Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could bring the savory charm of your favorite restaurant right into your kitchen, the Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat Recipe is here to make that dream come true. This irresistible dish combines tender ground chicken with a luscious garlic butter sauce, Parmesan cheese, and fragrant Italian herbs that work together to create a rich and comforting meal. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe delivers all the flavors you love from Olive Garden without the wait or the restaurant price. Get ready to wow your family and friends with a dish that tastes like it’s been crafted by a professional chef but comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, yet each element plays an essential role in layering the bold, garlicky, and cheesy flavors that make this copycat dish so memorable. From the tender ground chicken that forms the heart of the recipe to the fresh herbs that add brightness, every ingredient is chosen with care to balance taste, texture, and color perfectly.

• 2 lbs ground chicken: Provides a lean, juicy base for the meatloaf that’s both flavorful and tender.
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs: Adds great texture and helps hold the mixture together without heaviness.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, savory depth that melts beautifully throughout the dish.
• ¼ cup milk: Keeps the chicken mixture moist and light for a pleasant bite.
• 2 large eggs: Act as natural binders to hold everything together firmly.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Imparts that signature scampi garlicky punch essential to the flavor profile.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sauté garlic and infuse the dish with a fruity richness.
• Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs to elevate the dish with a classic Italian flair.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavors and seasoning the chicken perfectly.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial so that when your chicken mixture is ready, you can bake it immediately for even cooking and a perfect crust on top. Meanwhile, grease your loaf pan to prevent sticking and to give your meatloaf that ideal golden finish along the edges.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your milk and eggs until combined smoothly. This mixture will ensure that your meatloaf stays tender and moist as it bakes, making each slice melt in your mouth. The eggs help bind everything together, while the milk adds just the right level of richness.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Next, stir in the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and a good pinch of salt and pepper right into your egg and milk mixture. These dry ingredients are going to add texture, flavor, and structure. The Parmesan melts into each bite, while Italian seasoning introduces that unmistakable herbaceous note you expect in a classic scampi dish.

Step 4: Sauté the Garlic

In a small skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and quickly sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant and slightly golden. This key step unlocks the garlic’s full flavor potential without turning bitter, infusing your chicken mixture with that luscious aroma that’s the heart of any great scampi.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the sautéed garlic along with some fresh chopped parsley into the bowl with the mixture. Gently fold in the ground chicken, taking care not to overmix or compress the meat too much. This gentle folding will keep your meatloaf tender while ensuring all the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Transfer your chicken mixture into the greased loaf pan, shaping it evenly. For an extra special touch, brush the top with a garlic butter blend made by melting butter and mixing in some garlic powder. Sprinkle a bit more Parmesan cheese over the top, then pour chicken broth around the sides of the pan. The broth creates moisture during baking, keeping the chicken juicy and perfect. Bake for about 60-70 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat Recipe

Garnishes

Finishing touches make all the difference. Freshly chopped parsley or basil sprinkled over the top offers a vibrant pop of color and fresh herbal notes. A wedge of lemon on the side adds zesty brightness, balancing the richness of the garlic butter sauce. Don’t forget a little extra cracked black pepper for a subtle kick!

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that won’t overshadow its rich flavors. Garlic bread or a crispy baguette works wonders for mopping up that irresistible sauce. For veggies, steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or a light Caesar salad complement the meal with freshness and crunch, rounding out your dinner perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices of the chicken scampi meatloaf over a bed of angel hair pasta tossed lightly with olive oil and garlic for a stunning presentation. You can also portion it onto individual plates accompanied by a drizzle of extra garlic butter sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan. This approach elevates a homey classic into a restaurant-worthy meal your guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or next-day enjoyment. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing

If you want to save the Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat Recipe for later, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooked loaf tightly in foil or freezer-safe wrap, then place it inside a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish covered with a damp paper towel and microwave in short bursts to prevent drying out. Alternatively, warm slices in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes, covered loosely with foil, to retain moisture and enjoy that fresh-baked texture again.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will keep the dish lean while offering a slightly different but still delicious flavor. Just be mindful of moisture levels since turkey can sometimes be drier; you may want to increase the milk slightly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The traditional recipe calls for panko bread crumbs, which contain gluten. However, you can swap in gluten-free bread crumbs to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising texture or taste.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, to adapt it for dairy-free needs, use a non-dairy milk alternative and omit or replace Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese option. The garlic butter topping can be made with dairy-free margarine to keep all the flavor intact.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you love a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture or include a dash of hot sauce in the garlic butter topping. You can also serve with a spicy marinara sauce alongside for an extra kick.

What’s the best way to tell when it’s fully cooked?

The safest and most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. This guarantees the ground chicken is perfectly cooked while remaining juicy and tender.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like recreating your favorite restaurant meal at home, especially when it tastes just as incredible. This Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat Recipe brings all those rich, garlicky flavors and comforting textures right to your kitchen table, making dinner something to truly look forward to. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered it anywhere else. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and dive into this deliciously satisfying adventure—you’re going to love every bite!

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