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COPYCAT OLIVE GARDEN CHICKEN SCAMPI centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Yesica Andrews

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe Easy and Delicious

Enjoy a delightful homemade Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi featuring tender sautéed chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and onions tossed with delicate angel hair pasta all coated in a rich butter scampi sauce. This dish brings the classic American-Italian flavors right to your table in an easy and approachable recipe.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 901

Ingredients
  

  • 12 chicken tenderloins (approximately 1.75 pounds)
  • ½ cup flour
  • vegetable oil for frying
  • ½ red bell pepper cut into strips
  • ½ yellow bell pepper cut into strips
  • ½ green bell pepper cut into strips
  • ½ medium red onion sliced
  • 12 ounces angel hair pasta
  • salt to taste
  • freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving, if desired
  • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup yellow onion diced
  • 2 Tablespoons garlic minced
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 2 Tablespoons lemon juice (approximately 1 large lemon)
  • 1 Tablespoon dried parsley
  • ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¼ pound unsalted butter (8 tablespoons, one stick)

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat and salt it generously.
  2. Add the angel hair pasta and cook it until just before al dente, then reserve one cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.
  3. While the pasta water heats, warm a large skillet to medium and pour in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
  4. Place the flour mixed with a pinch of salt in a shallow dish, and coat each chicken tenderloin evenly, shaking off any surplus flour.
  5. When the oil is hot, fry the chicken pieces until they turn golden brown on each side, approximately 5 to 7 minutes per side; set aside cooked chicken.
  6. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter, then add diced yellow onion and minced garlic; cook until softened but not browned, about 3 minutes.
  7. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for two minutes to reduce and evaporate alcohol, scraping the pan bottom for flavor.
  8. Add chicken stock, lemon juice, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes; let the sauce simmer gently for five minutes.
  9. Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the remaining 8 tablespoons of butter until fully melted and the sauce is smooth; set aside.
  10. Return the large pasta pot to the stove, add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, and warm over medium heat.
  11. Sauté the red, yellow, and green bell pepper strips along with sliced red onion until they begin to soften, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  12. Add the drained pasta and prepared scampi sauce to the pot, tossing gently to coat the pasta without breaking it.
  13. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  14. Serve the pasta either in a large communal dish or divided plates, topped with freshly grated Parmesan if desired, then place the cooked chicken on top.

Notes

  • Many components of this recipe can be prepped simultaneously to save time. For easier meal prep, consider making the chicken or sauce ahead of time. Choose a dry white wine like chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, or pinot grigio for best flavor results and avoid sweeter varieties.