Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi
When you’re craving something creamy, garlicky, and totally comforting, Chicken Scampi always hits the spot. Inspired by the beloved Olive Garden dish, this freezer-friendly version makes it easy to bring those signature flavors to your own kitchen—no reservations needed.
Why Chicken Scampi Makes a Great Freezer Meal
There’s a reason Chicken Scampi is one of Olive Garden’s most popular menu items—it’s indulgent, flavorful, and just a little bit fancy. But making it from scratch on a weeknight can feel like a lot. That’s where this freezer-friendly version comes in. Here’s why it’s such a winner:
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It saves time. The bulk of the prep is done in advance. On cooking day, you just add cream and simmer.
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It feels special. Even though it’s a freezer meal, it tastes restaurant-quality with minimal effort.
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It’s healthier than takeout. This homemade version has less fat and sodium than the Olive Garden original, but still delivers that signature creamy flavor.
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It’s versatile. You can serve it over traditional pasta, gluten-free noodles, or even zoodles for a lighter take.
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It’s family-approved. The flavors are familiar and kid-friendly while still feeling elevated enough for adults.
Where Does The Name “Chicken Scampi” Come From?
You’ve probably heard of shrimp scampi—but chicken scampi? It might sound a little unexpected at first. That’s because “scampi” originally refers to a type of shellfish, not a cooking method.
In Italian cuisine, scampi (also known as langoustines) are small lobster-like crustaceans typically sautéed in garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon. When Italian immigrants brought the dish to the U.S., they adapted it using the ingredients they had access to—most commonly, shrimp. Over time, “shrimp scampi” became the popular American dish we know today, even though it’s technically a bit redundant (since “scampi” already implies shrimp).
Chicken scampi is a modern twist on this classic, swapping in chicken for shrimp but keeping the same garlicky, buttery, lemon-infused sauce that made the original so irresistible. Olive Garden helped popularize this version, adding creamy elements and sautéed vegetables to make it a heartier, pasta-ready main dish.
So while “chicken scampi” isn’t traditional Italian, it’s a delicious American-Italian hybrid that captures all the best flavors of the original.
What Ingredients Do I Need For This Recipe?
You might be surprised how simple the ingredients are—nothing fancy or hard to find, just good pantry staples and a few fresh components that come together to make something really special.
Here’s what you’ll need:
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Boneless skinless chicken breasts
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Chicken broth
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Red onion
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Red bell pepper
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Green bell pepper
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Minced garlic
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Dried basil
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Dried oregano
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Dried parsley
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Butter
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Fresh lemon juice
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Heavy cream (added the day of cooking)
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Cooked pasta (to serve)
How Do I Freeze Chicken Scampi?
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Prepare a freezer bag label, including name, instructions, and use-by date (I recommend 90 days after prep date).
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Add all ingredients to the freezer bag, except for cream, pasta (if using) and parmesan cheese.
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Remove air, seal, attach the label, and freeze until ready to cook.
If you’re new to making freezer meals, be sure to check out this blog post How to Make Freezer Meals for tips and tricks!
How Do I Cook Chicken Scampi In The Crockpot?
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From thawed, transfer contents into the Crockpot.
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Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and is very tender.
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Shred chicken into large chunks. Add cream and stir. Season to taste.
For more crockpot recipes our blog post 21 Crockpot Freezer Meals is a great resource!
What Can I Serve With Chicken Scampi?
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Side salad with Italian dressing
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Garlic bread or breadsticks
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Steamed broccoli or green beans
Final Thoughts
This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi is proof that freezer meals don’t have to be boring or basic. With a little prep upfront, you can enjoy restaurant-style flavor at home any night of the week (and without the hassle or the heavy sodium and fat). Happy Cooking!
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi
- 1.9998 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1.0002 cup chicken broth
- 1.0002 red onion sliced
- 1.0002 red bell pepper sliced
- 1.0002 green bell pepper sliced
- 1.5 tbsp minced garlic
- 1.0002 tsp dried basil
- 1.0002 tsp dried oregano
- 1.0002 tsp dried parsley
- 0.4998 tsp salt
- 0.2496 tsp black pepper
- 1.9998 tbsp butter
- 1.0002 lemon juiced
- 1.0002 cup heavy cream (added on day of cooking)
- cooked pasta (to serve)
1) Prepare a freezer bag label, including name, instructions, and use-by date (I recommend 90 days after prep date).
2) Add all ingredients to the freezer bag, except for cream, pasta (if using) and parmesan cheese.
3) Remove air, seal, attach the label, and freeze until ready to cook.
Crockpot Instructions:
-From thawed, transfer contents into the Crockpot.
-Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and is very tender.
-Shred chicken into large chunks. Add cream and stir. Season to taste.
TIP: Best when served with your pasta of choice, topped with parmesan cheese!
Susana Ojeda West
FreezerFit Head Chef
Susana Ojeda West
FreezerFit Head Chef
Try the FreezerFit Method
