Chicken Scampi is a restaurant favorite known for its rich garlic butter sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish, inspired by the classic shrimp scampi, swaps seafood for juicy, seasoned chicken while keeping the signature buttery, garlicky, and lemony flavors intact.
If you love Olive Garden’s Chicken Scampi, this homemade version is even better—fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make! Follow this step-by-step recipe to recreate the restaurant experience right in your kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
✅ Easy to Make – Ready in under 30 minutes!
✅ Restaurant-Quality – Tastes just like your favorite Italian eatery.
✅ Rich & Creamy Sauce – A perfect balance of garlic, butter, and lemon.
✅ Customizable – Swap in shrimp, add veggies, or spice it up with red pepper flakes!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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2 large chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)
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½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp garlic powder
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp butter
For the Scampi Sauce:
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4 cloves garlic (minced)
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1 small onion (finely chopped)
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1 cup chicken broth
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½ cup heavy cream
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¼ cup white wine (optional)
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2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
For the Pasta:
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8 oz angel hair pasta or spaghetti
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1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
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In a shallow bowl, mix flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
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Dredge the chicken strips in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
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Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the chicken strips and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
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While the chicken cooks, boil salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Scampi Sauce
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In the same skillet, add more butter and sauté garlic and onions until fragrant.
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Pour in white wine (if using) and let it reduce for 1-2 minutes.
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Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
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Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth.
Step 5: Combine & Serve
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Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce.
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Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately!
Tips for the Best Chicken Scampi
✔️ Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic, lemon, and parsley enhance the flavor.
✔️ Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Keep it juicy by cooking just until golden.
✔️ Balance the Sauce – Adjust lemon juice and cream to your taste.
✔️ Add Veggies – Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make great additions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the best pasta for Chicken Scampi?
Angel hair pasta is the classic choice, but spaghetti or fettuccine works too!
2. Can I make this without wine?
Yes! Simply replace the white wine with more chicken broth.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
4. Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Just swap the chicken for shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Scampi is a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home. With its creamy garlic butter sauce and juicy chicken, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete Italian-style feast!
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