentation.
12. Plate immediately and serve with optional lemon wedges for additional brightness.

Notes

• Swap chicken with shrimp or tofu for a protein variety that keeps the dish exciting and adaptable to different dietary preferences.
• Use gluten-free linguine or zucchini noodles to make the recipe celiac-friendly and lower in carbohydrates.
• Control the spice level by adjusting red pepper flakes, allowing everyone from heat-lovers to mild-palate folks to enjoy the dish.
• Enhance the sauce’s richness by adding a splash of cream or using half butter, half olive oil for a lighter version that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg