You know, I’ve tried a lot of dishes, but this Chicken Scampi Recipe? Wow. The first time I made it, I was convinced it would be one of those complicated recipes that eats up your whole evening. But I was wrong. It’s incredibly simple, and yet, the flavors feel restaurant-worthy.

My whole family sat there, forks paused mid-air, savoring the garlicky, buttery goodness mixed with zesty lemon and tender chicken. Trust me, if you’ve been craving something comforting yet elegant, this recipe is it. Plus, the compliments? Totally worth the minimal effort.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To pull off this easy Chicken Scampi recipe, these are your essential tools 👇:

Nonstick Pan or Stainless Steel Skillet: Perfect for searing that chicken to golden perfection.
Tongs: Helps you flip chicken without a mess.
Garlic Press: Speeds up the process of prepping garlic.
Lemon Zester: A must for that fresh citrus kick!
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Saves you from playing the guessing game.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for mixing the sauce smoothly without scratching your pan.
Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife: For prepping ingredients like a pro!

Bonus tip! If you’ve got a pasta fork, twirling the fettuccini neatly for serving is a snap!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of easy ingredients that keep things fresh, flavorful, and customizable!

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
5-6 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
¼ cup dry white wine
Juice of 1 lemon + 1 tablespoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper, to taste
8 oz fettuccine or linguine
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 👉 for garnish.
2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Secure these alternatives: Swap linguine for zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb meal! Got shrimp? That’s another tasty twist, just cook the shrimp instead of chicken.

How to Cook Chicken Scampi in Easy Steps?

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

First, season your chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Lightly coat each piece in flour. Begin boiling water for your pasta and cook according to package directions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium-high. Once the oil shimmers, place your chicken in the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer it to a plate and cover loosely with foil.

Quick Cooking Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan! Cook in batches if needed so every piece caramelizes perfectly.

Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Add butter to the pan and melt it slowly. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and wine (if using), then squeeze in the lemon juice. Stir well to create a flavorful base.

Step 4: Add Heat & Combine

Sprinkle red pepper flakes into your sauce. Season with salt and pepper until it’s just right. Layer the chicken back into this saucy goodness. Flip each piece to soak up the flavors.

Step 5: Toss with Pasta

Now, add cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Toss everything together gently, making sure the sauce coats every noodle. Pro Tip? Add a splash of reserved pasta water if you want to loosen the sauce.

Final Step: Plate your dish, sprinkle on that Parmesan and parsley, and savor every bite!

Delicious Side Ideas: Perfect Pairings

Chicken Scampi feels indulgent as-is, but pairing it with sides transforms it into a gastronomic feast.

Garlic Bread: Ideal for scooping up extra sauce!
Crisp Caesar Salad: The fresh crunch balances the buttery flavors.
Roasted Veggies: Zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers add a healthy touch without over-complicating your meal.

Secret Tips for Flavor Boosts

Make it “Extra Creamy” ✨ Stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream to the scampi sauce if you prefer a richer texture.
Healthy Chicken Scampi Option: Use whole-wheat noodles, less butter, and olive-oil-based cooking for a lighter dish.
Amp the Zest Up!: Use extra lemon zest or slices as garnish for a tangy twist.
Custom Spices: Tweak heat levels by adjusting garlic or red pepper flakes.
Cheesy Love: Skip Parmesan? Try Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano instead.

Nutritional Benefits

Chicken Scampi brings more than just flavor to the table! Here’s a quick breakdown of what each serving offers 👉:

Calories: 500 per serving
Protein: 40g (thanks to chicken!)
Healthy Fats: From olive oil and butter.

For a lower-carb version, swap pasta with spiralized vegetables or steamed spaghetti squash.

Storing & Saving Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to keep them fresh:

Refrigeration: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips: Heat gently in a skillet over low heat with a dash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible!
Freezing: Store only the chicken/sauce combo in the freezer (leave out pasta). Freeze for up to 1 month, defrost overnight before reheating.