If you’re searching for a quick and flavorful meal that combines rich garlic butter, tender chicken, and a zesty lemon kick, Chicken Scampi is the perfect dish. This restaurant-quality meal is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for special occasions. In this guide, you’ll learn why this dish is so loved, how to make it step by step, and answers to common questions to ensure perfect results.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Scampi Recipe
- Easy to make – Requires minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques.
- Full of flavor – A rich combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates a mouthwatering taste.
- Versatile – Pairs well with pasta, rice, or vegetables.
- Quick preparation – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Family-friendly – Loved by both kids and adults alike.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Scampi
Step 1: Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather the necessary ingredients and tools.
Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin strips)
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti (optional, for serving)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup white wine or chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Tools Needed:
- Large skillet or pan
- Pasta pot (if serving with pasta)
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan.
- Sauté for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Preparing the Sauce
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth), scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese, mixing well.
- Let the sauce cook for another 2 minutes, then return the chicken to the pan.
- Toss to coat the chicken in the sauce and heat for an additional minute.
Step 4: Serving
- If serving with pasta, cook it according to package instructions.
- Plate the pasta and spoon the chicken scampi over the top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Scampi
- Use fresh garlic and lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Deglaze the pan properly with wine or broth to enhance depth of flavor.
- Balance the acidity by adjusting the lemon juice to your taste.
- Pair with the right pasta – linguine or spaghetti works best.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Chicken Scampi
- Using too much butter – This can make the dish overly greasy.
- Skipping the deglazing step – It’s essential for a flavorful sauce.
- Overcrowding the pan – Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
- Forgetting to taste and adjust seasoning – Ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
FAQs About Chicken Scampi
Q: Can I make Chicken Scampi without wine?
A: Yes! Substitute white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Q: How do I make Chicken Scampi healthier?
A: Use light cream or half-and-half, reduce butter, and opt for whole wheat pasta.
Q: Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely! Shrimp Scampi follows the same method but requires less cooking time.
Q: What side dishes pair well with Chicken Scampi?
A: Try garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
Chicken Scampi is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavors in under 30 minutes. With its buttery, garlicky sauce and zesty lemon twist, it’s bound to become a household favorite. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments!
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Chicken Scampi: A Delicious, Flavor-Packed Dish You’ll Love
Indulge in the delicious flavors of Chicken Scampi! This dish features tender chicken breasts sautéed with garlic, butter, and white wine, all tossed with linguine for a flavorful, Italian-inspired meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds.
- Total Time: 15 mins
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
8 ounces linguine
1/4 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Pour in white wine and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.
Add butter and lemon juice to the skillet, stirring until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Add the cooked linguine and toss everything together until well combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley.
Serve the Chicken Scampi hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Notes
Chicken Scampi is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its rich, buttery sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of Italy at home!