When the aroma of sizzling garlic and tender chicken wafts through your kitchen, it’s hard not to feel a little giddy. Chicken Scampi is like an Italian hug on a plate – rich, buttery, and just the right amount of garlicky goodness. spicy chicken soup Picture this: succulent pieces of chicken bathed in a luscious sauce that dances with the brightness of lemon and the warmth of spices. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience.
This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing friends at a gathering. Each bite promises to awaken your taste buds and leave you longing for more. delicious chicken and stuffing Trust me when I say that this Chicken Scampi will elevate your culinary repertoire and become a go-to favorite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Scampi is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions
- The flavor profile balances savory garlic with fresh herbs, creating a delightful explosion of taste
- With its vibrant presentation, this dish looks as great as it tastes, sure to impress any guest
- Versatile enough to pair with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, it’s a meal that fits any mood!
I still remember the first time I made Chicken Scampi; my friends were blown away by how quickly I whipped it up! Thai peanut chicken. You might also enjoy this Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken recipe.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
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Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness; bottled juice just won’t cut it
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness; it creates that velvety sauce
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Olive Oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor and helps cook the chicken perfectly
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Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness; don’t skimp on this herb
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Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch adds a lovely heat without overwhelming the dish
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Pasta (optional): Linguine or spaghetti pairs perfectly with the scampi sauce for heartiness
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the garlic finely and zest that lemon – trust me, it’s worth it!
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the pan. Cook until golden brown on each side.
Add Garlic & Butter: Once chicken is cooked through (about 6-7 minutes per side), reduce heat and add minced garlic along with butter. Stir until fragrant and melted.
Create Your Sauce: Pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice along with red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all those delicious flavors into one glorious sauce.
Toss in Parsley & Serve!: Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley over everything for color and freshness. If using pasta, toss cooked pasta in the pan before serving.
Enjoying Chicken Scampi is like hosting an Italian feast without needing to book a table! rolled chicken with feta.
You Must Know
- Chicken Scampi is not just a dish; it’s an experience
- The aroma of garlic, butter, and herbs wafting through your kitchen is enough to make anyone hungry
- Remember, cooking is about love—season generously and enjoy the flavors!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken for a golden crust. While it cooks, boil the pasta and prepare the sauce simultaneously. This multitasking ensures everything finishes at the same time, creating a harmonious dish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out shrimp or veggies for chicken to suit your taste. Adding a splash of white wine or lemon juice can elevate the sauce and provide extra zest.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Chicken Scampi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat in a skillet with a splash of broth to restore moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Chicken Scampi, use fresh ingredients whenever possible for vibrant flavors
- Don’t rush the cooking process; let each component shine
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley at serving adds color and freshness
Sharing this dish with friends brings back memories of laughter-filled dinners, where they couldn’t stop complimenting my culinary skills!
FAQ
What is Chicken Scampi?
Chicken Scampi is a pasta dish featuring sautéed chicken in a garlic butter sauce. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Using thawed or fresh chicken yields better texture and flavor in Chicken Scampi.
What sides pair well with Chicken Scampi?
Garlic bread or a simple salad enhances the meal alongside Chicken Scampi beautifully.
Chicken Scampi
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Chicken Scampi, a delectable dish that combines tender chicken with a buttery garlic sauce and a hint of lemon. Ideal for both cozy family dinners and entertaining friends, this recipe promises to awaken your taste buds and leave you craving more. Easy to prepare, it pairs beautifully with pasta or crusty bread, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Optional: 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
Instructions
- Gather and prep all ingredients: finely chop garlic and zest the lemon.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown (about 6-7 minutes on each side).
- Reduce heat; add minced garlic and butter to the skillet. Stir until fragrant.
- Pour in lemon juice and red pepper flakes; mix well to create the sauce.
- Stir in chopped parsley for freshness. If using pasta, toss it into the pan before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg





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