Get ready to fall in love with Chicken Scampi, a dazzlingly delicious dish that brings a burst of garlicky, lemony flavor to your table with so little effort. Imagine tender strips of juicy chicken, golden and crisped at the edges, swimming in a silky white wine and butter sauce brimming with bright herbs, plenty of garlic, and that signature splash of zesty lemon. It’s just as perfect for a cozy weeknight as it is for impressing friends over dinner, yet easy enough that you can whip it up anytime you crave restaurant-worthy comfort at home. Chicken Scampi is the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient for Chicken Scampi has its own job to do: some bring richness, some add zing, and others combine for the irresistible sauce. Stock up on these simple kitchen staples, and in no time you’ll be treating yourself to something delightfully special.

Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts; they cook quickly and stay juicy sliced into strips.
Olive oil: This is your base for browning the chicken and adding depth to the sauce.
Butter: Adds richness and a silky finish to the sauce—don’t skimp here!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for a real punch of flavor; slice or mince it for the best results.
Dry white wine: Choose a wine you’d happily drink, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, for a sauce that sings.
Lemon juice and zest: The acidity brightens the whole dish, while zest gives an aromatic kick.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch, for a gentle warmth in every bite.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness and a pop of vibrant green color.
Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavors of each ingredient.
Pasta (like angel hair): While technically optional, serving your Chicken Scampi over pasta makes it a complete meal.

How to Make Chicken Scampi

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces, then season them all over with salt and pepper. This not only helps each piece cook evenly, but gets that first layer of simple flavor into the chicken itself.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips in a single layer, letting them sizzle until golden-brown on both sides and cooked through. Work in batches if needed; overcrowding the pan can make the chicken steam instead of sear. Once done, transfer to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper

Lower the heat to medium, then add butter to the pan until melted and bubbling. Stir in the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute—just until fragrant and the garlic turns golden, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine and Add Lemon

Pour in the dry white wine and scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine simmer for 2–3 minutes, reducing by half, then stir in the lemon juice and zest. You’ll instantly smell that bright, fresh aroma that defines Chicken Scampi!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken and any juices back to the pan. Toss to coat every piece with the sauce, heating just until everything is warmed through. Sprinkle generously with chopped parsley, taste for salt and pepper, and adjust as you like.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

If serving over pasta, add cooked, drained pasta right into the skillet, tossing gently to soak up all that delicious sauce. Give it a final lemon zest or parsley sprinkle before serving—your Chicken Scampi is ready to wow!

How to Serve Chicken Scampi

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh chopped parsley adds color and a burst of herbal brightness. A sprinkle of extra lemon zest over the top right before serving takes the aroma up a notch, while for a little indulgence, freshly grated Parmesan is always welcome.

Side Dishes

Chicken Scampi pairs gorgeously with buttery garlic bread, a crisp Caesar or green salad, or simply steamed vegetables. The sauce also loves to be soaked up by rice, or you can keep it classic over a golden nest of angel hair or linguine.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, pile Chicken Scampi on toasted baguette slices for an elegant appetizer, or serve it atop zucchini noodles for a lighter option. You can even ladle the saucy chicken over creamy mashed potatoes for cozy comfort food vibes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken Scampi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making the next day’s lunch or dinner just as delicious—maybe even more so!

Freezing

To freeze, allow the cooled Chicken Scampi to come to room temperature, then portion into airtight freezer bags or containers. Freeze for up to two months, and remember lemon flavor can mellow slightly after thawing, so consider freshening it up with new zest when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat Chicken Scampi gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra stock to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened in the fridge. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Scampi without wine?

Absolutely! Simply substitute low-sodium chicken broth for the wine. The result will still be savory and delicious, though you may want to add a tiny splash of extra lemon juice for brightness.

What kind of pasta works best with Chicken Scampi?

Angel hair or thin spaghetti are traditional favorites since they soak up the light, flavorful sauce so well, but really, any long pasta you love will work beautifully—even gluten-free options.

Is Chicken Scampi spicy?

It’s not meant to be overly spicy. The crushed red pepper flakes give it just a gentle warmth, and you can adjust the amount up or down (or skip it altogether) based on your spice preference.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor to the dish. Just slice them into strips like you would chicken breasts, and cook until they’re nicely golden and fully cooked through.

How do I make Chicken Scampi dairy-free?

Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative or extra olive oil. The sauce will still be full of bright flavors and perfect for those avoiding dairy—just skip any added cheese garnish.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Chicken Scampi, it’ll earn a starring spot in your dinner rotation. It’s simple enough for busy days yet impressive enough to share with company, and every bite packs that dreamy mix of zesty, buttery, garlicky goodness. Go ahead and treat yourself—this is one meal that truly deserves a spot in your favorites!

Chicken Scampi Recipe