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Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat Recipe

3.9 from 57 reviews

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat, a baked main dish featuring tender ground chicken enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce, complemented by Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. This Italian-inspired recipe is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a comforting and gourmet experience right at home with minimal preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground chicken
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Italian seasoning, to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon (for garlic butter)
  • Melted butter, 2 tablespoons (for garlic butter)
  • Chicken broth, ½ cup (for moisture during baking)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken loaf.
  2. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs until fully combined, providing moisture and structure to the mixture.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Stir in the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the wet mixture, creating a flavorful base.
  4. Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then add it to the mixture along with chopped parsley to infuse aromatic flavors.
  5. Mix Chicken: Gently fold in the ground chicken until just combined, taking care not to overmix which can make the meat tough.
  6. Shape and Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mixture to a greased loaf pan, shape it evenly, then top with a garlic butter mixture made from melted butter blended with garlic powder and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top.
  7. Add Moisture: Pour chicken broth around the edges of the loaf in the pan to keep the meat moist during baking.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
  9. Serve: Remove from oven, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving to allow juices to redistribute for a juicy texture.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to 165°F for safety.
  • Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the texture tender.
  • Additional herbs like basil or oregano can be added for extra flavor.
  • Serve with pasta or a side salad to complete this Italian-inspired meal.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: Olive Garden, Chicken Scampi, Copycat, Ground Chicken, Garlic Butter, Italian, Baked Chicken, Parmesan