🔥 Easy Chicken Scampi Recipe | Quick & Delicious

Imagine coming home after a long day, wanting something cozy and special. Picture the smell of chicken cooking, mixing with garlic and lemon, in your kitchen. In just over 30 minutes, you can make a meal that’s like what you’d get in a fancy restaurant. Everyone at your table will be happy. This is the power of the chicken scampi recipe.

This quick chicken scampi dish uses common ingredients, like thin pasta and chicken. It’s all brought together with a rich garlic butter sauce. You can make it unique by adding wine or using broth. Lemon, Parmesan, and Asiago cheeses add extra taste, making each bite special.

Making this is easy, even for beginners. Start by seasoning chicken with various spices and lemon pepper, then coat it with flour. Cook pasta until it’s just right, and mix it with the sauce made of wine, garlic, butter, and herbs. Add fresh tomatoes and parsley for a colorful, flavorful finish. This dish will soon become a favorite.

Key Takeaways

• A delectable blend of chicken, garlic, butter, and lemon creates a delicious chicken scampi.
• Recipe is flexible – pick white wine or broth for the sauce.
• It’s nutritious, with 497 calories, 34g carbs, 28g protein, and 26g fat per serving.
• Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best results.
• It’s easy to make, ideal for all cooks.

Introduction to Chicken Scampi

Chicken scampi shows the best of Italian cooking. It blends the tastes of Italy in a delightful way. This dish is all about the rich mix of chicken, garlic, butter, and a touch of citrus. It tastes both special and familiar.

This homemade chicken scampi is easy to make, almost like being at a fancy restaurant at home. You only need 10 minutes to get ready and 15 minutes to cook it. And the best part, you get to enjoy a tasty dish in just 25 minutes. Use either chicken breasts or thighs, and add a bit of Dalkin&Co lemon pepper and salt. This makes the chicken’s flavor stand out more.

The deliciousness keeps going with a sauce made of garlic and butter, with a touch of white wine. It goes perfectly with the soft chicken. Adding Parmesan cheese over pasta, like angel hair or spaghetti, makes it even better. This meal isn’t just good; it’s also easy on your wallet.

Let’s talk about the nutrition in this dish. A single serving gives you about 712 calories, 54 grams of protein, and 18 grams of fat. It’s a satisfying meal without going overboard. Making homemade chicken scampi is fun. It combines basic cooking with the heart of Italian home cooking.

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Scampi

Ready to make a tasty chicken scampi? You’ll need the right ingredients. This list covers the essentials. You’ll also find some options to mix things up your way.

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 ounces whole wheat angel hair pasta or spaghetti noodles
• 6 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Optional Ingredients

Want more flavors or different choices? Here are more optional ingredients:

• Chicken stock or dry white wine for the sauce (3/4 cup)
• Fresh lemon juice (1/4 cup) and lemon zest (1 teaspoon)
• Finely chopped parsley (1/3 cup)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Alternative proteins like shrimp

Choosing fresh, high-quality ingredients is key. It ensures your easy chicken scampi tastes great. Feel free to add some optional items to really personalize your dish.

How to Prepare Chicken Scampi

Elevate your home cooking with this step-by-step guide to preparing chicken scampi, ensuring a flavorful and satisfying meal every time.

Start preparing chicken scampi by seasoning and flouring the chicken tenders. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and pour in olive oil. Sauté the chicken until golden brown on each side, which takes about 5 minutes. This makes the chicken crispy outside and juicy inside.

After cooking the chicken, set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, melt butter and cook minced garlic until it smells good, but not burnt. Next, pour in 3/4 cup of a dry white wine such as chardonnay or sauvignon blanc. Let it reduce by half. This step boosts the flavors and makes a tasty sauce.

Put the chicken back in the skillet. Add lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. Mix everything well and let it simmer. This blending of flavors is crucial for a delicious chicken scampi.

1. Season and flour the chicken tenders evenly.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté the chicken until golden brown.
3. Remove the chicken and melt butter in the same skillet.
4. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add wine to reduce by half.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and add lemon zest and juice.
6. Allow to simmer and combine flavors.

To finish preparing chicken scampi, add cooked pasta to the skillet. Gently toss the pasta with the sauce. Serve the dish hot, and top it with some fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. For a balanced meal, have your chicken scampi with a side of veggies or a light salad.

Cooking Tips for Homemade Chicken Scampi

To make the best chicken scampi, you need fresh ingredients and proper care. We’ve gathered key cooking tips for your homemade dish. They cover everything, from using fresh lemon juice to picking the right herbs. These tips will make your chicken scampi taste amazing.

Using Fresh Ingredients

Fresh ingredients are a must for a great chicken scampi. Use freshly grated Parmesan and juice from 2 lemons for a big flavor boost. Add parsley and chives for color. Don’t forget, the best olive oil and unsalted butter make the sauce creamy.

Substitutions and Alternatives

There are swaps you can make to change the dish’s taste without losing authenticity. For a non-alcoholic version, choose chicken broth over wine. It keeps the flavor rich but without alcohol. You can also use chicken tenders instead of breasts. Just avoid cooking wine. It’s too salty and might change the true flavors.

Below is a table showing some key ingredient substitutions:

Using these chicken scampi cooking tips ensures your dish looks and tastes amazing. Always strive for the freshest ingredients to get the most flavor. This is how you nail the perfect chicken scampi.

Best Chicken Scampi Cooking Methods

Learning how to make the best chicken scampi can make your kitchen a place for great food. Start by searing the chicken tenders. This keeps them juicy and adds a lot of flavor. Cooking them on high heat gets you a beautiful crust and keeps the inside moist.

It’s important to watch the heat when cooking the pasta. You want it to be just right, not too soft or too hard. After the pasta is perfect, add in the garlic butter sauce. This sauce is what makes Chicken Scampi Pasta a favorite for everyone.

When you make the sauce, keep the heat medium. This helps prevent it from burning. Bringing the seared chicken into the sauce mixes the flavors well. To make it creamy, slowly cook down some white wine, lemon juice, and parsley. This creates a sauce that covers the pasta beautifully.

Being well-organized while cooking can make things go faster. Have everything measured and ready before you start. This recipe takes 30 minutes to prepare, and it feeds 6 people. Each serving has 551 calories. Here’s the nutritional breakdown:

By following these steps, you can make a dish that everyone will love. Perfecting the heat and mixing the sauce makes this meal taste like it’s from a restaurant.

The Secret to a Flavorful Chicken Scampi

To make the best chicken scampi, you need the right ingredients. Key players are fresh garlic and top-notch butter. Minced garlic fills the dish with a strong smell. Quality butter makes it smooth and tasty.

It’s important to keep the bits at the bottom of the pan. After frying the chicken, use these bits. Pour in 3/4 cup of good white wine, like chardonnay. This essence of the meat combined with the wine kicks up the flavor.

Lemon juice and zest cut the dish’s richness. They bring a sharp taste that blends well with the butter and garlic. Just a little zest and juice do wonders for the flavor balance.

Don’t forget the parsley at the end. About 1/3 cup is good. It makes the dish look great and adds a light fresh taste. Then, with a large portion of spaghetti, you can serve six people. This way, everyone enjoys the full taste experience.

Reheating is easy. Just use a skillet on low heat. This keeps the chicken tender and the sauce perfect. So, it stays just as delicious when you first made it.

All elements from the garlic to the parsley work together. They create a dish that’s rich, yet fresh. It’s a tasty memory that anyone who tries it won’t forget.

Classic Chicken Scampi Sauce

The key to a great chicken scampi is its sauce. The classic chicken scampi sauce turns this simple dish into something amazing. It’s a perfect mix of flavors that make each bite special, especially with the juicy chicken and firm pasta.

Garlic Butter Sauce

The main star in the classic chicken scampi sauce is the garlic butter sauce. It’s made with top-notch butter, fresh garlic, and a bit of olive oil. When the garlic is cooked to a golden-brown, it spreads a wonderful smell.

This sauce is further brightened with lemon zest and juice. The lemon adds a light sourness. It makes the dish more complex and exciting to eat.

Wine or Chicken Broth? Best Option

People often wonder: should they choose wine or chicken broth for the sauce? Either can change the sauce’s taste to fit what you like. A dry white wine brings a richer taste with a bit of sourness.

On the flip side, chicken broth adds a gentler, more homey flavor. It’s great for those who enjoy a softer taste. The choice between wine and broth depends on what taste you’re after.

Understanding the sauce helps us make a perfect meal. Whether wine or chicken broth, your dish will be a winner. It’s all about balance and taste.

Making Quick Chicken Scampi for Busy Weeknights

For those with packed schedules, a quick chicken scampi is a life-saver on busy nights. It takes only about 20 minutes to make. This means you can have a tasty meal even when time is short.

The secret to a fast scampi is to prep smart and multitask. First, get everything you need. This includes chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breast), fresh garlic, lemon juice, and green onions. Don’t forget about spices like salt and pepper. If you rather have seafood, get 12-16 ounces of raw, peeled shrimp instead of chicken.

Use a 12″ skillet for best results. Get it hot while you prep the chicken or shrimp. Making the sauce as the main part cooks saves time. Use garlic butter sauce with seasoned salt, lemon juice, and green onions for a flavorful dish.

This meal is great for planning ahead. You can keep chicken scampi in the fridge for 4 days or freeze it for 3 months. To reheat, warm it up in a skillet gently. This keeps its good texture and stops it from getting overcooked.

Add extra flavor to your quick scampi with things like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or nuts. Shredded parmesan cheese gives it a creamy, tasty end. Remember, cooking quickly and thoughtfully gets you a delicious dinner. This turns quick chicken scampi into your solution for busy evenings.

How to Serve Chicken Scampi

When you serve chicken scampi, how it looks is just as important as its taste. Add fresh garnishes. Pair it with tasty sides to make the meal even better.

Fresh herbs are great for color and smell. Parsley adds a pop of green. Grated Parmesan cheese on top makes it creamy and more flavorful.

Chicken scampi goes well with garlic bread. Butter them up to enjoy the sauce. A mixed green salad with a lemony dressing is a nice cool contrast too.

For sides, try seasonal vegetables. Asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers are good choices. They add color and nutrition to the plate.

Whether it’s for family or friends, focusing on the details makes all the difference. Chicken scampi can be more than a meal. It becomes a memorable dining event when served thoughtfully.

Tantalizing Side Dishes for Chicken Scampi

Finding the perfect side dishes for chicken scampi can really enhance your meal. We’ll introduce you to some great side dishes for chicken scampi, turning your dinner into a gourmet delight. You’ll learn about the best pasta options, healthy vegetable pairings, and delicious bread that appeals to everyone.

Pasta Options

Pasta is a classic choice for chicken scampi, mixing well with the rich garlic butter sauce. Some favorite pasta options include:

• Angel Hair Pasta: This pasta’s delicate texture works well with the scampi, soaking up the sauce.
• Linguine: A time-honored favorite, its thickness balances well with the dish’s flavors.
• Fettuccine: These wide noodles capture the sauce, making each forkful tasty.

Vegetable Pairings

Vegetable pairings bring color and nutrition, creating a well-rounded meal. Some great options to try include:

• Steamed Broccoli: It’s simple, crunchy, and adds a healthy element to your plate.
• Grilled Asparagus: This adds a delicious smokiness, fitting well with the scampi’s flavors.
• Roasted Bell Peppers: Their sweet taste and vibrant colors enhance the meal’s enjoyment.

Bread and More

Don’t forget about bread and extras to complement your scampi:

• Garlic Bread: It’s great for mopping up the sauce and brings a garlic-y kick.
• Ciabatta: This bread’s light and crusty, perfect for dipping or simply serving.
• Caesar Salad: Its mix of crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, and croutons offers a cool, tasty treat.

Choosing the perfect side dishes for chicken scampi means your meal can fit any event or diet. It ensures that every dinner is not just good but a culinary triumph.

Delicious Chicken Scampi Variations

Try many chicken scampi variations to make your meals more exciting. You can use other proteins like shrimp, scallops, or tofu for a veggie choice. Mixing in different herbs and spices also makes the dish fantastic. Try thyme, basil, or even some red pepper for a little heat.

• Spicy Chicken Scampi: To make it hot, add red chili flakes and cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Lemon Basil Chicken Scampi: Add fresh basil and extra lemon zest for a cool spin on the dish.
• Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Scampi: Exchange chicken for shrimp and spruce up the garlic butter sauce with more Parmesan.
• Vegetarian Scampi: Choose tofu or tempeh and toss in veggies like bell peppers and zucchini.

Shown below is a nutrition comparison for some chicken scampi variations:

Whether you go with the classic or try new things, chicken scampi variations are a tasty adventure. Don’t be afraid to mix it up. This can help you find your own special way to enjoy this favorite dish.

Authentic Italian Chicken Scampi Experience

Indulge in a truly authentic Italian chicken scampi experience. It’s all about using techniques handed down for years. Knowing these can make your dish stand out and taste amazing.

Traditional Techniques

The heart of a former Italian chicken scampi experience is in the tradition. First, pound the chicken breast flat for even cooking. Then, cook it on medium-high for a crispy, seasoned outer layer. Adding white wine or broth to the pan after cooking brings out rich Italian flavors.

Key Italian Ingredients

For a real authentic Italian chicken scampi experience, go for the best, freshest ingredients. You’ll need:

• Chicken Breasts – Boneless and skinless for tenderness.
• Garlic – Mince this up for a bold smell and flavor.
• Butter – Unsalted butter adds a creamy richness.
• White Wine – Choose a quality Chardonnay or go with chicken broth.
• Lemon Juice – Freshly squeeze this for a zesty kick.
• Fresh Herbs – Use basil and parsley for extra taste and color.
• Parmesan Cheese – Grate this fresh on top for a tasty finish.

Chicken Scampi Recipe

Looking for an easy chicken scampi recipe? You’ve found it. This dish, crafted by Natasha Kravchuk, is rated 4.97 out of 5. It’s great for 6 servings and has 551 calories per serving. It’s tasty and will surely satisfy.

1. Ingredients:
   • 1 lb. of angel hair pasta
   • 2 large chicken breasts, sliced
   • 4 tbsp. of butter
   • 6 cloves of garlic, minced
   • 1 cup of dry white wine or chicken broth
   • 1 lemon, juiced
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
   • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
2. Instructions:
   • Cook the angel hair pasta as per package instructions, then set aside after draining.
   • On medium heat, melt 2 tbsp. butter in a skillet. Add chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden.
   • Take out the chicken. Add the other 2 tbsp. butter to the skillet. Sauté garlic until it’s fragrant.
   • Next, pour in the wine or broth. Let it simmer until it’s halved.
   • Put the chicken back in and add lemon juice. Stir to coat the chicken in sauce.
   • Toss in the pasta, mixing so it gets sauce all over. Top with Parmesan and parsley before serving.

This easy chicken scampi recipe is good for you. It offers a mix of nutrients. Here’s the breakdown:

Have fun making and sharing this easy chicken scampi recipe. It’s a crowd pleaser, perfected by many.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can make a tasty chicken scampi at home. The article guides you on the key ingredients, including chicken breasts and white wine. It also explains the cooking steps, which include fresh herbs and spices to make the dish delicious.

It provides info on the nutrition of the meal. Each serving has about 1912 calories but also gives you 111g of protein. The recipe lets you make adjustments, like using your own seasoning mix, to fit your taste and diet.

Making chicken scampi is joyful because it’s simple and uses fresh food. You can cook it for a cozy night or for friends. It’s a dish that makes your home kitchen feel like a fancy restaurant. Enjoy making it with loved ones and savor every bite.