Name: Chicken Scampi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup flour; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup additional chicken stock; 1 lemon, juiced and zested; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Angel hair pasta, for serving (optional)

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Quick, garlicky, and full of zesty flavor, Chicken Scampi is a delicious and easy weeknight dinner that comes together in just 25 minutes. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a seasoned flour, sautéed to golden perfection, then simmered in a lemony garlic-parmesan sauce. Serve it over pasta for a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers big flavor with simple ingredients and a fast cook time. The lightly breaded chicken gives a crisp, golden crust that soaks up the rich garlic-lemon sauce, while Parmesan adds a savory finish. It’s versatile, kid-friendly, and can be served with or without pasta. Best of all, everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Chicken Scampi

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breasts
flour
onion powder
garlic powder
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
olive oil
butter
garlic
low-sodium chicken broth
lemon (juice and zest)
Parmesan cheese
angel hair pasta (optional, for serving)

Directions

Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch wide strips or bite-sized pieces.
In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture until evenly coated; set aside.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chicken in batches, if needed, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 1 minute.
Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add the remaining 1/2 cup of chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce.
Serve warm over angel hair pasta, if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic for a subtle heat.
Low-carb version: Serve over spiralized zucchini or steamed vegetables instead of pasta.
Creamy option: Stir in a splash of heavy cream with the Parmesan for a richer sauce.
Herb twist: Finish with chopped parsley or basil for added freshness.
Seafood-style: Swap chicken for shrimp to make a quick shrimp scampi alternative.

Storage/Reheating

To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Freezing not recommended: The flour coating may become soggy upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless thighs work just as well and offer a slightly richer flavor.

Do I have to use angel hair pasta?

No. Serve it over any pasta you like, or skip the pasta and use rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.

What can I use instead of Parmesan?

Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are great substitutes with a similar flavor.

How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?

Cook in batches and remove from the pan as soon as it’s golden and cooked through to prevent dryness.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.

What kind of skillet should I use?

A heavy-bottomed skillet, like stainless steel or cast iron, works best for even browning and deglazing.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free butter and omit the cheese, or use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

You can pre-cut and season the chicken a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Is the sauce supposed to be thick?

The sauce is light and slightly reduced. It shouldn’t be thick like a gravy, but it can be thickened slightly with more Parmesan or a slurry of cornstarch and water if desired.

How can I make it more lemony?

Add extra lemon juice or finish with lemon slices for a bold citrus punch.

Conclusion

Chicken Scampi is the kind of effortless recipe that makes weeknight dinners feel special. With bold garlic and citrus flavors, tender chicken, and a quick pan sauce, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and sure to be a repeat favorite. Whether served over pasta or a lighter base, it’s a satisfying dish that’s as simple as it is delicious.