Chicken Scampi Recipe

This Chicken Scampi Recipe is inspired by the vibrant, garlicky pasta dishes of coastal Italy. It is a zesty and buttery recipe, which calls for tender pan-seared chicken and a rich white wine reduction. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 30 minutes.

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Chicken Scampi Recipe Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 1/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Sauce and Pasta:

• 12 oz thin spaghetti or linguine
• 1 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (for the finish)
• 1/8 to 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for heat)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2/3 cup shredded Parmesan or Romano cheese
• Optional: Reserved pasta water (about 1/4 cup)

How To Make Chicken Scampi

1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook the thin spaghetti until it is just al dente (about 1 minute less than the package directions). Important: Reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare and sear the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with the flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Develop the garlic base: In the same skillet (don’t clean it!), add 1 more tablespoon of butter if the pan looks dry. Add the minced garlic and sauté for only 20 to 30 seconds over low heat. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it will turn the entire sauce bitter.
4. Deglaze and reduce: Pour the white wine and red pepper flakes into the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits (the fond) from the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine simmer and bubble for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by about three-quarters. This concentration of flavor is the professional secret to a bold scampi sauce.
5. Finish the sauce: Stir in the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and the lemon juice. Stir gently as the butter melts slowly into the wine to create a glossy, emulsified sauce. Return the seared chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan.
6. Combine and emulsify: Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet. Add the chopped parsley, shredded cheese, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Mix well over low heat for about 1 minute; the starchy water and cheese will help the sauce cling to every strand of pasta.
7. Season and serve: Give the dish a final taste and adjust the salt if needed. Serve on big plates with an extra dusting of cheese and a crack of black pepper if you are feeling fancy.

Recipe Tips

• Why reserve pasta water: The starchy water acts as a “glue” that helps the buttery wine sauce bind to the noodles, ensuring your pasta isn’t dry at the bottom of the plate.
• Choosing the right wine: Always use a dry white wine that you would actually enjoy drinking. Avoid “cooking wines,” which are often over-salted and lack the bright acidity needed to balance the butter.
• The flour dredge secret: Lightly coating the chicken in flour before searing doesn’t just help with browning—it also releases a tiny bit of starch into the sauce later, helping it thicken naturally.
• Garlic management: To get the best flavor, use fresh garlic rather than the pre-minced jarred variety. Freshly minced garlic provides a much sharper, more aromatic punch that is essential for a true scampi.

What To Serve With Chicken Scampi?

This Chicken Scampi Recipe is a zesty, buttery main dish that needs a simple or fresh pairing! A side of Warm Garlic Bread or a Crusty Baguette is the quintessential choice for mopping up the extra garlic butter sauce. For a balanced dinner, a crisp Caesar Salad or a portion of Steamed Asparagus adds a lovely crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft pasta! A chilled glass of the same White Wine used in the sauce or a serving of Roasted Zucchini pairs wonderfully with the bright, citrusy notes of the lemon.

How To Store Chicken Scampi

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat scampi is in a skillet over low heat. Add a tiny splash of chicken broth or water to bring the sauce back to its silky consistency, as the pasta will absorb the moisture while cold.
• Avoid Freezing: We do not recommend freezing this dish. The delicate butter and wine emulsion will likely separate and become oily upon thawing.

Chicken Scampi Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 640 (per serving)
• Total Fat: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Dietary Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

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