The BEST Chicken Scampi Recipe (2024)

Jump to Recipe

LC

With a handful of ingredients, this Chicken Scampi with Zoodles is a tasty, healthy twist to your favorite Italian pasta dish. The light and creamy sauce make this chicken recipe feel like a true indulgence!

The BEST Chicken Scampi Recipe (1)

One of the top things that people say they miss when aiming for low-carb meals is, of course, pasta. Italian food, in general, is typically off-limits…but not anymore! With this low-carb Chicken Scampi with Zoodles, your favorite Italian dinner has never been healthier!

Table of Contents

This recipe actually stays pretty close to a traditional chicken scampi, with just the swap of using gluten-free flour and zoodles instead of pasta. The perfect keto-friendly chicken recipe for any time of the week.

What is Chicken Scampi?

Chicken scampi is an Italian dish, usually served over pasta, featuring sauteed chicken in a light sauce. Chicken scampi sauce is often made with wine but can also be made with chicken broth. While still creamy, it tends to be a lighter option than alfredo sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Scampi Recipe

  • Low carb pasta. By switching the pasta noodles for zoodles, this easy chicken scampi becomes a delicious low-carb dinner!
  • Light, creamy sauce. With a chicken broth base, garlic, and lemon, this chicken scampi sauce is both light and flavorful.
  • Complete meal in one! When you make this chicken scampi with zoodles, you don’t have to worry about a side salad or anything else!
The BEST Chicken Scampi Recipe (2)

Ingredients You Will Need

Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make this healthy low carb chicken scampi recipe. Full measurements are listed further down below.

  • Chicken breast – cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Gluten-free flour
  • Italian seasoning
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper
  • Olive oil – divided
  • Shallot
  • Garlic – minced
  • Chicken broth
  • Juice & zest of lemon
  • Parmesan cheese – finely grated
  • Red chili flakes – to taste
  • Fresh parsley – chopped
  • Zucchini – spiralized
The BEST Chicken Scampi Recipe (3)

How to Make Chicken Scampi from scratch

  • Wash the zucchini and trim off the ends. Using a spiralizer, create zucchini noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer just run a vegetable peeler down the length of the zucchini to create thin ribbons.
  • Prepare ingredients: Cut the chicken breast into bite-size pieces. Chop the shallot and mince the garlic; set aside.
  • Make the flour mixture: Combine flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Transfer the flour mixture to a large resealable plastic bag.
The BEST Chicken Scampi Recipe (4)
  • Coat the chicken pieces: Add chicken pieces to the flour, close the bag and shake well to evenly coat.
  • Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and heat until shimmering. Add coated chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until nicely golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken pieces onto a plate, and cover to keep it warm.
  • Add remaining oil to the skillet and heat until hot. Add in the shallot and garlic, sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and shallots begin to soften.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, lemon, and lemon zest. Cook on low while scraping any browned bits on the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the chicken bites, and simmer the sauce for about 3-4 minutes.
The BEST Chicken Scampi Recipe (5)
  • Add cheese and zoodles: Stir in the parmesan cheese, mix well until sauce is thickened and nicely coats the chicken bites. Immediately add in the zucchini noodles. Cook for about 2 minutes, tossing with a pair of tongs, until zoodles are slightly softened.
  • Serve: Transfer the zoodles to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped parsley and sprinkle with red chili flakes. Serve immediately and enjoy!
The BEST Chicken Scampi Recipe (6)

Recipe Tips & Notes

  • Cut chicken into equal pieces for even cooking.
  • If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can switch it out for shrimp scampi with zoodles.
  • Zoodles can be prepped in advance, by keeping the spirals in the fridge until ready to cook.
  • While the chicken and sauce can be reheated easily, zoodles are best enjoyed fresh.
  • You may also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Use fresh garlic if possible. If you don’t have any fresh garlic and would like to improvise with garlic powder use 1 tablespoon garlic powder instead.
The BEST Chicken Scampi Recipe (7)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I store leftover zoodles?

Zoodles are best stored uncooked. You can store uncooked zoodles in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cooked zoodles tend to become soggy after being stored. For that reason, we like to cook just as many zoodles as we will be eating and save the leftovers uncooked.

What to serve with chicken Scampi?

This dish can be served as-is for a complete meal. Since we use zoodles instead of pasta, we don’t feel like we need to prepare more veggies as a side dish. If you’re not on low-carb, a slice of freshly baked bread can make a great addition.

What is chicken scampi sauce made of?

Traditional Chicken scampi sauce is made of a combination of butter, garlic, lemon, and white wine. We used chicken broth in place of the white wine and added milk and parmesan cream for a creamy finish.

The BEST Chicken Scampi Recipe (8)

More Zoodle Recipes to try

  • Turkey Meatball Zoodles
  • Keto Shrimp Scampi Zoodles
  • Bang Bang Shrimp Zoodles
  • Chicken Alfredo Zoodles
  • Easy Chili Salmon with Zoodles
The BEST Chicken Scampi Recipe (9)

If you try a recipe and you like it, leave us some feedback in the comment section below, and don’t forget to rate it! We would love it if you shared it with friends and family.

Finally, please use our hashtag #healthyfitnessmeals on INSTAGRAM for a chance to be featured! FOLLOW Healthy Fitness Meals on FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TWITTER for all of our latest blog posts and recipes.

The BEST Chicken Scampi Recipe (10)

Chicken Scampi Zoodles

Tender and juicy chicken bites cooked in a creamy garlic lemon sauce and served over zoodles.

5 from 4 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Diet: Gluten Free, Low Fat

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 425kcal

Author: Rena

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/3 cup gluten-free flour
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 shallot chopped
  • 4-5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 large lemon zest and juice
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese finely grated
  • ¼ tsp red chili flakes or to your taste
  • one bunch fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 large zucchini spiralized

Instructions

  • Thoroughly wash the zucchini and trim off the ends. Using a spiralizer, create zucchini noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer just run a vegetable peeler down the length of the zucchini to create thin ribbons.

  • Next, cut the chicken breast into bite-size pieces. Chop the shallot and mince the garlic; set aside.

  • Combine flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Transfer the flour mixture to a large resealable plastic bag.

  • Add chicken pieces to the flour, close the bag and shake well to evenly coat. Now, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and heat until shimmering.

  • Add coated chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until nicely golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken pieces onto a plate, and cover to keep it warm.

  • Add remaining oil to the skillet and heat until hot. Add in the shallot and garlic, sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and shallots begin to soften.

  • Pour in the chicken broth, lemon, and lemon zest. Cook on low while scraping any browned bits on the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the chicken bites, and simmer the sauce for about 3-4minutes.

  • Stir in the parmesan cheese, mix well until sauce is thickened, and nicely coats the chicken bites. Immediately add in the zucchini noodles.

  • Cook for about 2 minutes, tossing with a pair of tongs until zoodles are slightly softened. Transfer the zoodles to a serving dish.

  • Garnish with chopped parsley and sprinkle with red chili flakes. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Cut chicken into equal pieces for even cooking.
  • If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can switch it out for shrimp scampi with zoodles.
  • Zoodles can be prepped in advance, by keeping the spirals in the fridge until ready to cook.
  • While the chicken and sauce can be reheated easily, zoodles are best enjoyed fresh.
  • You may also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Use fresh garlic if possible. If you don’t have any fresh garlic and would like to improvise with garlic powder use 1 tablespoon garlic powder instead.

Nutrition

Calories: 425kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 1304mg | Potassium: 1196mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 525IU | Vitamin C: 47mg | Calcium: 216mg | Iron: 2mg

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @HealthyFitnessMeals or tag #HealthyFitnessMeals!

Related Posts

  • Bang Bang Shrimp Zoodles

  • Keto Shrimp Scampi Zoodles

  • Light and Healthy Chicken Alfredo Recipe With Zoodles

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sandy says

    will it work without the flour or is it needed to thicken the sauce?

    Reply

    • Rena says

      It is needed for the sauce. But if you must improvise you can skip it

      Reply

  2. Winnie says

    This looks great! When do you add in the lemon juice and zest?

    Reply

    • Rena says

      Hi Winnie. I fixed it. It should go in with the broth

      Reply

  3. Brittnay says

    The BEST Chicken Scampi Recipe (14)
    This looks amazing! Could this possibly be meal prepped? I’m in desperate need of new meal preps for lunch. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Rena says

      Yes. It should work just fine. Just be mindful of reheating the zoodles. it may release a bit of water.

      Reply

Leave A Reply

The BEST Chicken Scampi Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is chicken scampi sauce made of? ›

In the US, most people think of Scampi as being the Italian-American concept of Shrimp Scampi, but scampi by itself is a dish that is served in a sauce made of butter, garlic, and dry white wine. You can make all kinds of scampi including lobster, scallops, and chicken scampi.

What is chicken scampi at Olive Garden made of? ›

Chicken sautéed with fresh bell peppers and red onions in a creamy scampi sauce. Served over angel hair pasta.

What is scampi sauce made of? ›

Scampi sauce.

In this garlic shrimp scampi, the sauce is made with a bit of butter, olive oil, white wine, garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice.

How can I thicken my scampi sauce? ›

Add Cornstarch or Flour: Mix a slurry of cornstarch or flour with water or broth until smooth, then gradually stir it into the sauce while simmering until desired thickness is reached. Be sure to cook the sauce for a few minutes after adding the slurry to remove any raw taste of the starch.

What is scampi sauce made of Olive Garden? ›

What is Olive Garden Scampi Sauce Made Of? The main ingredients of this sauce are butter, onion, garlic, white wine, chicken stock, and herbs.

What is the difference between chicken francese and chicken scampi? ›

The main difference between these two dishes is the main flavor. While Chicken Francaise is very lemony with garlic and white wine as background flavors, Chicken Scampi mainly uses a garlic, butter, and dry white wine sauce. Lemon zest and lemon juice are then used as background flavors, giving it a slight tang.

What's the difference between scampi and shrimp scampi? ›

Scampi are tiny, lobster-like crustaceans with pale pink shells (also called langoustines). Italian cooks in the United States swapped shrimp for scampi, but kept both names.

What is in frozen scampi? ›

Scampi (crustacean) (36%), batter (water, wheat flour [wheat flour, calcium carbonate, iron, niacin, thiamin], rice flour, maize flour, maize starch, tapioca starch, gram flour, acidity regulator: monocalcium phosphate, raising agent: sodium bicarbonate, wheat starch, salt, thickener: xanthan gum), breadcrumb (wheat ...

Why is scampi called scampi? ›

* The word scampi is the plural of scampo, the Italian name for the breaded prawns or langoustine. In Italy Scampi can be breaded prawns of any kind but in Britain scampi has to be langoustine. So our beautiful breaded scampi is a British dish with a history going back to the 1700s and an Italian inspired name.

What does scampi contain? ›

Scampi Ingredients: Scampi tails with added water (40%), Breadcrumbs (contains Wheatflour, Calcium Carbonate, Iran, Niacin, Thiamin), Salt, Yeast. Batter (contains: water, Wheatflour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin) Rapeseed oil, Stabilisers: Sodium Tripolyphosphate.

What is original scampi? ›

The dish is said to have originated in the 14th century in the Italian city of Genoa. It was originally made with crayfish, but eventually, shrimp became the main ingredient. Some say that shrimp scampi was invented in the United States, while others claim that it originated in Italy.

What do Italians call scampi? ›

The word “scampi” is Italian for a type of small crustacean akin to a mini lobster. They're similar to shrimp, but scampi — also known as Dublin Bay Prawn, langoustines, or Norway Lobster — aren't typically found in oceans near the U.S.

Why is my scampi mushy? ›

Undercook and they'll be mushy and translucent; overcook and they'll be rubbery and nearly inedible. The best way to tell when shrimp are cooked through is to look for visual cues: “Watch for the shrimp to curl and turn opaque,” says Kendra. Undercooked shrimp will be gray and translucent, with uncurled tails.

How do you fix a broken scampi sauce? ›

The Fix Is Simple—Add Water Back.

Here's how fix a broken sauce: Add about ¼ cup of water to the pan and reheat the sauce to a vigorous simmer, whisking constantly. The bubbling action will help re-emulsify the butter and bring back that thick, glossy sauce.

Why is my shrimp scampi dry? ›

Your shrimp scampi is probably dry because the shrimp cooked too long and dried out. Shrimp go from raw to overcooked fast. Watch the shrimp as they cook, they only need about two minutes.

What does scampi sauce mean? ›

The scampi are often served in a garlic and butter sauce but are not commonly available in the U.S. In American cuisine, shrimp replaces the scampi with the word "scampi" describing the style of dish instead of the crustacean. Shrimp scampi is a seafood dish with a sauce of garlic, lemon, and butter.

What flavor is scampi? ›

Scampi tastes like shrimp. It's kinda bland, except for a slight fishy taste, but with butter, spices of your choice, garlic and wine wine sauce… yum!

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jerrold Considine

Last Updated:

Views: 6028

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (58 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jerrold Considine

Birthday: 1993-11-03

Address: Suite 447 3463 Marybelle Circles, New Marlin, AL 20765

Phone: +5816749283868

Job: Sales Executive

Hobby: Air sports, Sand art, Electronics, LARPing, Baseball, Book restoration, Puzzles

Introduction: My name is Jerrold Considine, I am a combative, cheerful, encouraging, happy, enthusiastic, funny, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.