Chicken scampi is a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken with a bright, garlicky lemon sauce, often served over pasta. It’s a flavorful and quick meal perfect for weeknights or impressing guests. If you’ve ever wondered how to make chicken scampi at home, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step with easy-to-follow tips and variations.
What Is Chicken Scampi?
Traditionally, “scampi” refers to shrimp cooked in garlic, butter, and white wine, but chicken scampi has become a popular variation where chicken replaces shrimp. The dish features sautéed chicken in a luscious sauce made from garlic, lemon juice, butter, and white wine or chicken broth. It’s typically served over spaghetti or your favorite pasta, but you can also enjoy it with rice, mashed potatoes, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a basic list of ingredients for a classic chicken scampi:
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
– All-purpose flour (for dredging)
– Salt and black pepper
– Olive oil and butter
– Garlic cloves, thinly sliced or minced
– Dry white wine or chicken broth
– Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest
– Fresh parsley, chopped
– Parmesan cheese (optional)
– Pasta (spaghetti or linguine) or alternative like zucchini noodles
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Scampi
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, chop your garlic and parsley, zest and juice your lemon, and season your chicken. Dredge the chicken pieces lightly in flour seasoned with salt and pepper, shaking off any excess. This helps create a nice crust when sautéed.
2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water will help your sauce cling beautifully to the pasta later.
3. Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat a combination of butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce
Using the same pan, add a bit more butter if needed and sauté the garlic until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the liquid reduce by half, concentrating the flavors.
Add lemon juice, zest, and chopped parsley, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Off the heat, swirl in a little more butter for richness.
5. Combine and Serve
Return the chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce to coat well. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with some reserved pasta water if needed, and toss everything together to combine.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like.
Tips and Variations for Perfect Chicken Scampi
– Chicken Choice: You can use chicken tenders, cutlets, or breasts cut into strips. Just be sure to cook them evenly.
– Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth works well and keeps the sauce flavorful.
– Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles (“zoodles”) to make a lighter, keto-friendly meal.
– Creamy Version: For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the sauce, simmering until thickened.
– Add Veggies: Toss in sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
– Reheating: Warm leftovers gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce moist.
Why You’ll Love Making Chicken Scampi at Home
– Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
– Customizable: Adjust the sauce richness, pasta type, and add-ins to suit your taste.
– Impressively Flavorful: Garlic, lemon, and wine create a bright, savory sauce that feels gourmet.
– Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and elegant.
Chicken scampi is a delightful dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen with minimal effort. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try a creamy or low-carb twist, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
Enjoy your cooking and bon appétit!