Garlic Butter Bliss Easy Chicken Scampi

Quick Chicken Scampi Recipe Garlic Butter Weeknight Winner

By Chef BakerSeptember 6, 2025

Table of Contents

Craving Comfort Food? This Chicken Scampi Recipe is Your Answer

Fancy a bit of Italy tonight? Are you looking for a creamy, garlicky hug in a bowl? Then, this chicken scampi recipe is the perfect quick fix for your cravings! Honestly, this easy chicken scampi recipe is so simple, even I, with my limited cooking skills on a busy weeknight chicken scampi , can nail it every time.

From Italy with Love (and Chicken)

Scampi traditionally uses shrimp. This garlic butter chicken scampi takes inspiration from the Italian classic, but swaps the seafood for juicy chicken.

It is a comforting dish that brings a taste of Italy to your kitchen. This weeknight chicken scampi recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and feeds four hungry souls.

Why You'll Obsess Over This Chicken Scampi with Pasta

Beyond its delicious flavor, this dish is surprisingly healthy. This recipe makes the perfect occasion for serving homemade chicken scampi .

Chicken is a great source of lean protein. This lemon garlic chicken scampi version offers a lighter and more flavorful twist on your traditional pasta dish.

Seriously, what's not to love?

Let's gather those ingredients and get cooking! You will love trying chicken scampi variations !

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Chicken Scampi

Let's get prepped for this easy chicken scampi recipe ! Honestly, the ingredients are pretty straightforward. You probably have half of them already. This garlic butter chicken scampi is gonna be amazing.

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Real

Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs (680g). Go for good quality, but don't stress too much. Fresh is always better, you know?
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon . For sizzling that chicken.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon . The flavor BFF.
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon . Because everything is better with pepper.
Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons (57g). Don't skimp!
Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. The heart and soul of scampi.
Dry White Wine: 1/4 cup (60ml). Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work great.
Chicken Broth: 1/4 cup (60ml). For that extra bit of flavor depth.
Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml). Brightens everything up!
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For a little kick.
Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons , chopped. Adds a touch of freshness and color.
Spaghetti or Linguine: 1 pound (454g). It’s pasta time!

Seasoning Notes: The Flavor Bombs

Garlic, parsley, and lemon is a holy trinity. Red pepper flakes add a nice zing, but leave them out if you're spice averse.

A little extra lemon juice at the end always helps. You can swap parsley for basil too. Honestly, I like to add a pinch of oregano for a lil' something, something.

Essential Equipment: Keep it Simple

Large Skillet or Frying Pan: A must!
Cutting Board & Knife: Obvious, right?
Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accuracy (sort of).
Pasta Pot: If you're doing the pasta thing.

You can totally use a wok instead of a skillet, if you want. I've done it. Works just fine for this weeknight chicken scampi.

Honestly, no fancy gadgets needed for this quick chicken scampi. This homemade chicken scampi is the best, especially with some crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.

Imagine this chicken scampi with pasta , paired with a crisp white wine total perfection. There are so many chicken scampi variations to explore, but let's start with the basics.

This chicken scampi linguine is a classic, you'll love it! The lemon garlic chicken scampi flavor is just so vibrant and amazing.

What chicken scampi wine pairing do you like the most?

Garlic Butter Bliss: Let's Talk Chicken Scampi!

Honestly, who doesn't love a quick and easy dinner? This easy chicken scampi recipe is my go-to for busy weeknight chicken scampi meals.

Forget complicated recipes! This one's ready in a flash and tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

Before we even think about turning on the hob, let's get organised. Chop up 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts into bite sized pieces.

Mince 4 cloves of garlic . Trust me, fresh garlic is key. Measure out your 1/4 cup of white wine , 1/4 cup of chicken broth , and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice .

Got everything? Good!

step-by-step: Chicken Scampi the Easy Way

Season your chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper .
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the chicken until it's browned and cooked through (165° F/ 74° C ). Set it aside.
Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. It should take about 30 seconds . Be careful not to burn it!
Pour in 1/4 cup white wine and 1/4 cup chicken broth . Simmer for 5 minutes , until the sauce reduces a little.
Stir in 2 tablespoons lemon juice and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve. Voila!

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Chicken Scampi Game

Want to take your garlic butter chicken scampi to the next level? Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken.

It’s a classic mistake, I've made it myself loads of times! It prevents the chicken from browning properly. Cook it in batches for best results.

For chicken scampi with pasta , serve over spaghetti or linguine. I love a chicken scampi linguine , personally. And for a real treat, try it with a crisp white wine pairing.

This chicken scampi recipe will save your meal in a short amount of time. You can find many chicken scampi variations online, or adjust the seasoning based on your taste.

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Chicken Scampi

Alright, let's talk shop about this chicken scampi recipe . Honestly, it's pretty straightforward, but a few tweaks can make it sing .

I want your version of homemade chicken scampi to be the best version.

Serving: Get Your Scampi On

Okay, so you've got this amazing garlic butter chicken scampi bubbling away. Time to plate it up! A swirl of chicken scampi linguine on a plate looks fancy.

Garnish with extra parsley. Serve some crusty bread on the side. It is perfect for soaking up that glorious sauce.

Thinking about drinks? A light white wine like Pinot Grigio would be perfect. I often serve it with some steamed asparagus or a simple green salad.

It looks so nice on the table.

Storage: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? No worries. Just pop that easy chicken scampi recipe into an airtight container. It'll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days.

If you're thinking longer term, you can freeze it, but the sauce might separate a bit. Just stir it well when you reheat it.

To reheat, a gentle simmer in a pan works best. You can also use the microwave. Just do it in short bursts to avoid rubbery chicken.

Remix: Chicken Scampi Variations

Want to mix things up a bit? Try swapping the linguine for zucchini noodles. It is great for a low-carb option.

Or, If you're feeling adventurous, add some mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies. For a lemon garlic chicken scampi just squeeze some more fresh lemon juice.

Nutrition Bites: Healthy ish Scampi

Look, it's scampi, it is not a salad. But, it's not terrible. You're getting a good hit of protein from the chicken.

It is also getting some healthy fats from the butter. Just be mindful of the pasta portion. One serving has about 350 calories, 40g of protein, 20g of fat, 5g of carbohydrates and 400mg of sodium.

Right, go forth and scampi! This quick chicken scampi is all about flavour and ease. It's perfect for a weeknight chicken scampi dinner. You’ve totally got this, enjoy it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chicken scampi recipe ahead of time?

While Chicken Scampi is best served fresh, you can prep some components in advance. For example, you can chop the garlic and parsley ahead of time. Cooking the chicken and making the sauce in advance is possible, but the sauce might thicken upon cooling.

Gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or wine to loosen it up, just like they would on Ready Steady Cook!

What's the best way to store leftover chicken scampi?

Store leftover Chicken Scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium low heat or in the microwave. If you've served it with pasta, consider storing the pasta and scampi separately to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy, as if you've left it in the fridge since last Tuesday!

Is there a substitute for the white wine in this chicken scampi recipe?

Absolutely! If you don't have white wine on hand, you can use additional chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice mixed with a teaspoon of white wine vinegar. The wine adds a depth of flavor, so try to replace it with something that has a bit of acidity, just like how you can swap baking soda for baking powder in a pinch.

Can I use shrimp instead of chicken in this scampi recipe?

Yes, you absolutely can! Simply substitute the chicken with an equal amount of peeled and deveined shrimp. Since shrimp cooks much faster than chicken, reduce the cooking time to about 3-4 minutes, until the shrimp is pink and opaque.

It's a quick and easy way to enjoy classic shrimp scampi, and frankly, both are as comforting as a Sunday roast!

How can I make this chicken scampi recipe healthier?

There are several ways to lighten up this dish! Use less butter or substitute it with olive oil. You can also increase the amount of chicken broth and lemon juice to create a lighter sauce. Serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta to reduce the carbs.

Plus, don't feel shy with the parsley - a good helping is always a winner!

My garlic always burns! How do I prevent this when making the scampi sauce?

Burnt garlic is a real buzzkill. To avoid it, melt the butter over medium low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Keep a close eye on it - once it's burnt, there's no going back, much like a dodgy perm from the 80s!