Chicken Scampi Garlicky Goodness in Minutes
Chicken Scampi Recipe: Garlicky Goodness in Minutes!
Ever crave that restaurant quality scampi flavour without the hassle? Honestly, sometimes I do! Our chicken scampi recipe hits that spot. It gives you all that garlicky, buttery deliciousness, but with juicy chicken.
What's the Deal with This Chicken Scampi?
This ain't your grandma's classic Italian recipe. It does bring those coastal flavours, minus the airfare! It is a clever riff on traditional shrimp scampi.
Think of it as a weeknight dinner that's still fancy enough for company.
This easy chicken scampi recipe is simple. You'll only need about 35 minutes from start to finish. This serves about four people. Share the chicken scampi pasta love!
Why You'll Love This Chicken Scampi
Besides being incredibly tasty, this chicken scampi is packed with protein. It makes it a fulfilling and delicious meal. It is a dish that feels special but takes minimal effort.
If you are looking for garlic butter chicken scampi , this is the recipe to go.
It's perfect for those busy weeknights. You know, when you want something comforting. It will be on the table fast.
What makes this recipe special is the sauce. It is rich and flavorful. It elevates simple chicken.
Let's Talk Ingredients
You will need chicken breasts, olive oil, butter, and plenty of garlic. Don't skimp on the garlic! White wine, chicken broth, lemon juice, and parsley round out the sauce.
It will make your lemon garlic chicken pasta irresistible. Pasta, of course, is essential. Linguine is my go-to. But spaghetti works great too.
And a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese? Chef's kiss! It will add some extra aroma in your Italian chicken scampi recipe .
Ingredients & Equipment
So, you wanna try this chicken scampi recipe ? Ace! Let's get our ducks in a row. Good ingredients and the right kit are half the battle, innit?
Main Ingredients Breakdown
Here's what you need, down to the nitty gritty. Don't skimp on the good stuff. It makes a difference, honestly.
- Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs (680g) , boneless and skinless, cubed into 1 inch (2.5cm) pieces. Fresh is best, obvs! Make sure it smells, you know, chickeny and not fishy.
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (30ml) . Extra virgin is boss here. It's got more flavor.
- Butter: 4 tbsp (56g) , unsalted. Real butter, not that spreadable stuff in a tub.
- Garlic: 6 cloves , minced. Freshly minced, please! The jarred stuff just doesn't cut it.
- Dry White Wine: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are good choices. It doesn't have to be expensive. Just drinkable. I sometimes use leftover wine, you know?
- Chicken Broth: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Low sodium is preferable. We don't need to add more salt than necessary.
- Lemon Juice: 2 tbsp (30ml) , freshly squeezed. The bottled stuff lacks that zing.
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup (15g) , chopped. Adds a pop of colour and freshness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional). For a bit of a kick.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy!
- Linguine or Spaghetti: 1 lb (454g) . Your fave pasta.
- Parmesan Cheese: For serving, grated. The real deal, not that powdery stuff.
Spice It Up: Seasoning Notes
Okay, let's talk flavour bombs! Garlic and lemon are non-negotiable in this garlic butter chicken scampi . Red pepper flakes add a nice warmth.
I sometimes sneak in a pinch of dried oregano for that Italian chicken scampi recipe feel. If you don't have white wine, a splash more chicken broth will do in a pinch, but the wine really adds something special.
Essential Tools
Right, here's what you'll need to get the job done:
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: For cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
- Large Pot: For cooking the pasta.
- Colander: To drain the pasta.
Don't have a fancy skillet? No worries. Any large pan will do! I've used a wok before, honestly. If you're making a quick chicken scampi dinner , simple is key.
Cooking Method: Sautéing Chicken for Scampi Perfection
Hey, you guys! Ever crave that restaurant quality chicken scampi recipe without the hefty bill? Yeah, me too! Today, we're breaking down the sauté technique for ridiculously tender, flavour packed chicken.
This is the key ingredient in a delicious, fast dinner. Trust me, it's easier than you think, and by the end, you will be able to easily prepare your easy chicken scampi recipe !
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic
Firstly, get your station set! Chop 1.5 lbs (680g) of chicken breasts into bite sized cubes. Mince those 6 cloves of garlic (fresh, please, it makes ALL the difference!).
Chop your 1/4 cup (15g) parsley. Salt and pepper those lovely chicken cubes. Having everything ready is key and will make you create a quick chicken scampi dinner !.
Honestly, good prep is half the battle, right? Plus, I've learnt that prepped ingredients in containers is a great time saver.
step-by-step Sautéing for Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
Time to cook!
- Heat 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Don’t be shy!
- Add the seasoned chicken. Don't overcrowd the pan; you will achieve the best results.
- Sauté the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. This should take 5- 7 minutes . Internal temperature must reach 165° F ( 74° C) for safety. I swear, don't let your chicken be like that time I left my sausages on the barbeque and they got a tan.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside. We're going to cook the sauce in the same pan!
- Get ready to enjoy the best chicken scampi pasta!
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Scampi
Here's the secret sauce (pun intended!): Don't overcook the chicken! You want it juicy, not rubbery. Also, deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup (60ml) of white wine (Sauvignon Blanc works great!).
This lifts all those yummy browned bits from the bottom and adds a layer of complexity that'll make people think you're a culinary genius.
Looking for some shortcuts? You can prep the chicken and chop the parsley earlier in the day. Store them separately in the fridge.
Garlic butter chicken scampi can be also made using pre-cooked chicken to speed up the process. Oh, my gosh, that's easy!
So, next time you're craving that Italian chicken scampi recipe , give this sauté technique a try. You'll have a delicious, restaurant worthy meal on the table in no time. Happy cooking!
Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Chicken Scampi Recipe
Let's chat about getting this chicken scampi recipe just right. Think of these notes as your personal cheatsheet! Honestly, these tips are game changers.
This easy chicken scampi recipe is about to become your new best friend.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Presentation matters, you know? Oh my gosh, I love a good looking plate.
- Plating Ideas: Twirl the chicken scampi pasta into a nest on your plate. Spoon over extra sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh parsley. It is just beautiful.
- Sides: Garlic bread . Need I say more? A light salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Think asparagus too. It pairs great with the white wine sauce.
- Drinks: A chilled Pinot Grigio. Sparkling water with lemon is a refreshing non-alcoholic choice too.
Storage Tips: Making it Last
Leftovers? Lucky you! This Italian chicken scampi recipe tastes amazing even the next day.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Honestly, I don't recommend freezing the cooked pasta. The sauce alone freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems dry. Don't forget to stir.
Variations: Your Scampi, Your Way
Okay, so maybe you’re not into certain ingredients. It's cool. Let's adapt the recipe.
- Dietary: For a lighter dish, use whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles. Swap butter with olive oil, and reduce the cheese. This quick chicken scampi dinner is perfect for everyone.
- Seasonal: In the summer, add some cherry tomatoes to the sauce for a burst of freshness. In the fall, butternut squash would be a fab addition.
Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food
I am not a dietician. But hey, I can share some general pointers.
- This garlic butter chicken scampi is high in protein. It's coming from the chicken, of course.
- It also contains carbs from the pasta. Remember to use wholewheat if you want to go light on the carbs.
- It is also not that high in fat. Be mindful of portion sizes if you're watching your weight.
So, there you have it! With these notes in mind, your chicken scampi without shrimp is destined to be a hit.
Go get those pans hot and cooking. You've totally got this! This will be perfect with linguine with this chicken scampi with linguine
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chicken scampi recipe ahead of time?
While this chicken scampi recipe is best served fresh, you can prep some components ahead of time. You can chop the chicken and mince the garlic earlier in the day. Cooking it right before serving ensures the chicken stays juicy and the pasta doesn't get soggy.
Think of it like queuing for Wimbledon, it's always best to be prepared, but not too early!
What's the best way to store leftover chicken scampi?
Leftover chicken scampi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Be careful not to overcook the chicken when reheating.
You could also consider freezing smaller portions to ensure it's as fresh as possible each time.
I don't have white wine. What can I substitute in this chicken scampi recipe?
If you don't have white wine on hand, no worries! You can substitute with an equal amount of chicken broth (low-sodium is best), or even a mixture of chicken broth and a tablespoon of lemon juice for a bit of acidity. Remember to still deglaze the pan to get all those tasty bits up.
It's like substituting tea for coffee - you might not get the exact same taste, but you can still get a warming and lovely beverage.
Can I make this chicken scampi recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this chicken scampi gluten-free, simply substitute the regular pasta with your favourite gluten-free pasta. Ensure that your chicken broth is also gluten-free. With these simple swaps, you can enjoy all the garlicky, buttery goodness without any gluten.
Consider it as easy as finding a gluten-free alternative to afternoon tea scones, without needing to miss out on a traditional British classic!
How can I make my chicken scampi sauce thicker?
If your chicken scampi sauce isn't thick enough, there are a few tricks you can try. First, let the sauce simmer a bit longer to reduce further. You can also create a slurry by mixing a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce until it thickens.
Another option is to add a knob of butter at the very end, which can help emulsify and thicken the sauce. It's like giving your gravy that perfect, silky smoothness a chef's secret!
Chicken Scampi Garlicky Goodness In Minutes
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550-650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-30g |
| Fiber | 0g |
