Slow Cooker Chicken Scampi – Easy, Flavorful, and Family-Friendly Recipe
If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality meal at home, this Slow Cooker Chicken Scampi recipe is just what you need! With tender chicken breasts, colorful bell peppers, a garlicky lemon sauce, and a touch of Parmesan, this dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe brings all the flavors of traditional scampi with the convenience of a slow cooker.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Scampi
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Hands-off cooking – Let the slow cooker do all the work.
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Rich and flavorful – Garlic, lemon, and Italian seasoning create a fresh and vibrant taste.
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Family-friendly – A crowd-pleasing dish that pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
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Restaurant-style at home – Bring Olive Garden–style scampi flavors to your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 cup olive oil
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5 cloves garlic, minced
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh is best!)
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine flour, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts, seal the bag, and shake until the chicken is well coated. This step helps create a golden crust when seared.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on each side, about 3–4 minutes per side. Browning locks in flavor before slow cooking.
Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker
Place the browned chicken breasts into your slow cooker.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Peppers
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced red and yellow bell peppers. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until just tender and fragrant. Transfer this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and peppers.
Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Step 7: Finish with Freshness
Just before serving, sprinkle the dish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Serving Suggestions
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Over pasta – Angel hair or linguine works perfectly to soak up the lemon-garlic sauce.
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With rice or quinoa – A lighter option that balances the richness of the dish.
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With crusty bread – Perfect for dipping into the flavorful sauce.
Variations & Tips
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Add a kick – For a spicy version, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
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Seafood twist – Add shrimp during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a chicken-and-shrimp scampi combo.
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Extra sauce – Double the broth and lemon juice if you prefer more sauce to drizzle over pasta or bread.
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Low-carb option – Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer – Freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
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Reheating – Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Scampi is a flavorful, fuss-free recipe that brings bright, zesty flavors to your dinner table. With minimal prep and maximum taste, it’s the perfect recipe for busy families or anyone craving a satisfying yet easy meal.
Try it once, and it will become a slow cooker favorite in your home!