Chicken Scampi

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

1. 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

1. 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.
2. 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

1. Add Garlic:
   • In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. 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

1. 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

1. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   • Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the chicken with the sauce.
2. Add Lemon Juice and Parsley:
   • Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley.
3. Add Pasta:
   • Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine everything evenly.
4. Add Parmesan Cheese:
   • Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and chicken. Toss gently to combine.
5. Season:
   • Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve

1. Plate the Dish:
   • Serve the Chicken Scampi hot, garnished with extra chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
2. 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!