Name: Chicken Scampi Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces; 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, about 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper; 8 Tbsp unsalted butter, diced into 1-Tbsp pieces; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 2 Tbsp minced garlic (about 6 cloves); 12 oz thin spaghetti (or standard spaghetti); 1/8–1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, to taste); 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1/3 cup chopped parsley; 2/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese (or Romano, for serving)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 1 review

If you are craving a dish that combines vibrant flavors with comforting textures, this Chicken Scampi Recipe is just the thing to satisfy your taste buds and your soul. Imagine tender pieces of chicken seared to golden perfection, drenched in a luscious garlic butter sauce brightened with fresh lemon juice and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti and sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley and savory parmesan, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular meal that feels fancy yet comes together effortlessly. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Chicken Scampi Recipe promises warmth, zest, and pure satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marble surface holds a single layer of small raw light pink chicken chunks spread out evenly, sprinkled with a fine layer of white flour and scattered with green dried herbs on top. Above the chicken, a silver spoon held by a woman's hand is adding more white flour over the chicken pieces. The scene is bright and clean with soft natural light highlighting the fresh ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Chicken Scampi Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and delightful textures. Each element plays a crucial role, from the tender chicken adding heartiness, to the butter and olive oil enriching the sauce, and the bright lemon juice cutting through the richness with zesty freshness.

1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts: diced into 1-inch pieces for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour: helps create a subtle coating for the chicken that encourages beautiful browning.
2 tsp Italian seasoning: infuses the meat with fragrant herbs for that classic Italian flavor.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: essential for seasoning and enhancing every layer of the dish.
8 Tbsp unsalted butter: diced into tablespoon pieces to melt slowly and build a rich, silky sauce.
1 Tbsp olive oil: adds depth and helps prevent the butter from burning while searing the chicken.
2 Tbsp minced garlic: about 6 cloves, delivering that unmistakable, aromatic foundation of scampi.
12 oz thin spaghetti: or standard spaghetti, to carry the luscious sauce and create the perfect texture balance.
1/8–1/4 tsp red pepper flakes: optional, but highly recommended to add a gentle kick that livens the dish.
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice: brightens the sauce with acidity, cutting through the butter’s richness.
1/3 cup chopped parsley: delivers fresh color and a mild herbaceous flavor boost.
2/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese: or Romano, for that salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.

How to Make Chicken Scampi Recipe

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions until al dente, the perfect firmness to soak up all the delicious sauce later. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water in case your sauce needs loosening.

Step 2: Prepare and season the chicken

Pat your diced chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure they brown nicely. Toss them in a bowl with the all-purpose flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a flavorful coating that helps seal in juices and develop a golden crust during cooking.

Step 3: Sear the chicken

In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter together with olive oil to prevent the butter from burning. Add the chicken in a single layer and allow it to sear undisturbed until it’s beautifully browned on one side, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Transfer the chicken and the buttery bits in the skillet to a warm plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 4: Build the garlic butter sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—around 20 seconds—being careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can turn bitter. Stir in the red pepper flakes, letting the garlic butter simmer gently for about a minute to deepen the flavors.

Step 5: Finish the sauce and combine

Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and let it melt into the sauce, creating a luxurious texture. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat each piece in the garlicky, buttery sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Combine pasta and sauce

Toss the drained spaghetti and chopped parsley into the skillet with the chicken and sauce, mixing everything thoroughly so each strand of pasta is coated with that irresistible garlic butter goodness. Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle generously with shredded parmesan cheese for the perfect savory finish.

How to Serve Chicken Scampi Recipe

A white oval plate filled with thin golden-yellow spaghetti, arranged loosely with small, browned pieces of seasoned chicken spread evenly on top. Bright green chopped parsley is scattered over the pasta and chicken, adding a pop of color. Lemon wedges are placed on top of the dish, along with whole parsley leaves in the center for garnish. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a dark cloth napkin visible on the left corner and a silver fork on the right side just outside the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly grated parmesan cheese is a must for topping this dish, adding a salty, nutty layer that complements the lemony garlic sauce beautifully. Chopped fresh parsley brightens the plate with vibrant color and a mild herbaceous note, making the dish feel fresh and inviting.

Side Dishes

Serve this Chicken Scampi Recipe alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich buttery sauce. Warm, crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on the plate. Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli bring a fresh, slightly crunchy contrast that rounds out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, plate the pasta twirled into nests using tongs or a carving fork and arrange the chicken pieces artfully on top. Garnish with extra parsley and parmesan, and consider a lemon wedge on the side for an added burst of citrus if guests want more zing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken Scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled promptly to maintain freshness and prevent the butter sauce from separating.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but not optimal for maintaining the pasta’s texture. If you choose to freeze, place the chicken and sauce (without pasta) in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and warm evenly. Adding a splash of water, chicken broth, or pasta water can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened or separated in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this Chicken Scampi Recipe?

Absolutely! While thin spaghetti works wonderfully to soak up the sauce evenly, linguine, fettuccine, or even angel hair pasta can be great alternatives depending on your preference.

Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level is mild and comes from optional red pepper flakes. Feel free to adjust the amount or omit them altogether based on your taste.

Can I substitute chicken breasts with another protein?

Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, richer result. Just be mindful that they may require a slightly longer cooking time. Shrimp can also make a delicious variation for those who prefer seafood.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend for coating the chicken and substitute traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta to keep this Chicken Scampi Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without compromising flavor.

What is the best way to keep the garlic from burning?

Cook the garlic on medium-low heat and watch carefully, stirring constantly for just about 20 seconds or until fragrant. Burning garlic ruins the sauce’s flavor with bitterness, so quick, careful sautéing is key.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Scampi Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and downright delightful. It’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough to serve guests, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how beautifully effortless and delicious homemade scampi can be!