Chicken Scampi is a flavorful, Italian-inspired dish that features tender chicken bites in a garlicky, buttery sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels gourmet. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc is a good choice)
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 12 ounces thin spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- ⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Coat Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and Italian seasoning. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat Oil and Butter:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and sizzling.
- Cook Chicken:
- Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Add Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Wine and Red Pepper Flakes:
- Pour in the dry white wine and add the red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- Cook Spaghetti:
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the thin spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the chicken with the sauce.
- Add Lemon Juice and Parsley:
- Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley.
- Add Pasta:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine everything evenly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese:
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and chicken. Toss gently to combine.
- Season:
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve
- Plate the Dish:
- Serve the Chicken Scampi hot, garnished with extra chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Chicken Scampi!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Chicken Substitute: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp for a classic Shrimp Scampi.
- Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth.
- Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
Variations
Creamy Chicken Scampi
- Add Cream:
- For a creamy version, add ½ cup of heavy cream to the sauce after adding the wine.
Veggie Chicken Scampi
- Add Vegetables:
- Add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
Gluten-Free Chicken Scampi
- Use Gluten-Free Pasta:
- Substitute the regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend to coat the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
With Bread
- Garlic Bread:
- Serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.
With Salad
- Side Salad:
- Pair with a fresh green salad or Caesar salad for a balanced meal.
With Wine
- Wine Pairing:
- Enjoy with a glass of the same dry white wine used in the recipe, such as Sauvignon Blanc.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: While this dish is best served fresh, you can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover Chicken Scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze this dish? A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before combining with freshly cooked pasta.
Q: What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese? A: You can substitute Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for a different flavor.
Chicken Scampi is a quick, easy, and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken, garlicky sauce, and flavorful Parmesan cheese, this meal is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful recipe!