Homemade Chicken Scampi Recipe – A Restaurant-Style Delight!
If you’re a fan of Italian-inspired dishes and love indulging in creamy, garlicky pasta, then Chicken Scampi is the perfect meal for you! This dish brings together tender, golden-seared chicken with buttery garlic sauce, a touch of lemony zest, and a hint of Parmesan goodness – all tossed with delicious linguine pasta. 😋🍽️
Unlike traditional shrimp scampi, this version swaps out the seafood for juicy chicken, making it a family-friendly favorite that’s quick and easy to make at home. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Chicken Scampi will impress everyone at the table! 🙌✨
🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Restaurant-quality meal at home – No need to dine out when you can make this at home in just 30 minutes!
✅ Perfectly creamy & garlicky – A rich, buttery garlic sauce brings out amazing flavors.
✅ Balanced with a fresh citrus kick – The lemon juice adds the perfect brightness. 🍋
✅ Family-friendly & customizable – Adjust spice levels, swap ingredients, or add veggies to make it your own! 👌
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need 🧑🍳
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious Chicken Scampi at home:
For the Chicken:
- 🔹 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)
- 🔹 2 tbsp olive oil
- 🔹 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 🔹 ½ tsp salt
- 🔹 ½ tsp black pepper
- 🔹 ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat 🌶️)
For the Scampi Sauce:
- 🧄 3 tbsp butter
- 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 🍗 ½ cup chicken broth
- 🍋 Juice of 1 lemon
- 🥛 ½ cup heavy cream
- 🧀 ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🌿 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 🍝 8 oz linguine or spaghetti, cooked al dente
🔥 How to Make Chicken Scampi – Step by Step!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken 🍗
1️⃣ Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips to ensure quick and even cooking.
2️⃣ In a bowl, season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss well to coat.
3️⃣ Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4️⃣ Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce 🧄
5️⃣ In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat.
6️⃣ Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (don’t burn it!).
7️⃣ Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
8️⃣ Add the lemon juice, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, stirring well to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
9️⃣ Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Combine Everything 🍝
🔟 Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let it absorb the flavors for 2 minutes.
1️⃣1️⃣ Add the cooked linguine, tossing everything together so the pasta gets well coated in the sauce.
1️⃣2️⃣ Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
1️⃣3️⃣ Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately! 🌿
💡 Tips for the Best Chicken Scampi
👉 Use fresh garlic & lemon – Fresh ingredients make all the difference! 🧄🍋
👉 Don’t overcook the chicken – Keep it tender and juicy by cooking it just until golden.
👉 Customize the sauce – Want it extra creamy? Add a little more heavy cream. Prefer a lighter sauce? Reduce the cream and use more broth.
👉 Spice it up – Add extra red pepper flakes for a bit more heat! 🌶️
🍷 What to Serve with Chicken Scampi?
Chicken Scampi is a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides! Here are a few tasty ideas:
🥗 Side Salad – A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the creamy pasta.
🍞 Garlic Bread – Nothing beats dipping warm, crispy garlic bread into that delicious sauce! 🥖
🥦 Steamed Veggies – Broccoli, asparagus, or roasted bell peppers add color and nutrition.
🍷 A Glass of White Wine – If you enjoy wine, a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with this dish. 🍾
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
Yes! If you love shrimp scampi, just replace the chicken with large shrimp and cook them for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, replace butter with olive oil and use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative instead of heavy cream. Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine everything just before serving to keep the pasta from getting mushy.
✨ Final Thoughts – Try This Easy Chicken Scampi Tonight!
This Chicken Scampi recipe is a must-try for pasta lovers! 🍝 The creamy garlic butter sauce, combined with tender chicken and zesty lemon, makes for an unforgettable meal. Plus, it’s so easy to make at home in just 30 minutes! ⏳
So why wait? Give this recipe a try tonight and let us know how it turned out! 💬👇 Don’t forget to share with your family and friends! ❤️
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