Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken loaf.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs until fully combined, providing moisture and structure to the mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- Mix Chicken: Gently fold in the ground chicken until just combined, taking care not to overmix which can make the meat tough.
- 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.
- Add Moisture: Pour chicken broth around the edges of the loaf in the pan to keep the meat moist during baking.
- 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.
- 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
