1. Homepage
  2. Recipes
  3. Chicken Scampi Garlic Butter

Chicken Scampi Garlic Butter

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This chicken scampi dish features tender bites of seasoned chicken breast sautéed in a blend of butter and olive oil, then simmered in a white wine garlic sauce with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes. Served over al dente angel hair pasta, it's finished with lemon juice, Parmesan, and Asiago cheese for a bright and creamy flavor. Garnished with fresh tomatoes, this meal offers a restaurant-quality experience at home. Optional substitutions like chicken broth and Greek yogurt provide flexibility while keeping the dish vibrant and satisfying.

Pin to Pinterest Share This Recipe Share It Via Email Print the Recipe Go to Recipe Steps
A woman wearing glasses smiles for the camera.
Published By Ioana
Updated on Wed, 09 Jul 2025 17:15:50 GMT
A bowl of chicken scampi with tomatoes and lemon. Bookmark
A bowl of chicken scampi with tomatoes and lemon. | ioanacooks.com

This chicken scampi delivers bold garlic butter flavor with tender golden chicken and twirly angel hair pasta. A bright splash of lemon and the richness of two cheeses make this dish feel straight from a trattoria table but it all comes together quickly in one pan at home.

I first made this one cozy evening after a long week and my family went silent at the first bite. Since then it has become my go to when I need something fast but still want it to feel special.

  • Chicken breast: diced for quick even cooking and juicy texture
  • Italian and lemon pepper seasoning: bring aromatic depth
  • Flour: lightly coats the chicken to help thicken the sauce
  • Olive oil and salted butter: build a flavorful cooking base
  • Angel hair pasta: cooks fast and twirls beautifully into the sauce
  • Fresh garlic: minced to release deep aromatic flavor
  • Dry white wine: adds acidity and depth or substitute chicken broth
  • Red pepper flakes: for gentle warmth without overpowering heat
  • Fresh tomatoes: add brightness and texture
  • Chopped parsley: lends herbal freshness and color
  • Lemon juice: freshly squeezed enhances acidity and lifts the dish
  • Reserved pasta water: combines with cheese for a creamy emulsion
  • Parmesan and asiago cheeses: grated from a block melt better and taste richer
  • Salt and black pepper: to balance all the flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Season diced chicken generously with salt black pepper Italian seasoning and lemon pepper. Sprinkle with flour and toss to evenly coat. Sauté in a large skillet with olive oil and half the butter over medium high heat for about six to eight minutes turning to ensure all sides are golden and the chicken is cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet reduce heat to medium and melt two tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for one to two minutes until fragrant and softened but not browned.
Deglaze and Build the Sauce:
Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until reduced by half scraping any browned bits from the pan bottom. Stir in remaining butter then return the chicken to the skillet. Add red pepper flakes and chopped parsley and toss everything to coat evenly. Over low heat swirl in one tablespoon cold butter to finish the sauce with a glossy texture.
Boil the Pasta:
Meanwhile cook angel hair pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente about four minutes. Drain the pasta reserving half a cup of cooking water.
Finish and Serve:
Mix reserved pasta water with lemon juice Parmesan and Asiago cheese in a small bowl. Add drained pasta to the skillet and pour cheese mixture over. Toss until the pasta is coated and the sauce clings. Garnish with fresh diced tomatoes and serve warm with lemon wedges or garlic bread.
Chicken scampi with tomatoes and lemon. Bookmark
Chicken scampi with tomatoes and lemon. | ioanacooks.com

My favorite part of this dish is how the lemon cuts through the richness. The first time I served it at a dinner party my cousin asked if I had ordered it from a restaurant and that stuck with me.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Freeze portions without pasta for up to three months and cook fresh pasta when serving again.

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken thighs work just as well and offer deeper flavor. For a wine free version use good quality chicken broth and a dash of lemon zest. If you do not have Asiago double up on Parmesan or use Pecorino Romano for a sharper edge.

Serving Suggestions

This pairs perfectly with crusty garlic bread and a simple green salad. Add roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a complete plate. For something heartier stir in sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

A plate of chicken scampi with tomatoes and lemon. Bookmark
A plate of chicken scampi with tomatoes and lemon. | ioanacooks.com

Cultural Context

Scampi typically refers to a garlic butter seafood dish popular in Italian American cuisine. This version swaps shrimp for chicken but keeps the classic flavors intact. It reflects how home cooks blend traditional and modern elements into comforting meals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and add more flavor. Dice them evenly and adjust cooking time accordingly.

→ What kind of white wine should I cook with?

Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Avoid sweet varieties for best balance.

→ How do I thicken the scampi sauce?

The sauce thickens naturally from flour on the chicken and the finishing butter technique called monter au beurre.

→ Can I make this without wine?

Yes, chicken broth is a good substitute for white wine and still yields a rich, flavorful sauce.

→ What pasta pairs best with chicken scampi?

Angel hair pasta is ideal as it cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce well without overpowering the dish.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Chicken Scampi Garlic Butter

Savory chicken scampi with garlic butter, white wine, lemon and pasta—quick, flavorful, and satisfying.

Time Needed to Prep
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
20 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Medium Difficulty

Type of Cuisine: Italian-American

Number of Portions: 4 How Many It Serves (4 plated servings)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients You'll Need

→ For the Chicken

Ingredient 01 1 pound chicken breast, diced
Ingredient 02 Salt, to taste
Ingredient 03 Black pepper, to taste
Ingredient 04 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Ingredient 05 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
Ingredient 06 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Ingredient 07 2 tablespoons olive oil
Ingredient 08 2 tablespoons salted butter

→ For the Pasta and Sauce

Ingredient 09 8 ounces angel hair pasta
Ingredient 10 6 tablespoons salted butter, divided
Ingredient 11 5 cloves garlic, minced
Ingredient 12 1/2 cup dry white wine
Ingredient 13 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Ingredient 14 1/2 cup fresh tomatoes, diced
Ingredient 15 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
Ingredient 16 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Ingredient 17 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Ingredient 18 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded from a block
Ingredient 19 1/2 cup Asiago cheese, shredded from a block
Ingredient 20 Salt, to taste
Ingredient 21 Black pepper, to taste

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and lemon pepper. Coat evenly with flour.

Step 02

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 03

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 04

Add white wine, reduce by half. Stir in butter, red pepper flakes, cooked chicken, and chopped parsley. Toss to combine. Swirl in 1 tablespoon cold butter over low heat.

Step 05

Cook angel hair pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.

Step 06

In a bowl, combine reserved pasta water, lemon juice, Parmesan, and Asiago cheese. Stir until slightly melted.

Step 07

Add pasta to skillet with chicken. Pour in cheese mixture. Toss to coat thoroughly. Garnish with diced tomatoes and serve immediately.

Extra Tips

  1. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor and texture.
  2. Substitute chicken broth for white wine if desired, though wine enhances flavor depth.
  3. Add cold butter at the end (monter au beurre) to thicken and enrich the sauce.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs or pasta fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Chef’s knife

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (butter, Parmesan, Asiago cheese)
  • Contains gluten (pasta, flour)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 620
  • Total Fat: 32 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 45 grams
  • Protein Amount: 36 grams