Are you craving that perfect restaurant-style chicken scampi but don’t want to leave your house? You’re not alone! I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, and I’m thrilled to share my secrets with you. Did you know that “scampi” actually refers to a cooking method that originated in Italy using garlic, butter, and white wine? We’ll be using those same incredible flavors but with juicy chicken instead of the traditional shrimp. This chicken scampi comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss. Trust me, your family will think you ordered takeout from their favorite Italian restaurant!
What is Chicken Scampi?
Chicken scampi is a delicious Italian-American dish featuring tender pieces of chicken sautéed in a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce, typically served over pasta. While traditional scampi is made with shrimp or langoustines (small lobster-like crustaceans), the chicken version has become incredibly popular in American restaurants.
If you’ve ever enjoyed Olive Garden’s chicken scampi, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about – that perfect combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a sauce so good you’ll want to soak up every last drop with a piece of bread. The beauty of making it at home is that you control the ingredients, resulting in a fresher, more customizable, and considerably more economical meal. Plus, you don’t have to wait for a table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this restaurant-quality chicken scampi, you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
- 1½ pounds chicken tenderloins (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
For the Scampi Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
For Serving:
- 1 pound linguine or fettuccine pasta
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges
When it comes to the chicken, I prefer using tenderloins because they cook quickly and stay juicy, but boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly fine when cut into evenly-sized strips. For the wine, any dry white wine will do – I recommend Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, but if you prefer to cook without alcohol, you can substitute with additional chicken broth and a splash more lemon juice.
The quality of your butter makes a difference in this recipe. Since the sauce is butter-based, opt for a good quality unsalted butter if possible. As for herbs, fresh parsley truly elevates the dish, but in a pinch, you could substitute 1 tablespoon of dried parsley.
Kitchen Tools Required
You don’t need fancy equipment to make restaurant-quality chicken scampi. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large skillet or sauté pan (12-inch is ideal)
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs for flipping chicken and tossing pasta
- Microplane or zester for the lemon
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
While not absolutely necessary, a garlic press can make mincing garlic quicker and easier. If you don’t have one, simply mince the garlic finely with your knife. I also recommend using tongs for this recipe – they make handling both the chicken and pasta much easier than a spoon.
Preparation Steps
Before diving into cooking, proper preparation will make the process smooth and enjoyable:
- Prepare the chicken: If using chicken breasts instead of tenderloins, slice them into even strips about 1-inch wide. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels (this helps achieve better browning), then season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Prep the aromatics: Mince the garlic, chop the parsley, zest and juice the lemon. Having these ingredients ready before you start cooking is crucial since the cooking process moves quickly.
- Get the pasta water ready: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt (it should taste like seawater), and bring to a boil.
- Measure remaining ingredients: Measure out your wine, chicken broth, and other ingredients so they’re ready to add when needed.
Pro tip: I like to arrange all my ingredients in small bowls or on a cutting board in the order I’ll need them. This French technique called “mise en place” (everything in its place) makes cooking so much more relaxed and efficient!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now for the main event – cooking your chicken scampi to perfection:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Once your water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (typically 9-11 minutes for linguine).
- Important: Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining – this starchy water is liquid gold for adjusting your sauce later if needed.
- Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it – the starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding).
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce
- In the same skillet (don’t clean it – those browned bits are flavor!), reduce heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons of butter.
- Once butter is melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned (burned garlic becomes bitter).
- Add the white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced by half.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and stir until melted into the sauce, creating a silky emulsion.
- Stir in the lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and most of the parsley (save some for garnish).
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sauce, turning to coat each piece.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet and toss everything together using tongs. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Let everything heat together for 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with remaining fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and lemon wedges.
You’ll know your chicken scampi is done perfectly when the sauce coats the back of a spoon but still has a flowing consistency – not too thick, not too thin. The chicken should be tender and juicy, and the pasta should be al dente with a slight bite.
Recipe Variations
One of the joys of mastering chicken scampi is experimenting with different variations:
Spicy Chicken Scampi
Double the red pepper flakes and add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for heat lovers. You could even add some diced fresh jalapeño with the garlic for an extra kick.
Creamy Chicken Scampi
After the sauce has reduced, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream and simmer for an additional 2 minutes before adding the pasta. This creates a richer, more indulgent sauce that’s perfect for special occasions.
Veggie-Loaded Chicken Scampi
Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 2 cups of fresh spinach, or 1 sliced bell pepper when you return the chicken to the skillet. The vegetables will lightly cook in the sauce, adding color, texture, and nutrition.
Gluten-Free Chicken Scampi
Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta. Rice-based pastas tend to work best for this dish, maintaining their structure when tossed with the sauce.
Low-Carb Chicken Scampi
Skip the pasta altogether and serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. For zucchini noodles, add them raw to the hot sauce and they’ll soften perfectly without becoming mushy.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Scampi Every Time
Even experienced home cooks can benefit from these professional tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken. Working in batches ensures each piece gets nicely browned rather than steamed.
- Watch your heat when making the sauce. If the pan is too hot when adding the garlic, it will burn and taste bitter. Medium heat is perfect.
- The key to a silky sauce is emulsification. Adding cold butter at the end and gently swirling the pan (rather than vigorous stirring) creates that restaurant-quality texture.
- If your sauce breaks (separates), don’t panic! Take the pan off the heat and whisk in a tablespoon of cold butter or a splash of heavy cream to bring it back together.
- Taste before serving and adjust the seasoning. Sometimes a pinch more salt or squeeze of lemon juice is all you need to make the flavors pop.
- Never rinse your pasta after cooking – the starch helps the sauce adhere to each strand.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken scampi is a star on its own, but these accompaniments make it even more special:
Perfect Pasta Pairings
While I prefer linguine or fettuccine for this dish, any long pasta works wonderfully. Angel hair is delicate and elegant, while thicker pappardelle offers a heartier bite. For a twist, try gemelli or rotini – their twists and ridges capture the sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
Garlic bread is the perfect companion for soaking up extra sauce. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. Roasted asparagus or broccolini also pairs beautifully with the garlic and lemon flavors.
Wine Pairings
Since you’re already using white wine in the recipe, serving the same wine at the table creates a harmonious pairing. A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish perfectly. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir won’t overpower the delicate flavors.
Presentation Tips
For restaurant-style presentation, use tongs to twist the pasta into a neat mound in the center of a warm plate. Arrange chicken pieces on top, then spoon additional sauce over everything. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan, and a lemon wedge on the side.
Storage and Reheating
Chicken scampi is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can still be delicious:
- Refrigerator storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Best reheating method: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery.
- Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the pasta and sauce will change. If you must freeze it, store in an airtight container for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Repurposing leftovers: Transform leftover chicken scampi into a delicious pasta bake by transferring to a baking dish, topping with mozzarella cheese, and baking at 350°F for 20 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition Information
While chicken scampi is certainly an indulgence, it’s still lighter than many restaurant versions. Here’s the approximate nutritional information per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
For a lighter version, you can:
- Use half the amount of butter and substitute with olive oil
- Increase the proportion of chicken to pasta
- Serve with zucchini noodles instead of pasta
- Use less Parmesan cheese or substitute with nutritional yeast
Note that this dish contains gluten (pasta), dairy (butter and Parmesan), and could have traces of sulfites (from the wine). Modifications may be necessary for those with allergies.
Conclusion
This chicken scampi recipe truly brings restaurant quality to your kitchen table with minimal effort! The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and that incredible garlic butter sauce creates a meal that’s guaranteed to impress. I love how versatile this dish is – whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or hosting friends for a special occasion.
The beauty of making it at home is that you can adjust the flavors exactly to your liking. Want more garlic? Go for it! Prefer a saucier pasta? Add a bit more broth and butter. The possibilities are endless.
