Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe

This easy chicken scampi recipe is light and flavorful, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken is sautéed with garlic, butter, lemon, and a hint of white wine, then tossed with pasta and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It’s a deliciously simple meal that will impress without the fuss!

 

Easy Chicken Scampi Recipe

• Flavorful. The combination of garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine creates a rich – yet super light – savory sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken and spaghetti. Fresh parsley adds a delicious bright flavor!
• Super Easy. Despite its gourmet taste, the recipe is simple and can be made in just a little over 30 minutes, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal without the hassle.

Ingredients for Chicken Scampi

• Spaghetti: Spaghetti soaks up the rich, flavorful sauce perfectly. You could also use linguine or fettuccine.
• Pasta Water: Reserved pasta water adds starch to the sauce, helping it cling to the spaghetti.
• Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, the chicken breast provides a hearty, protein-rich component. You could also use chicken thighs or even leftover grilled chicken.
• Flour: A light coating of seasoned flour on the chicken creates a delicate crust and helps thicken the sauce slightly.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs adds a depth of flavor and an authentic Italian touch. Substitute with dried oregano, dried thyme, and dried rosemary if you prefer.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Lemon pepper adds a bright citrusy zing with a subtle peppery bite.
• Olive Oil & Butter: The combination of olive oil and butter gives the dish richness and a smooth, velvety texture.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for that signature scampi flavor, garlic brings warmth and an aromatic kick. Garlic powder or jarred minced garlic won’t give you the same flavor.
• White Wine: A splash of dry white wine adds depth, and acidity, and enhances the overall flavor. If you don’t have wine on hand, use chicken broth or chicken stock instead.
• Lemon Zest & Juice: Fresh lemon zest and lemon juice add that signature scampi flavor.
• Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of vibrant color to finish the dish. You could use fresh basil as well.

How to Make Chicken Scampi at Home

Cook pasta according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. While the pasta is cooking, combine flour, Italian seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, and a couple large pinches of salt and pepper in a shallow dish. Dredge chicken in the flour mixture.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter to a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add half the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Set aside. Heat the remaining tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in the pan. Add the remaining chicken and cook through. Set aside.

Add white wine to the large saute pan to deglaze, scraping all the yummy bits off the bottom. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until it reduces by at least half. Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons butter in the large saute pan. Add garlic, and a couple large pinches of salt and pepper and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn.

Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley. Add spaghetti and a splash or two of pasta water as needed. Toss to coat evenly.

Add cooked chicken and toss to coat evenly. Enjoy!

Tips for Making Chicken Scampi

• Cook the chicken in batches. Depending on the size of your pan, you will probably need to cook the chicken in batches. Just be sure to add more olive oil and butter to the pan before cooking the second batch.
• Don’t overcook the chicken. Since chicken breasts can dry out quickly, cook them just until they’re done to keep them tender and juicy. You want to get a nice golden brown crust on the outside and keep the chicken super tender on the inside.

Making Chicken Scampi Ahead of Time

• This chicken scampi is a delicious make-ahead meal!
• Cook a big batch over the weekend and you’ve got easy lunches or dinners ready to go in just moments!

Storing Leftover Chicken Pasta

Store leftover chicken pasta in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Reheating Chicken Scampi

• Reheat chicken scampi in a large saute pan over medium heat.
• Cook, stirring occasionally, just until warmed through.

Try these chicken recipes next!

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