Chicken Scampi

This Chicken Scampi recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that brings restaurant-quality dining right into your home. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish features succulent chicken tenderloins, angel hair pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce. With its vibrant colors and creamy texture, Chicken Scampi is sure to impress family and friends alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This meal can be made in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Flavorful Combination: The buttery garlic sauce paired with juicy chicken and fresh vegetables creates a delicious medley of flavors.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it with pasta or as a low-carb option with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its rich taste and beautiful presentation make it perfect for entertaining guests.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or adjust veggies to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking more enjoyable and efficient. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this Chicken Scampi.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium-sized pot
• Shallow dish for dredging
• Cooking spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Ideal for searing chicken and making the sauce, ensuring everything cooks evenly.
• Medium-sized pot: Perfect for boiling pasta quickly while allowing sufficient space.
• Shallow dish: Great for dredging the chicken in seasoned flour without making a mess.

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

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

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

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

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine while scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Simmer for about 4 minutes to reduce slightly. 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

Toss cooked pasta into the sauce until evenly coated. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Enjoy your flavorful Chicken Scampi!

How to Serve Chicken Scampi

Chicken Scampi is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors and presentation. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual family meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your Chicken Scampi experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Basil: Adds a burst of freshness and a fragrant aroma.
• Parsley Sprinkles: A classic garnish that enhances the dish’s visual appeal.

Over Garlic Bread

• Toasted Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce, adding a crunchy texture.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: For an indulgent twist, top with melted cheese before serving.

Accompanied by a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad complements the richness of the Chicken Scampi beautifully.
• Mixed Greens: Lightly dressed mixed greens provide a refreshing contrast.

In a Bowl

• Pasta Bowl Presentation: Serve in large bowls for an inviting, cozy look that encourages sharing.
• Individual Plates: For more formal occasions, serve on individual plates with garnishes for each guest.

How to Perfect Chicken Scampi

Creating the perfect Chicken Scampi requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your dish turns out restaurant-quality every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, herbs, and vegetables will maximize flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Aim for juicy chicken by cooking it just until golden brown.
• Reserve Pasta Water: This helps create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
• Balance Flavors with Wine: A good quality dry white wine enhances the sauce’s depth without overpowering it.
• Adjust Creaminess: Feel free to modify the amount of cream based on your preference for richness.
• Garnish Generously: Fresh herbs not only look great but also add freshness and flavor to each bite.

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Best Side Dishes for Chicken Scampi

Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Scampi can create a complete dining experience. Here are some ideal accompaniments that complement this flavorful dish perfectly.

1. Garlic Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender adds color and nutrients.
2. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus gives a fresh crunch alongside the creamy pasta.
3. Lemon Rice Pilaf: The zesty flavors of lemon rice bring brightness that contrasts well with richness.
4. Caprese Salad: Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil create a refreshing side option.
5. Baked Zucchini Fries: Crispy zucchini fries offer a healthy alternative to traditional fries while being deliciously addictive.
6. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts seasoned with balsamic glaze provide an earthy flavor balance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Scampi, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Pasta Water: Not reserving pasta water can lead to a sauce that’s too thick. Always keep some aside for adjusting the consistency.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Aim for a golden brown crust and check for doneness around 165°F (75°C).
• Using Low-Quality Wine: A cheap wine may ruin the flavor of your sauce. Choose a good-quality dry white wine for the best taste.
• Neglecting to Season Properly: Forgetting salt and pepper can result in bland Chicken Scampi. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you cook.
• Not Following the Order of Ingredients: Adding ingredients out of order can affect texture and flavor. Stick to the recipe’s sequence for better results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken Scampi in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Scampi

• Freeze Chicken Scampi in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be kept frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chicken Scampi

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, reheating until warm.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed, until warmed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Chicken Scampi.

What is Chicken Scampi?

Chicken Scampi is a delicious dish featuring pan-seared chicken served over pasta with a rich garlic butter sauce made with white wine and cream.

Can I use other proteins in Chicken Scampi?

Yes! You can easily swap chicken for shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian version while maintaining that classic scampi flavor.

How do I make Chicken Scampi healthier?

To make it healthier, consider using whole grain pasta or serving over zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.

What wine works best for Chicken Scampi?

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the flavors beautifully. Avoid sweet wines as they can alter the taste.

Final Thoughts

This colorful and creamy Chicken Scampi is not just easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables or trying different proteins. Give this recipe a try, and it might just become your new favorite dinner option!

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