Chicken Scampi is a deliciously rich and flavorful dish that combines tender, golden-brown chicken with a garlic butter sauce. Tossed with pasta and fresh parsley. The buttery sauce, infused with white wine and a dash of red pepper flakes.
What is Chicken Scampi?
Chicken Scampi is essentially a variation of the classic shrimp scampi, but with chicken replacing the shrimp. This dish is famous for its decadent garlic butter sauce made with olive oil, butter, garlic, lemon, and white wine, which coats the chicken and pasta in a rich, aromatic glaze. Whether served over pasta, rice, or as a standalone dish, Chicken Scampi is a comforting meal that packs a punch of flavor with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: For the best flavor, use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless skinless chicken breasts work wonderfully too.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is the key to creating a flavorful scampi sauce. Use about 4-5 cloves, minced, for a potent garlic punch.
- Butter & Olive Oil: A mix of both will provide the right balance of richness and smoothness for the sauce.
- Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to cut through the richness of the sauce.
- White Wine: The addition of white wine elevates the sauce. You can use a dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Chicken Broth: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version or want to reduce the wine flavor, chicken broth works as an excellent alternative.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a little heat, red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce, giving the dish a slight kick without overpowering it.
- Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped parsley adds freshness and a burst of color, finishing the dish beautifully.
- Pasta or Rice: Traditionally, Chicken Scampi is served over a bed of pasta (linguine or spaghetti is ideal), but it pairs just as well with rice for a gluten-free option.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Scampi
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken can become dry if overcooked. Be sure to cook it just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink in the center.
Customize the Sauce: If you like a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream to the scampi sauce while it simmers for a velvety texture. For a slightly tangier sauce, a tablespoon of capers can be added for extra zing.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemon really elevate the flavor of this dish. Opt for fresh herbs like parsley instead of dried to achieve a more vibrant taste.
Serve Immediately: Scampi dishes are best enjoyed fresh. If the dish sits too long, the pasta or rice can absorb too much of the sauce, which might make the dish dry.
Variations of Chicken Scampi
Chicken Scampi with Veggies: Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for extra nutrition and flavor.
Spicy Chicken Scampi: For an extra kick, use a spicier chili like jalapeño or serrano, or increase the red pepper flakes in the sauce.
Gluten-Free Chicken Scampi: Serve with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Chicken Scampi with Shrimp: Combine chicken with shrimp for a mixed protein version of scampi that adds complexity to the dish.
How to Serve Chicken Scampi
Chicken Scampi is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. The most common way to enjoy this dish is over a plate of pasta—linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine all work wonderfully. If you’re avoiding carbs, serving it with a side of roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice is an excellent choice. Pair it with a crisp, refreshing salad, such as a Caesar or arugula salad, to balance out the richness of the sauce.
How to Store Chicken Scampi
- Refrigerator: Store leftover Chicken Scampi in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken and pasta separate from the sauce if possible to prevent the pasta from soaking up too much of the sauce.
- Freezer: You can freeze Chicken Scampi for up to 2 months. However, the texture of the sauce might change slightly upon reheating. For best results, store the sauce and chicken separately from the pasta. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm in a skillet.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe, offering a juicier and more flavorful option. Just make sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
2. Can I make Chicken Scampi ahead of time?
While it’s best to enjoy Chicken Scampi fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
3. Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta will work well with this dish, including gluten-free options like brown rice or quinoa pasta. You could even serve it with mashed potatoes or rice for a more hearty meal.
4. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to the butter and garlic mixture before adding the liquid. Alternatively, let the sauce simmer longer to reduce and thicken.
5. Is Chicken Scampi a good meal for entertaining?
Yes, Chicken Scampi makes for a great dinner party or special occasion meal. It’s easy to make and impressive enough to serve to guests, yet simple enough for a cozy family dinner.
Chicken Scampi
Chicken Scampi is a deliciously rich and flavorful dish that combines tender, golden-brown chicken with a garlic butter sauce. Tossed with pasta and fresh parsley. The buttery sauce, infused with white wine and a dash of red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders
- 1 ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- ¾ cup dry white wine (like chardonnay or sauvignon blanc)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- ¼ cup lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
- ⅓ cup parsley, finely chopped
- Freshly shredded Parmesan, to serve
Instructions
- Before cooking, chop, zest, juice, and mince all your ingredients. Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Keep it warm.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. Sauté the chicken for 2 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Remove and set aside. Add another tbsp oil and butter, then cook the second batch of chicken. Keep the chicken covered and warm.
- Pour the white wine into the skillet and scrape the bottom to deglaze the pan. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until reduced by half. Add the remaining butter, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir and cook for another 30 seconds, then remove from heat. Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it with the sauce. Add the pasta to a large serving bowl, spoon extra sauce over the noodles, and toss to coat. Top with the chicken and drizzle the remaining sauce on top.
- Garnish with parsley and freshly grated Parmesan.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 641Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 83mgSodium: 1513mgCarbohydrates: 49gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 26g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Scampi is the perfect blend of flavors—rich, buttery, garlicky, and just the right amount of acidity from lemon and wine. With endless variations, you can tailor this dish to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, Chicken Scampi is sure to impress.
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