Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Chicken Scampi (Garlicky • Lemony • Cozy Skillet Dinner)

Sarah Smith
4 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Chicken breasts in a pan with a lemon garlic herb sauce, garnished with parsley and lemon slices. Background shows a stainless steel pan.

This Chicken Scampi is tender, juicy, and coated in a buttery garlic and lemon sauce that feels both bright and comforting. Pan-seared chicken simmers with garlic, white wine, and fresh lemon to create a cozy skillet dinner that’s rich without being heavy and full of classic scampi flavor.

If you enjoy lemony, comforting dinners like Creamy Lemon Orzo with Chicken or cozy skillet meals such as Marry Me Chicken, this recipe fits beautifully into your weeknight rotation. It also pairs well with simple sides like Garlic Parmesan Bubble Bread or a fresh salad such as Classic Caesar Salad when you want an easy, well-rounded meal without extra effort.

Why You’ll Love This

Tender, juicy chicken in a buttery garlic scampi sauce
Bright lemon flavor keeps it light yet comforting
Quick skillet dinner 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, without optional add-ins)

Calories: 420 kcal

Carbohydrates: 8 g

Protein: 38 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

½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth

¾ cup chicken broth

Juice of 1 lemon

Zest of ½ lemon

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread, for serving

Instructions

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Notes

Thinly sliced chicken cooks quickly and stays tender, making it ideal for this recipe.

White wine adds classic scampi flavor, but chicken broth works well if you prefer to keep it alcohol-free.

For a richer sauce, a small splash of cream can be added at the end.

This dish is best served immediately while the sauce is silky and glossy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay very juicy, though they may need a few extra minutes to cook.

Is Chicken Scampi spicy? Not unless you add red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the heat to taste or omit them entirely.

What should I serve with Chicken Scampi? Pasta, rice, or crusty bread are classic choices. It also pairs nicely with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.

Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Scampi 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 recipe you’ll want to keep in regular rotation for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners.