Chicken Scampi

This Chicken Scampi is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken with tender angel hair pasta in a luscious garlic butter sauce. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this recipe boasts restaurant-quality flavors right at home. With vibrant vegetables and creamy sauce, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken:
• For the Pasta & Sauce:
• For Garnish
• How to Make Chicken Scampi
• Step 1: Cook the Pasta
• Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 3: Make the Sauce
• Step 4: Combine & Serve
• How to Serve Chicken Scampi
• On a Bed of Greens
• With Crusty Bread
• In Individual Bowls
• With a Zesty Twist
• How to Perfect Chicken Scampi
• Best Side Dishes for Chicken Scampi
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Chicken Scampi
• Reheating Chicken Scampi
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use frozen chicken for Chicken Scampi?
• What can I substitute for white wine in Chicken Scampi?
• How do I make Chicken Scampi gluten-free?
• Can I make this Chicken Scampi recipe dairy-free?
• What is the best type of pasta for Chicken Scampi?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This Chicken Scampi can be ready in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The buttery garlic sauce, enhanced with white wine and cream, delivers a rich taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this recipe by swapping chicken for shrimp or adding your favorite vegetables.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its colorful presentation and delicious flavors, this dish is perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy meal.
• Easy Clean-Up: Made in one skillet, this recipe minimizes dishes while maximizing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need to prepare Chicken Scampi.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium-sized pot
• Shallow dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Ideal for searing chicken and creating the sauce, ensuring everything cooks evenly.
• Medium-sized pot: Perfect for boiling pasta without overcrowding, allowing it to cook properly.
• Shallow dish: Useful for dredging the chicken evenly in seasoned flour, ensuring a perfect coating.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ pounds (650g) chicken tenderloins (mini chicken fillets in the UK)
• ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 8 ounces (225g) angel hair pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 red onion, sliced into half-moons
• ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• ½ cup (120ml) dry white wine (Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc recommended)
• ½ cup (120ml) whipping cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Chicken Scampi

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a medium-sized pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions.
3. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a shallow dish, mix the flour with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Dredge the chicken tenders in the seasoned flour until coated evenly.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Sear the chicken for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onion and bell peppers; cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Stir in crushed garlic; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in white wine; scrape up any browned bits from the skillet and simmer for about 4 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Stir in reserved pasta water and whipping cream; once simmering, add Parmesan cheese along with remaining salt and chili flakes if using.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

1. Toss cooked pasta into the sauce until well coated.
2. Return chicken to skillet, nestling it into the pasta mixture.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving warm.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Scampi! This rich dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation!

How to Serve Chicken Scampi

Serving Chicken Scampi is an art that can elevate your dining experience. This dish is not only visually appealing but also versatile in how you can present it. Here are some serving suggestions to make your Chicken Scampi shine.

On a Bed of Greens

• Fresh Spinach: Serve the Chicken Scampi over a bed of wilted spinach for a nutritious twist.
• Mixed Greens: Pair with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

With Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Offer warm garlic bread on the side for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Baguette Slices: Serve sliced baguette as a crunchy accompaniment to the creamy pasta.

In Individual Bowls

• Personalized Servings: Present each portion in individual bowls for an elegant touch at dinner parties.
• Layered Presentation: Layer chicken, pasta, and sauce separately for an eye-catching display.

With a Zesty Twist

• Lemon Wedges: Add lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze fresh juice over their dish.
• Chili Flakes: Offer extra chili flakes on the table for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

How to Perfect Chicken Scampi

To achieve restaurant-quality Chicken Scampi at home, follow these simple tips. These will help you master this delightful dish and impress your family or guests.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken and vegetables to enhance flavor.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook the angel hair pasta al dente to maintain its texture when combined with the sauce.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your sauce before serving; adjust salt and pepper to suit your preference.
• Simmer Sauces Gently: Allow sauces to simmer slowly for richer flavors; avoid boiling which can alter the texture.
• Garnish Generously: Use fresh parsley and extra Parmesan as garnishes for added color and flavor.
• Experiment with Proteins: Try swapping out chicken for shrimp or even scallops for a delightful variation.

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Best Side Dishes for Chicken Scampi

Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Scampi enhances the meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement this flavorful dish perfectly.

1. Caesar Salad: A classic salad with crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons adds freshness.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli provides both color and nutrients alongside the creamy pasta.
3. Roasted Asparagus: Tossed in olive oil and garlic, roasted asparagus brings earthy flavors that balance well.
4. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing side.
5. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort alongside the dish.
6. Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, serve zucchini noodles as a substitute or alongside traditional pasta.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Scampi, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Not seasoning the flour: Failing to season the flour means your chicken may lack flavor. Always mix in salt and spices to enhance taste.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta too long can lead to mushiness. Follow package instructions closely for perfect texture.
• Using low-quality wine: A poor-quality wine can ruin the sauce’s flavor. Opt for a good dry white wine for the best results.
• Skipping the reserved pasta water: This starchy water helps bind the sauce and pasta together. Always reserve some before draining.
• Ignoring the resting time for chicken: Cutting into chicken too soon can result in dry meat. Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store Chicken Scampi in an airtight container.
• item It lasts for about 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Chicken Scampi

• item You can freeze Chicken Scampi for up to 2 months.
• item Use freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Chicken Scampi

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about making Chicken Scampi? Here are some answers!

Can I use frozen chicken for Chicken Scampi?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken but ensure it is fully thawed before cooking for even results.

What can I substitute for white wine in Chicken Scampi?

You can replace white wine with an equal amount of chicken stock mixed with grape or apple juice.

How do I make Chicken Scampi gluten-free?

Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta.

Can I make this Chicken Scampi recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of whipping cream and omit Parmesan cheese.

What is the best type of pasta for Chicken Scampi?

Angel hair pasta works best due to its light texture, but you can also use linguine or spaghetti.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Scampi recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will impress family and friends alike. It’s not only quick and easy but also versatile, allowing you to customize ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you add more vegetables or substitute proteins, this dish is sure to become a favorite!