Indulge in the delightful flavors of Chicken Scampi, a mouthwatering Italian-inspired dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Bursting with garlic, buttery goodness, and tangy lemon, this recipe is a perfect balance of savory and refreshing. Join us as we explore how to make this delicious Chicken Scampi from scratch, along with tips, variations, and answers to your most frequently asked questions!
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc is a good choice)
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 12 ounces thin spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- ⅔ cup grated Parmesan Cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour and Italian seasoning. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then dredge them in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Deglaze the skillet with the dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to simmer for 2-3 minutes, until slightly reduced.
- Stir in the red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Cook the Pasta:
- While the chicken is cooking, cook the thin spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and toss again to incorporate.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- Serve the Chicken Scampi hot, garnished with extra chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy the burst of flavors with each delightful bite!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Use Shrimp Instead:
- For a seafood twist, substitute shrimp for the chicken. Simply cook the shrimp until pink and opaque, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
- Add Vegetables:
- Enhance the dish with colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach. Simply sauté them with the garlic before adding the wine and chicken.
- Make it Creamy:
- For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the skillet along with the wine and chicken broth.
- Low Carb Version:
- Replace the thin spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a low-carb version of Chicken Scampi. You can also reduce the amount of flour used to coat the chicken or omit it altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe? A: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are commonly used for Chicken Scampi, you can certainly use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts if preferred. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked through.
Q: What can I use instead of white wine? A: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth for the white wine in this recipe. Alternatively, you can use a combination of broth and a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover Chicken Scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through before serving.
Q: Can I freeze Chicken Scampi? A: While Chicken Scampi can be frozen, the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. If you do choose to freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Chicken Scampi is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful combination of tender chicken, garlic-infused sauce, and tangy lemon, it’s sure to delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try and experience the irresistible flavors of Chicken Scampi today!
More Tips and Tricks:
- Experiment with Herbs:
- Feel free to customize the flavor of the dish by adding your favorite herbs and spices. Fresh basil, thyme, or oregano would make delightful additions to the sauce.
- Make it Keto-Friendly:
- To make a keto-friendly version of Chicken Scampi, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for dredging the chicken. Serve the dish over sautéed spinach or cauliflower rice instead of pasta for a low-carb meal option.
- Double the Recipe:
- This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd or to have leftovers for future meals. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and use a larger skillet or pot for cooking.
