Have you ever taken a bite of chicken scampi at a restaurant and thought “wow, I need to know how to make this sauce at home”? You’re not alone! As a food enthusiast who’s spent years trying to perfect Italian-American recipes, I’ve become somewhat obsessed with cracking the code of this buttery, garlicky goodness.
Today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about what chicken scampi sauce is made of, so you can recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen Trust me, once you understand the basics, you’ll be whipping up this versatile sauce for everything from pasta to pizza!
What Exactly Is Chicken Scampi Sauce?
Before diving into ingredients, let’s clarify what we’re talking about. Chicken scampi sauce is a rich, aromatic condiment that’s become a staple in Italian-American cuisine. It’s typically pale yellow in color with a smooth, creamy texture that clings beautifully to pasta and chicken.
The sauce originally comes from Italian cooking traditions, where “scampi” referred to a type of prawn that was cooked in a buttery garlic sauce. When this culinary tradition made its way to America, creative chefs adapted it to include chicken, and the beloved chicken scampi was born!
The Essential Ingredients of Chicken Scampi Sauce
After researching numerous recipes and experimenting in my kitchen I’ve identified the core ingredients that give chicken scampi sauce its distinctive flavor profile
1. Butter: The Rich Foundation
Unsalted butter is the absolute foundation of any good scampi sauce. It provides that rich, velvety texture and serves as the base for all other flavors. Most recipes call for 3-4 tablespoons of butter for a four-serving sauce.
Pro tip: Use high-quality, unsalted butter so you can control the salt level in your sauce.
2. Garlic: The Aromatic Heart
Let’s be honest – it wouldn’t be scampi without garlic! The aromatic punch of freshly minced garlic is what gives this sauce its signature fragrance and flavor. Most recipes use 2-3 cloves of minced garlic, but garlic lovers can certainly add more!
3. White Wine: The Flavor Enhancer
A dry white wine adds depth, acidity, and complexity to chicken scampi sauce. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are popular choices, but any dry white wine will work well. Typically, you’ll use about 1/4 cup of wine for a standard recipe.
Don’t drink alcohol? No problem! You can substitute with additional chicken broth and a touch more lemon juice.
4. Fresh Herbs: The Bright Notes
Fresh herbs, particularly parsley, add brightness and color to scampi sauce. Some recipes also include basil, thyme, or oregano for additional flavor dimensions. About 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs is standard.
5. Lemon Juice: The Zesty Kick
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice balances the richness of the butter and adds a bright, citrusy note that makes the flavors pop. Most recipes call for 1-2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
6. Chicken Broth: The Savory Base
Many chicken scampi sauce recipes include chicken broth to add moisture and enhance the savory flavor profile. This ingredient helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency while adding depth of flavor. About 1/4 cup is typical.
7. Optional Additions for Creaminess
While traditional scampi sauce doesn’t always include cream, many modern recipes (especially in American restaurants) add heavy cream or half-and-half to create a richer, creamier texture. If you prefer a creamy version, add about 1/3 cup of heavy cream.
Popular Variations of Chicken Scampi Sauce
One thing I love about cooking is making recipes your own, and chicken scampi sauce is incredibly adaptable. Here are some popular variations you might want to try:
Spicy Scampi Sauce
- Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat
- Incorporate cayenne pepper for a more intense kick
- Spice lovers often add about 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
Creamy Garlic Scampi Sauce
- Add 1/3 cup heavy cream for richness
- Include 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese
- Mix in a splash of half-and-half for a lighter option
Lemon-Herb Scampi Sauce
- Double the lemon juice for extra citrus flavor
- Add lemon zest for more intense lemon notes
- Increase herbs to 2-3 tablespoons for a fresher taste
Bell Pepper Scampi Sauce
- Add sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, green) for color and sweetness
- Sauté them with the onions until slightly softened
- This version is particularly popular in restaurant-style chicken scampi
How to Make Chicken Scampi Sauce From Scratch
Now that we know what goes into chicken scampi sauce, let’s talk about how to make it. Here’s a simple recipe that’ll give you that restaurant-quality taste:
Basic Chicken Scampi Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/3 cup heavy cream
- Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
- Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- If using cream, stir it in now and let it warm through.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, parsley, and Parmesan (if using).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
That’s it! This versatile sauce is ready to be tossed with pasta, drizzled over chicken, or used however you prefer.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Scampi Sauce Every Time
After making this sauce countless times (and having a few failures along the way), I’ve gathered some practical tips:
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Don’t burn the garlic – It’ll make your sauce bitter. Cook it just until fragrant, usually 1-2 minutes.
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Use room temperature butter – It melts more evenly and helps create a smoother sauce.
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Quality ingredients matter – Since there are so few ingredients, use the best you can afford, especially for the butter, wine, and garlic.
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Taste as you go – Adjust seasonings to your preference; some people like more lemon, others prefer more garlic.
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Don’t overcook the sauce – Extended cooking can cause the sauce to separate or the herbs to lose their brightness.
Delicious Ways to Use Chicken Scampi Sauce
The versatility of chicken scampi sauce is what makes it so wonderful. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
- Toss with pasta and sautéed chicken tenders for classic chicken scampi
- Use as a sauce for baked or grilled chicken breasts
- Drizzle over seafood like shrimp or scallops
- Use as a base for a white pizza instead of traditional tomato sauce
- Toss with steamed vegetables for a flavorful side dish
- Use as a dipping sauce for crusty bread
- Spoon over baked potatoes for an elevated side
Perfect Wine Pairings for Chicken Scampi
If you’re serving chicken scampi for a special occasion, consider these wine pairings that complement the sauce beautifully:
- Pinot Grigio – Its crisp, refreshing character balances the rich buttery sauce
- Sauvignon Blanc – The herbal notes complement the herbs in the sauce
- Chardonnay – A buttery Chardonnay echoes the richness of the sauce
- Pinot Noir – If you prefer red wine, a light-bodied Pinot Noir works well
Store-Bought vs. Homemade Chicken Scampi Sauce
While making scampi sauce from scratch gives you the freshest flavor and control over ingredients, sometimes we’re all in a rush. If you’re considering store-bought options:
- Look for refrigerated sauces rather than shelf-stable ones for better flavor
- Check the ingredient list for real butter and garlic (not flavoring)
- Be aware that store-bought versions often contain more preservatives and salt
- You can always “doctor up” store-bought sauce with fresh herbs and lemon juice
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Scampi Sauce
Can I make chicken scampi sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin it back out.
Can I freeze chicken scampi sauce?
Unfortunately, cream-based sauces don’t freeze well as they tend to separate when thawed. If you want to freeze it, I recommend making the sauce without cream, freezing it, then adding cream when you reheat it.
Is chicken scampi sauce gluten-free?
Yes, traditional chicken scampi sauce is naturally gluten-free. Just be careful if you’re using store-bought chicken broth, as some brands may contain gluten additives.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you don’t want to use wine, substitute with additional chicken broth plus 1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar or additional lemon juice to mimic the acidity.
Why did my sauce separate?
Separation usually happens when the sauce is overheated or simmered too long. Keep the heat low and be gentle when reheating leftover sauce.
The Bottom Line on Chicken Scampi Sauce
Understanding what chicken scampi sauce is made of opens up a world of delicious possibilities in your kitchen. With just a handful of quality ingredients – butter, garlic, white wine, lemon juice, herbs, and perhaps a touch of cream – you can create a sauce that rivals any restaurant version.
The beauty of this sauce lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with your own variations, chicken scampi sauce is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.
So next time you’re craving that garlicky, buttery goodness, skip the restaurant and whip up your own chicken scampi sauce at home. Your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you!
Have you tried making chicken scampi sauce at home? What’s your favorite variation? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Chicken Scampi is a dish that’s often associated with Italian-American cuisine.
It typically features sautéed chicken breast pieces in a creamy garlic buttery sauce, often with the addition of white wine, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
The dish is usually served over pasta, such as linguine or spaghetti, just like its sister shrimp scampi recipe. The restaurant classic uses delicate angel hair pasta.
Chicken scampi pasta is one of my favorites when I want something outside of the cream, tomato, or pesto categories. And the restaurant classic was always delicious.
Copycat recipes are a great way to enjoy your restaurant favorites at home for a fraction of the price! And this Olive Garden copycat recipe is one of the most popular on this site and a popular dish at the restaurant!
I wanted to make a Olive Garden’s chicken scampi copycat for my own! And I am pretty proud of how this one turned out.
You can find full quantities and recipe instructions in the full recipe card below.
What is chicken scampi sauce made of? Here is what you need to make this sauce:
- Butter
- Yellow Onion
- White Wine – dry white wine is best such as chardonnay, pinot grigio, or sauvignon blanc
- Chicken Stock – or chicken broth
- Lemon Juice
- Parsley
- Red Pepper Flakes
To make the rest of the dish, you will also need:
- Chicken – Olive Garden uses chicken tenderloins, but use any cut that you like
- Colorful Bell Peppers – the restaurant uses a mix of yellow, green, and red bell peppers but you can use any combination. I like to use at least green bell pepper and a red or yellow bell pepper for the balance of flavors and sweetness.
- Red Onion
- Angel Hair Pasta (or shape of choice) – the more edges the pasta has, the more sauce you need to coat it
- All Purpose Flour – this is for the Olive Garden chicken as the restaurant uses very lightly floured chicken in the pasta
- Vegetable Oil – you can use olive oil instead, however it should not be heated above medium heat as it starts to burn and can create carcinogens
- Parmesan Cheese – for serving, if desired
This chicken pasta is made with chicken tenders, colored bell peppers, and red onion. It is tossed with angel hair pasta at the restaurant, but you could easily use any pasta you want (longer shapes are best here!).
The sauce is a tangy, buttery, garlic sauce that was tricky to replicate.
What is Olive Garden chicken scampi made of?This pasta dish is made of angel hair pasta, lightly floured chicken tenders, bell peppers, red onion, and a butter wine sauce.
