Chicken Scampi is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich garlic butter sauce, a splash of white wine, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Tossed with pasta, this Italian-American favorite is the perfect blend of savory and zesty. It’s quick to prepare, yet impressive enough for special occasions, making it a versatile choice for any home cook.
What is Chicken Scampi?
Chicken Scampi is inspired by the classic Shrimp Scampi but substitutes chicken for the seafood. The dish typically features sautéed chicken breast or tenders cooked in a garlic butter sauce, often enriched with white wine, chicken broth, and a touch of cream. Served over pasta like linguine or angel hair, it’s a meal that feels luxurious without demanding hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Chicken Scampi
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders.
- Butter and Olive Oil: For sautéing and flavor.
- Garlic: The star of the scampi sauce.
- White Wine: Adds depth and acidity. (Use chicken broth if avoiding alcohol.)
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish.
- Chicken Broth: Enhances the sauce.
- Heavy Cream (optional): For a creamy variation.
- Pasta: Linguine or angel hair works best.
- Fresh Parsley and Parmesan: For garnish.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Scampi
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: For quick and uniform cooking, pound the chicken to an even thickness before slicing.
- Season Generously: Use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse the chicken with flavor.
- Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a golden-brown sear on the chicken.
- Deglaze the Pan: Scrape up browned bits after cooking the chicken for extra flavor in your sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it al dente and toss it in the sauce to finish cooking and absorb the flavors.
Variations of Chicken Scampi
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or serve over zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a lighter alternative.
- Low-Carb Version: Swap the pasta for spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice.
- Vegetarian Scampi: Replace chicken with tofu, mushrooms, or a medley of roasted vegetables.
- Creamy Scampi: Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream for a richer, velvety sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
How to Serve Chicken Scampi
Chicken Scampi is best served over a bed of pasta, but you can also pair it with:
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make excellent sides.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the garlic butter sauce.
- Side Salad: A fresh arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness of the dish.
For a complete meal, add a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Scampi
Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally to prevent the chicken from drying out.
Freezing: While the dish can be frozen, the texture of the pasta may become soft. If you plan to freeze, store the sauce and chicken separately from the pasta.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I make Chicken Scampi without wine?
Yes! Substitute the white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Q: What’s the best type of pasta for Chicken Scampi?
Linguine or angel hair are classic choices because they soak up the sauce beautifully. Fettuccine or even spaghetti can work as substitutes.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
You can, but fresh chicken seared in the pan adds more flavor. If using pre-cooked chicken, warm it gently in the sauce to avoid overcooking.
Q: How can I thicken the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in water and let the sauce simmer until it thickens.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use olive oil instead of butter and skip the Parmesan. You can also try a plant-based cream alternative if adding cream.
Chicken Scampi
Chicken Scampi is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich garlic butter sauce, a splash of white wine, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Ingredients
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
- 1 ½ lb chicken tenderloins
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp salt (divided)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 red onion (sliced)
- ½ red, yellow, and green bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 4 garlic cloves (crushed)
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup whipping cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Boil salted water, cook pasta per package instructions, and reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Coat chicken tenders in a flour mixture with Italian seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken 3 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and bell peppers until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine, reduce for about 4 minutes, then stir in reserved pasta water and cream.
- Bring to a simmer and mix in Parmesan, 1 tsp salt, and optional chili flakes.
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, return chicken to the skillet, and let it warm through. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 735Total Fat 33gSaturated Fat 15gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 204mgSodium 1574mgCarbohydrates 38gFiber 2gSugar 4gProtein 63g
All Chicken Recipes.com, 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.
Conclusion
Chicken Scampi is a deliciously simple dish that brings restaurant-quality dining into your home. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress. With its versatile ingredients and endless customization options, you can make it your own while sticking to the timeless flavors that make it a classic.
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