Introduction

Chicken Scampi is a delightful twist on the classic seafood dish, featuring tender chicken breast cooked in a vibrant lemony garlic sauce with sautéed bell peppers and onions. Paired with linguine and Parmesan, it’s a satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.

A light blue pot filled with four pieces of cooked chicken breasts placed in the center, topped with sliced yellow, red, and orange bell peppers along with thin strips of red onion. The chicken and vegetables are covered in a light sauce, garnished with small, chopped green herbs scattered over the dish. To the left of the pot, a white bowl holds cooked yellow spaghetti. Surrounding the pot are a red and an orange bell pepper, a bulb of garlic, a sliced lemon next to green herbs, and a blue cloth napkin lying on a white marbled texture surface. In the top right, a white plate with colorful floral designs holds a small piece of garlic. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 orange bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
½ red onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup white wine
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces linguine, cooked according to package instructions

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken breast cutlets with salt and pepper on both sides and set aside.
Step 2: In a large non-stick skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
Step 3: Add the sliced red, orange, and yellow bell peppers, red onion, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the seasoned chicken cutlets.
Step 5: Cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 6: Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, white wine, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Step 7: Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for another 5–8 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 8: Stir the sautéed vegetables and Parmesan cheese into the skillet, mixing well to coat everything in the sauce.
Step 9: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Step 10: Serve the chicken scampi over cooked linguine, spooning extra sauce over the pasta. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, use a splash of heavy cream in the sauce before adding the Parmesan cheese.
Substitute chicken breast with shrimp for a classic seafood scampi variation.
Add spinach or cherry tomatoes along with the bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.

Storage

Store leftover chicken scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a little broth or water to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened. Avoid microwaving to maintain the texture of the chicken and pasta.

How to Serve

The dish shows a white plate holding a cooked piece of chicken breast as the main bottom layer, topped with a mix of cooked yellow and red bell pepper strips, and pieces of purple onion. On top and around the chicken and vegetables are long, light yellow spaghetti noodles, some resting on the plate edge. The vegetables have a slightly shiny, seasoned look with small green herb bits visible. The background is a soft blur of bright red and other warm colors, set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. They may require slightly longer cooking time and will add a richer flavor.

Is it okay to omit the wine in this recipe?

Absolutely. You can replace the white wine with additional chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice to keep the bright flavor without alcohol.