Italian Chicken Scampi Recipe from My Cozy Kitchen

Hey there! You know, every time I make Italian Chicken Scampi, I flashback to that summer in Italy. I was in this tiny trattoria in Rome, and, boy, did they know how to work magic with simple ingredients. This recipe’s my homage to that memory (minus the cobblestone streets and Vespa rides, unfortunately!).

Why You’ll Love This

I whip this up when I’m in need of some comfort food that doesn’t take forever. My family literally (okay, not literally) jumps for joy when they smell it cooking. And let me confess, I’ve had a few stumbles — like the time I forgot the garlic. The horror! But once you nail it, it’s love at first bite.

Ingredients

  • 500g chicken breast, sliced thinly (sometimes I use thighs for more flavor)
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced (or more if you’re a garlic fiend like me)
  • 1/2 cup olive oil (or a good glug of it)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (my nonna swore by homemade, but store-bought’s just fine)
  • 1/2 cup white wine (I use the cheap stuff — shh, don’t tell!)
  • Juice of one lemon
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
Italian Chicken Scampi

Directions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken slices. Cook until they’re golden (this is where I usually sneak a taste, just to be sure).
  2. Remove chicken and set aside. In the same pan, toss in the garlic. Stir until fragrant — but don’t let it burn! (I learned this the hard way.)
  3. Pour in the wine and broth, and let it simmer gently. Don’t worry if it looks a bit weird at this stage; it always does.
  4. Return the chicken to the pan, add the lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Let everything mingle for about 5 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle with parsley before serving. It makes all the difference.

Notes

Here’s a little secret: the first time I made this, I forgot to add the lemon. Turns out, it was fine without it! But, personally, I think it’s better with. Also, don’t skimp on the parsley. It’s not just a garnish!

Italian Chicken Scampi

Variations

I’ve tried adding capers once — not my best idea. However, throwing in some cherry tomatoes for sweetness? Game changer. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.

Equipment

A large skillet works best, but if you don’t have one, a pot will do. It might not brown the chicken quite the same, but hey, we make do.

Italian Chicken Scampi

Storage Information

Honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day. But if you must, it keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days. Just reheat gently.

Serving Suggestions

I usually serve it over pasta—my kids like penne, but spaghetti works well too. And a side of garlic bread never hurt anyone (except maybe vampires).

Pro Tips

Don’t rush the garlic stage. I once tried speeding it up, and regretted it because burnt garlic is a no-go. Also, when adding wine, let it reduce a bit — gives a richer flavor.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! They’re juicier, just adjust the cooking time a bit.

Do I need to use white wine? You can skip it, but I like the depth it gives. Maybe try a bit of chicken broth instead if you prefer.

Is fresh parsley necessary? It’s really the cherry on top, but dried works in a pinch. A bit of green is better than none!

★★★★★ 4.80 from 120 ratings

Italian Chicken Scampi

yield: 4 servings
prep: 15 mins
cook: 20 mins
total: 35 mins
A delightful Italian dish featuring tender chicken and a savory garlic butter sauce, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.
Italian Chicken Scampi

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. 1
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken slices and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. 2
    Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. 3
    Pour in chicken broth, white wine, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
  4. 4
    Stir in butter until melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. 5
    Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 caloriescal
Protein: 30 gramsg
Fat: 20 gramsg
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Potassium: 0mg
Total Carbs: 5 gramsg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Net Carbs: 0g
Vitamin A: 0
Vitamin C: 0mg
Calcium: 0mg
Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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