Golden Garlic Chicken Skillet

Embark on a culinary journey to create the ultimate **Chicken Scampi** – a dish that masterfully blends vibrant flavors, delightful textures, and effortless preparation. This beloved recipe showcases succulent, Parmesan-breaded chicken cutlets, perfectly crisp-tender vegetables, and al dente pasta, all harmoniously united in a light yet luxurious lemon cream sauce. It’s a complete meal designed for convenience, packed with a punch of fresh lemon, savory garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese, making it an instant family favorite.

From My Kitchen to Yours

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Olive Garden Inspiration, Home Kitchen Perfection

While Olive Garden might not be my regular dining spot, I have to admit, their menu has inspired some truly fantastic ideas, especially when it comes to copycat recipes. My readers consistently rave about the homemade versions of their classics, and I totally get why!

Recipes like my hearty Zuppa Toscana, comforting Minestrone, creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, and robust Pasta e Fagioli have become cherished staples in my home, particularly as the seasons shift and the air gets crisp. I truly can’t imagine autumn or winter without the comforting aroma of one of these simmering on the stove! And let’s not forget their iconic house salad – it frequently graces our dinner table as the perfect refreshing accompaniment.

So, when a request came in for a copycat version of their Chicken Scampi, I eagerly embraced the challenge. It had been quite some time since I last tasted the original, but this homemade rendition? It absolutely captivated me from the very first bite. Honestly, it surpassed every memory I had of the restaurant version, tasting even fresher and more vibrant.

My entire family, picky eaters and all, devoured it – with the minor concession that a few preferred to navigate around the onions and peppers (a common household negotiation, right?). For me, that’s an undeniable win! I’m confident this recipe will become a new favorite in your home too.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Chicken Scampi

Crafting this flavorful Chicken Scampi relies on a thoughtful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the rich, layered taste profile of the dish. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some tips for making the best choices:

These ingredients, carefully chosen and prepared, are the foundation for a Chicken Scampi that’s bursting with fresh, savory, and tangy notes. Taking a little extra care with each component will elevate your homemade meal to restaurant quality.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Chicken Scampi

While Chicken Scampi is a wonderfully complete meal on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your dining experience, adding complementary textures and flavors. Here are some fantastic options:

• Crusty Artisan Bread: Absolutely essential for soaking up every last drop of that incredible lemon cream sauce. Its rustic texture provides a lovely contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Roasted Broccoli: Offering a delightful crisp-tender texture and subtle caramelization, roasted broccoli is a healthy and flavorful counterpoint to the rich pasta.
• Simple Italian Salad: A light, fresh, and tangy salad can cut through the richness of the scampi, providing a refreshing balance. Think crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and a bright vinaigrette.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: For a touch of sweetness and juiciness, a vibrant fruit salad can be a surprising yet perfect palate cleanser, rounding out the meal beautifully.
• Classic Caesar Salad: Creamy dressing, crisp romaine, and crunchy croutons make Caesar salad a timeless and always popular side that pairs wonderfully with chicken and pasta dishes.

Crafting Your Homemade Chicken Scampi: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this incredible Chicken Scampi at home is simpler than you might think, especially with a good game plan. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a perfectly balanced and flavorful dish:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Begin by heating a large skillet over high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, add your thinly sliced red onion and bell peppers. Season them lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté briskly for about 6-8 minutes, or until the vegetables are brightly colored and just crisp-tender, retaining a slight bite. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more until fragrant. Immediately transfer all the sautéed vegetables to a plate and set them aside to prevent overcooking.
2. Prepare the Crispy Chicken: Using the very same skillet, prepare your chicken cutlets according to my linked crispy Parmesan chicken recipe. This typically involves dredging the chicken in a Parmesan breading and pan-frying until golden brown and cooked through. Ensure you cook the chicken in batches if necessary, to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Once cooked, transfer the crispy chicken cutlets to a wire rack. This is a crucial step for maintaining their delicious crispiness while you prepare the sauce.
3. Whip Up the Lemon Cream Sauce: Return to your skillet (no need to clean it – those flavorful bits are gold!). Melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, heavy cream, and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and the optional chopped fresh parsley. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to ensure the Parmesan melts smoothly and integrates fully into the sauce. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly to a luscious consistency.
4. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot (approximately 12 cups) of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your angel hair pasta and cook until it is just al dente, following the package directions (usually about 4-5 minutes for angel hair). Before draining, remember to reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water. This will be your secret weapon for adjusting the sauce consistency later. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly.
5. Combine and Serve: Add the drained pasta and the reserved sautéed vegetables back into the skillet with the lemon cream sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure the pasta and veggies are beautifully coated in the rich sauce. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed – a little more fresh lemon juice can brighten it, or an extra pinch of salt can enhance the flavors. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, starting with 1/4 cup, until it reaches your desired consistency. Finally, slice or dice your crispy Parmesan chicken and arrange it artfully on top of the pasta and vegetables. Garnish with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh lemon wedges for a final flourish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

This systematic approach ensures that each component of your Chicken Scampi is prepared to perfection, culminating in a dish that’s truly restaurant-worthy right in your own kitchen.

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Chicken Scampi

By

Chelsea Lords

This Chicken Scampi recipe begins with perfectly crispy, Parmesan-breaded chicken and culminates in the most dreamy lemon cream pasta, loaded with tender, vibrant vegetables. It’s an easy one-skillet meal packed with flavor that your family will adore!

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

10 minutes

Total Time:

30 minutes

Servings:

3
servings

Video Tutorial

Equipment Needed

• Large nonstick skillet or cast iron pan

Ingredients

Pasta & Vegetables

• 1
  tablespoon
  olive oil
• 1/2
  medium
  red onion
  cut into thin strips
• 1-1/2
  bell peppers
  cut into thin strips (e.g., 1/2 each of red, green & orange for color)
• 1
  tablespoon
  minced garlic
• 8
  ounces
  angel-hair pasta
  plus reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water

Crispy Chicken

• 1
  batch
  
  chicken cutlets
  
  (prepare according to the linked recipe for crispy Parmesan chicken)

Scampi Sauce

• 2
  tablespoons
  unsalted butter
• 3/4
  cup
  
  low-sodium chicken broth
  
• 3/4
  cup
  heavy cream
• 3/4
  cup
  
  freshly grated Parmesan
  
  plus extra for serving, see note 1
• 1
  large
  lemon
  divided (for juice and wedges)
• Pinch
  red pepper flakes
  optional, for a hint of heat
• 1
  tablespoon
  chopped fresh parsley
  optional, for freshness and garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the onion and bell peppers. Season with a small pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, until bright and crisp-tender. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Transfer all vegetables to a plate and set aside.
2. Prepare the chicken cutlets according to the linked recipe. Cook them in the same skillet, in batches if necessary, ensuring chicken does not overlap. Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack to keep it crispy.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the broth, cream, Parmesan, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and parsley (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until thickened and smooth. Stir well to help the Parmesan fully melt into the sauce.
4. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water (12 cups) to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt, then the pasta. Cook until just al dente according to package directions, about 4–5 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
5. Add drained pasta and sautéed veggies to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Taste and adjust with more lemon juice or salt. If needed, thin the sauce with reserved pasta water, starting with 1/4 cup. Slice or dice the chicken and arrange it on top. Finish with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Quality Parmesan is Key – Avoid using powdery, pre-grated Parmesan cheese. It often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting properly, resulting in a gritty texture and an overly salty flavor. For the best texture and melt, always use a fresh block of Parmesan (like BelGioioso Parmesan) and grate it yourself using the small holes of a box grater. Gently pack the grated cheese when measuring.

Storage Tips: Chicken Scampi is truly best enjoyed fresh, directly from the stovetop. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, a splash of broth or pasta water will help revitalize the sauce. For optimal crispness, store the chicken separately if possible and reheat it briefly in a dry pan or air fryer.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Serving:
1
serving

|

Calories:
789
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
22
g

|

Protein:
45
g

|

Fat:
57
g

|

Saturated Fat:
28
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
5
g

|

Monounsaturated Fat:
19
g

|

Trans Fat:
1
g

|

Cholesterol:
210
mg

|

Sodium:
657
mg

|

Potassium:
544
mg

|

Fiber:
2
g

|

Sugar:
6
g

|

Vitamin A:
2415
IU

|

Vitamin C:
78
mg

|

Calcium:
363
mg

|

Iron:
2
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. It may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Love this recipe? Share your thoughts below!

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Scampi Ever

Achieving restaurant-quality Chicken Scampi at home is all about mastering a few simple techniques. Incorporate these tips to ensure your dish is flavorful, perfectly textured, and truly memorable:

• Season Your Pasta Water Generously: Don’t underestimate the power of well-salted pasta water. It’s your first opportunity to infuse flavor directly into the pasta, making a significant difference in the overall taste of the dish. The water should taste like the sea!
• Never Skip the Reserved Pasta Water: This starchy liquid is pure gold! A splash or two of reserved pasta water is the secret to emulsifying your sauce, helping it to cling beautifully to the pasta, and achieving that perfectly smooth, silky consistency. It’s also ideal for loosening the sauce if it becomes too thick upon standing or reheating.
• Utilize a Large Skillet: A spacious skillet is crucial for several reasons. It allows vegetables to spread out and sauté properly without steaming, provides ample room for cooking chicken in batches, and makes tossing the pasta and sauce much easier, ensuring every strand is coated evenly.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Chicken: When pan-frying your Parmesan-breaded chicken, resist the urge to cram too many pieces into the skillet at once. Overcrowding drops the pan’s temperature, leading to steamed chicken rather than crispy, golden cutlets. Cook in batches, giving each piece enough space to develop that irresistible crust.
• Allow the Sauce to Simmer Gently: Patience is key with the lemon cream sauce. Letting it come to a gentle simmer for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld and deepen, and gives the cream and Parmesan time to thicken into a rich, luscious sauce. Don’t rush this step!
• Always Taste and Adjust Seasoning: This is perhaps the most important tip for any cook. Before serving, taste your Chicken Scampi and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little more salt can make flavors pop, fresh black pepper adds warmth, and an extra squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the entire dish. Your palate is the ultimate guide!

Your Chicken Scampi Questions, Answered!