Chicken Scampi is more than just a quick weeknight dinner—it’s a culinary bridge between indulgence and simplicity, elegance and comfort. This recipe captures the rich flavor of traditional shrimp scampi but substitutes shrimp with juicy, tender chicken breasts for a heartier take on a beloved Italian-American classic. The result? A buttery garlic lemon sauce infused with herbs, tossed with pasta, and loaded with golden pan-seared chicken.
Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a reliable go-to dinner, a beginner cook seeking a confidence-boosting meal, or a food lover exploring flavorful pasta dishes, this Chicken Scampi is a must-try.
🧄 What Is Chicken Scampi?
“Scampi” traditionally refers to langoustines or small lobsters often sautéed in garlic, butter, and white wine. In the U.S., it evolved into the more accessible “shrimp scampi.” But today, Chicken Scampi has carved its niche—keeping the scampi-style sauce while replacing seafood with thinly sliced chicken breasts.
This delicious evolution retains everything you love about the dish:
- Fragrant garlic butter
- Tangy lemon juice
- A touch of heat
- Creamy Parmesan finish
- Pasta that soaks up every drop of sauce
🥘 Ingredients You’ll Need (With Substitutions & Tips)
Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need for the perfect Chicken Scampi—and why each ingredient matters.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless) | Main protein | Chicken thighs, tofu, or shrimp |
| Olive Oil & Butter | For sautéing, flavor | Avocado oil, ghee |
| Garlic (minced) | Signature flavor | Garlic paste |
| Crushed Red Pepper Flakes | Optional heat | Cayenne, black pepper |
| White Wine | For depth & acidity | Chicken broth + splash of vinegar |
| Chicken Broth | Sauce base | Veggie broth |
| Lemon Juice & Zest | Freshness and tang | Lime (if needed) |
| Parmesan Cheese | Rich, umami finish | Pecorino Romano |
| Heavy Cream (optional) | Creamy sauce | Half-and-half, milk |
| Fresh Parsley | Color & freshness | Basil or thyme |
| Pasta (linguine, spaghetti) | Carby base | Fettuccine, penne, gluten-free pasta |
Pro Tip: Always use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to bring this dish together beautifully, without stress.
🔥 Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Thinly slice your chicken for quick and even cooking.
- Mince the garlic finely for maximum aroma and flavor infusion.
- Zest and juice your lemon in advance.
- Boil water for pasta with salt (this flavors your noodles!).
🍳 Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Sear on each side for 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Remove chicken and let it rest.
Kitchen Tip: Resting the chicken ensures juicier slices when you add them back later.
🧄 Step 3: Make the Garlic Lemon Sauce
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add butter.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir gently for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in white wine and chicken broth. Let simmer and reduce by half.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, and Parmesan. Optionally, add heavy cream.
Note: Do not let garlic brown—bitter garlic ruins scampi.
🍝 Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- While your sauce simmers, boil pasta as per package directions.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
🔁 Step 5: Combine and Finish
- Slice the cooked chicken.
- Add chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Toss everything gently to coat in the sauce.
- Add pasta water a little at a time for a silkier sauce.
🌿 Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle chopped parsley on top.
- Serve with extra lemon wedges and Parmesan.
🧾 Chicken Scampi Recipe Card (Printable)
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 4
Method: Sauté
Cuisine: Italian-American
Category: Dinner
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced thin)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup white wine (or more broth)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
(Already covered in previous section, formatted as bullet steps.)
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair your Chicken Scampi with:
- Garlic Bread – for soaking up leftover sauce.
- Steamed Broccoli – adds green color and crunch.
- Crisp Caesar Salad – balances richness of the dish.
- Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio – complements lemony flavors.
🥄 Variations & Customizations
1. Shrimp Scampi
Swap chicken with cleaned, deveined shrimp. Sauté 2 minutes per side.
2. Creamy Chicken Scampi
Add 1/4 cup heavy cream to the sauce after adding Parmesan for a richer texture.
3. Low-Carb Version
Skip the pasta—serve over spiralized zucchini or sautéed cauliflower rice.
4. Spicy Scampi
Add a pinch of cayenne or double the red pepper flakes.
5. Vegetarian Scampi
Use mushrooms or zucchini slices instead of chicken.
🥶 Storage & Reheating
❄️ Storage:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheating:
- Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave is okay but may overcook chicken.
Freezing? Not ideal. Cream and pasta do not freeze well.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Chicken Scampi ahead of time?
A: You can prep ingredients in advance and store separately. Assemble and cook just before serving.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes—just use gluten-free pasta and confirm your broth and Parmesan are gluten-free certified.
Q: What if I don’t want to use wine?
A: Replace it with an equal amount of broth + 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely. Spinach, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms make excellent additions.
📈 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 22g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
🌟 Final Thoughts
Chicken Scampi delivers an ideal balance between fast food and fine dining. It’s easy enough for weeknights, elegant enough for entertaining, and comforting enough to become a family favorite.
You can make it spicy or mild, creamy or light, classic or modern—it’s a canvas for flavor exploration. And the best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes without sacrificing taste or presentation.
