If you've ever visited Olive Garden and fallen in love with their Chicken Scampi, you're in for a treat. This blog post will guide you through making a delicious, restaurant-quality Chicken Scampi right in your kitchen. Let's dive into how to create this flavorful dish step by step.
What Makes Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Special?
Chicken Scampi at Olive Garden is known for its rich flavors and textures:
- Flavorful Chicken: The chicken is marinated and cooked to perfection, giving it a tender and succulent texture.
- Unique Sauce: The sauce combines butter, garlic, and a hint of white wine, creating a delightful contrast to the chicken.
- Crisp Bell Peppers and Onions: These vegetables add color, crunch, and additional flavor, making the dish vibrant.
Ingredients for Chicken Scampi
To replicate Olive Garden’s Chicken Scampi, you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1 lb |
| Bell peppers (red, green, and yellow) | 1 each |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Butter | 6 tbsp |
| Heavy cream | 1⁄2 cup |
| White wine | 1⁄4 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Parsley, for garnish | 1 tbsp |
👨🍳 Note: If you prefer less sauce, reduce the amount of heavy cream or butter slightly.
Preparation Steps
Here’s how to bring Olive Garden’s Chicken Scampi to your table:
1. Marinating the Chicken
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, mix Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil. Coat the chicken well and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes.
2. Cooking the Chicken
- In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken pieces until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Preparing the Vegetables
- Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips.
- In the same skillet, add another 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the vegetables until they start to soften.
4. Making the Sauce
- Reduce heat to low, add the remaining butter, minced garlic, white wine, and lemon juice. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce thickens.
5. Assembling the Dish
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing with the sauce and vegetables.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve hot over angel hair pasta.
👨🍳 Note: Ensure the pasta is cooked just before serving to maintain its texture.
The charm of Olive Garden's Chicken Scampi lies in its perfect balance of flavors and the aromatic garlic sauce that brings everything together. With these steps, you can easily recreate this restaurant favorite at home, impressing family and friends with your culinary skills. This recipe not only offers a taste of Olive Garden but also allows for personalization to match your flavor preferences. Enjoy this heartwarming, homely dish, and bring the comfort of Italian cuisine right into your kitchen.
Can I make this dish without alcohol?
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Absolutely! Simply replace the white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth or apple juice for a similar flavor profile without the alcohol.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
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Add a slurry of cornstarch and water (about 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to 2 tablespoons of water) to the sauce after adding the heavy cream, cook for a few minutes to thicken.
What can I serve with Chicken Scampi?
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Aside from angel hair pasta, try serving it over rice or alongside garlic bread, or even with a side salad for a lighter option.
