Chicken Scampi (Garlic Butter Chicken Scampi with Lemon – Easy Skillet Dinner)

This chicken scampi recipe is a quick and cozy garlic butter chicken scampi made with tender chicken, fresh lemon, and a light white wine sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this lemon chicken scampi pairs beautifully with sides like Garlic Parmesan Bubble Bread and a crisp Classic Caesar Salad while fitting right in with comforting skillet meals like Marry Me Chicken or bright, fresh favorites like Creamy Lemon Orzo with Chicken. For more simple dinner ideas, explore the Skillet & One-Pan Dinner Recipes.

Why You’ll Love This

• Tender, juicy chicken in a buttery garlic scampi sauce

• Bright lemon flavor keeps it light yet comforting

• Quick chicken scampi recipe made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients

• Perfect for weeknights but elegant enough for a cozy date night

Recipe Card

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 4

Nutritional Information

(Estimated per serving)

• Calories: 420 kcal

• Protein: 38 g

• Carbohydrates: 8 g

• Fat: 26 g

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 2 g

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 tablespoons butter, divided

• 4–5 cloves garlic, minced

• 120 ml (½ cup) dry white wine or chicken broth

• 180 ml (¾ cup) chicken broth

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Zest of ½ lemon

• 25 g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread, for serving

Instructions

1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.

2. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

3. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the garlic. Cook briefly until fragrant.

5. Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

6. Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for 4–5 minutes until slightly reduced.

7. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for another 2–3 minutes until coated in the sauce.

8. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and finish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

What to Serve With

• Serve over pasta for a classic chicken scampi pasta dinner

• Pair with crusty bread like Homemade Italian Bread to soak up the sauce

• Add a fresh side like Southern Garden Salad for balance

• Try it with Creamy Mashed Potatoes or a light Mediterranean rice pilaf for an easy, complete meal

Tips & Variations

• Thinly sliced chicken cooks quickly and stays tender

• Use chicken broth instead of wine for an alcohol-free version

• Add a splash of cream for a richer, creamier sauce

• Toss with pasta directly in the skillet for a full chicken scampi pasta recipe

• Adjust red pepper flakes for more or less heat

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce

• Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the chicken tender

FAQ

What is chicken scampi made of?

Chicken scampi is made with pan-seared chicken, garlic, butter, lemon juice, broth or white wine, and often finished with Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Is chicken scampi the same as shrimp scampi?

They use a similar garlic butter lemon sauce, but chicken scampi replaces shrimp with tender pieces of chicken.

Can I make chicken scampi without wine?

Yes, you can substitute chicken broth for the wine and still get a flavorful sauce.

Is chicken scampi spicy?

Not unless you add red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust or omit them.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Scampi recipe is a cozy, flavorful dinner that feels a little special without requiring much effort. With its garlicky lemon sauce and tender chicken, it’s a reliable choice for busy weeknights or relaxed dinners at home.

If you’re building a rotation of easy, comforting meals, this dish fits perfectly, and for even more creamy dishes, check out our Best Chicken Recipes.