Zesty Garlic Chicken Scampi

This Italian-inspired Chicken Scampi transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that's perfect for both weeknights and special occasions. The tender chicken strips bathed in a buttery garlic lemon sauce pair beautifully with creamy Parmesan rice for a complete dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I first created this recipe when I wanted to recreate the famous scampi flavor but didn't have seafood on hand. My family actually preferred this chicken version, and it has become our go-to recipe when we want something quick yet impressive.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: sliced thin for quick cooking and maximum tenderness
• Fresh garlic: the heart and soul of scampi flavor use only fresh for authentic taste
• Lemon juice: brightens the entire dish and balances the richness of the butter
• White wine: adds complexity and acidity any dry white wine works perfectly
• Butter: creates the silky texture that defines a true scampi sauce
• Long grain white rice: the perfect canvas for soaking up the delicious sauce
• Parmesan cheese: adds richness and depth to the rice component
• Fresh parsley: provides color contrast and a fresh herbaceous note

How To Make Chicken Scampi

Season and Prepare:

Season chicken strips generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes so the seasonings can adhere properly to the meat before cooking.

Sear the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully add chicken strips without overcrowding the pan cooking in batches if necessary. Allow chicken to cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown with a slight crust. The caramelization adds tremendous flavor to the final dish.

Build the Aromatic Base:

Remove chicken to a plate and add minced garlic to the same pan. Cook for exactly 1 minute stirring constantly to prevent burning. This step is crucial as it infuses the oil with garlic flavor but requires careful attention as garlic burns quickly.

Create the Scampi Sauce:

Pour in chicken broth lemon juice and white wine all at once. Use a wooden spoon to scrape all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the liquid to simmer vigorously for 3 to 4 minutes until reduced by about one third. This concentrates the flavors and creates the base for your sauce.

Enrich the Sauce:

Reduce heat to low and add butter in pieces stirring constantly until completely melted and emulsified into the sauce. This creates the signature velvety texture of scampi sauce.

Prepare the Rice Base:

While the chicken cooks combine rice chicken broth and minced garlic in a saucepan. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook undisturbed for 15 to 20 minutes until all liquid is absorbed.

Finish the Rice:

Remove rice from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Combine and Serve:

Return chicken to the scampi sauce gently tossing to coat each piece. Plate the Parmesan rice first then top with chicken and spoon extra sauce over everything. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley.

The garlic is truly the heart of this recipe. I discovered that letting the minced garlic sit for about 10 minutes after cutting releases allicin a compound that amplifies its flavor. This simple step transformed my scampi from good to exceptional and has become my secret technique for all garlic-forward dishes.

Perfect Wine Pairings

The bright lemony notes and garlic flavors in this Chicken Scampi pair wonderfully with crisp white wines. A Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc makes an ideal companion with their citrusy profiles complementing the dish without overwhelming it. For something special try a Vermentino from Italy which has the perfect balance of acidity and mineral notes to stand up to the rich buttery sauce while enhancing the garlic and lemon elements.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Chicken Scampi is perfect for planning ahead. The chicken and sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick. The rice also stores well separately for up to 3 days. For the freshest taste add the parsley just before serving rather than during storage. While you can freeze this dish I find the texture of the sauce changes slightly upon thawing but a vigorous whisking while reheating restores most of its creamy consistency.

Simple Ingredient Substitutions

No white wine on hand? Apple cider vinegar diluted with an equal amount of water creates a surprisingly good substitute for the acidity and flavor depth. For a dairy-free version replace butter with additional olive oil and skip the Parmesan in the rice replacing it with nutritional yeast for a similar umami quality. Chicken thighs work beautifully in place of breast meat offering even more flavor and moisture though they may need an extra minute of cooking time. Brown rice can substitute for white rice just adjust the cooking time according to package directions typically 35 to 40 minutes.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make Chicken Scampi without white wine?

Yes, you can substitute the white wine with additional chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice with a teaspoon of vinegar to mimic the acidity. The dish will still be delicious, though it will miss some of the depth that wine provides.

→ What sides pair well with Chicken Scampi?

While this dish already includes garlic Parmesan rice, it also pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, a simple green salad, or some crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this dish and often provide more flavor and moisture. Just slice them similarly to the breast meat and adjust cooking time as needed (thighs may take slightly longer).

→ How do I store and reheat leftover Chicken Scampi?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to revive the sauce. Microwaving is also an option but may result in slightly tougher chicken.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

For best results, prepare the components separately. Cook the rice ahead of time and reheat with a little extra broth. The chicken and sauce are best made just before serving, but you can slice the chicken and prepare the garlic in advance to save time.

→ Is Chicken Scampi gluten-free?

This Chicken Scampi recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, but always check your chicken broth and other packaged ingredients to ensure they don't contain hidden gluten ingredients or cross-contamination.