Chicken scampi is a delightful twist on the traditional Italian seafood dish, scampi, which typically features shrimp. This chicken version brings all the beloved flavors of the classic recipe but with a succulent, tender chicken that's easy to prepare and cook. If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful, and family-friendly meal, this Chicken Scampi Recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Why Choose Chicken Scampi?
Chicken scampi offers several advantages:
- Ease of Preparation: Ingredients are commonly found in most pantries.
- Quick Cooking Time: The entire dish can be made in under 30 minutes.
- Versatility: It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when entertaining guests.
- Nutritional Value: Chicken is a great source of protein and is generally more affordable than seafood.
Ingredients for Chicken Scampi
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1⁄2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1⁄4 cup white wine (optional)
- Juice of one lemon
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1⁄4 cup heavy cream
- 1⁄2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1⁄2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Chicken Scampi Recipe
Follow these steps to create this flavorful dish:
1. Preparing the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips to ensure quick cooking.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a bit of the Parmesan cheese.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
2. Creating the Scampi Sauce
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed, and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add white wine, if using, to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom.
- Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and bring to a simmer.
- Add red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Reduce heat, stir in the heavy cream and the rest of the Parmesan cheese until you achieve a creamy consistency.
3. Combining Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, allowing it to reheat in the sauce.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Combine pasta with the chicken and sauce, adding pasta water to adjust consistency if necessary.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Scampi with:
- A side salad to lighten the meal.
- Garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for color and nutrition.
🍗 Note: For an added crunch, consider breading the chicken before cooking it, but remember this will increase preparation time.
Storage Tips
Chicken scampi can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Here are some storage tips:
- Store the pasta and chicken separately to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy.
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauce.
As we wrap up this Chicken Scampi Recipe, consider how the flavors meld together to create a dish that's both comforting and sophisticated. This meal, with its rich, buttery sauce, tender chicken, and zesty lemon, is ideal for both casual family dinners or when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. The versatility of this recipe allows for easy modifications to suit dietary needs or simply to change up the flavor profile. Whether you're a novice cook or an experienced chef, this Chicken Scampi will surely delight your palate and become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.
Can I use another type of pasta?
+
Yes, you can substitute linguine or spaghetti with other long pasta like fettuccine or even short pasta like penne for a different texture.
What if I don’t have white wine?
+
White wine adds flavor, but you can skip it. Increase the amount of chicken broth to compensate, or use a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
+
To lighten the dish, replace the heavy cream with milk or a non-dairy alternative, or omit it for a lighter sauce. You can also increase the lemon juice to add more flavor without extra calories.
