Chicken Scampi Recipe: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish
Chicken Scampi is a delicious and creamy dish, combining juicy chicken with a rich garlic butter sauce. A flavorful twist on classic shrimp scampi, this dish is perfect for any pasta lover. Serve it with your favorite pasta or a side of fresh vegetables for a complete meal. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, Chicken Scampi is the ideal dinner option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version)
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 8 oz pasta (such as linguine or spaghetti), cooked (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Create the creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest, then add red pepper flakes if using. Let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and Parmesan cheese (if using) until smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon some sauce over it, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. If desired, serve the chicken scampi over cooked pasta, drizzling the sauce over the top.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture in the dish.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- This recipe pairs perfectly with pasta, but it can also be served with rice or vegetables for a low-carb option.
- For a more pronounced garlic flavor, you can add an extra clove or two of garlic.
