Chicken Scampi

This vibrant Chicken Scampi is perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to a festive gathering with friends. This dish combines the rich flavors of pan-seared chicken and creamy garlic sauce with colorful bell peppers, creating a meal that truly impresses. Quick and easy to prepare, this Chicken Scampi will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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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:
• 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
• With Garlic Bread
• Over a Bed of Spinach
• Accompanied by a Garden Salad
• Topped with Extra Parmesan
• Served with Lemon Wedges
• Pairing with White Wine
• 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
• What is Chicken Scampi?
• Can I use different proteins in my Chicken Scampi?
• How do I make Chicken Scampi healthier?
• What should I serve with Chicken Scampi?
• Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking Time: With just 25 minutes needed from prep to table, this recipe fits perfectly into busy weeknights.
• Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The rich buttery garlic sauce paired with tender chicken elevates your dining experience without breaking the bank.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize this dish by swapping the chicken for shrimp or using zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
• Colorful Presentation: The addition of vibrant bell peppers not only enhances flavor but also makes the dish visually appealing.
• Easy Cleanup: One skillet cooking means less mess and more time enjoying your meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious Chicken Scampi, gather the necessary tools to make the cooking process smooth and effective.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium pot
• Shallow dish for dredging
• Cooking spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Allows for even cooking of chicken and quick preparation of the sauce in one pan.
• Medium pot: Essential for boiling pasta while avoiding crowding in the skillet.
• Shallow dish: Makes it easy to coat chicken evenly with seasoned flour before cooking.

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)
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped

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; then drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a shallow dish, mix together 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 skillet, cover, and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet used for chicken, 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 while scraping up browned bits from the skillet; 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 desired.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

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

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Scampi—it’s sure to impress!

How to Serve Chicken Scampi

Chicken Scampi is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your Chicken Scampi experience.

With Garlic Bread

• Freshly toasted garlic bread pairs perfectly, allowing you to soak up the delicious buttery sauce.

Over a Bed of Spinach

• Serving Chicken Scampi on a bed of fresh spinach adds a nice crunch and a pop of color to your plate.

Accompanied by a Garden Salad

• A light garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish.

Topped with Extra Parmesan

• For cheese lovers, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top enhances the flavor and adds creaminess.

Served with Lemon Wedges

• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the sauce beautifully.

Pairing with White Wine

• Enjoying your Chicken Scampi with a glass of dry white wine will enhance the flavors and create an elegant dining experience.

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How to Perfect Chicken Scampi

To make your Chicken Scampi truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips that ensure every bite is packed with flavor and texture.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs, garlic, and produce make a significant difference in flavor compared to dried or packaged options.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and achieve that perfect golden sear.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your sauce before serving; add more salt or spices as needed for balanced flavor.
• Reserve pasta water wisely: The starchy pasta water helps thicken the sauce, creating that creamy consistency without needing extra flour or cream.
• Experiment with proteins: For variety, try swapping chicken for shrimp or scallops for different textures and tastes.
• Garnish generously: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances freshness; don’t hold back!

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Scampi

Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Scampi can enhance the meal and provide additional flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and complement the richness of the scampi.
2. Roasted Asparagus: Bright green asparagus spears roasted until tender add both flavor and nutrition, making them an excellent choice.
3. Caprese Salad: This refreshing salad made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil offers a light contrast to the creamy scampi.
4. Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, serve your Chicken Scampi over zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.
5. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil creates a vibrant appetizer that pairs well with chicken.
6. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while balancing out the rich flavors of the main dish.
7. Couscous Salad: Light couscous tossed with veggies provides an interesting texture and can easily be flavored to match your scampi.
8. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter brings summer vibes to your table and complements any Italian meal beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Scampi, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using the wrong pasta: Using a thicker pasta can lead to uneven cooking and a less satisfying texture. Stick to angel hair or a similar thin pasta for the best results.
• Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Monitor the cooking time closely and remove it from heat as soon as it’s golden brown.
• Skipping the wine: Omitting white wine can reduce the depth of flavor in your sauce. If you’re avoiding alcohol, use a substitute that mimics the acidity and flavor.
• Not reserving pasta water: Forgetting to save pasta water means missing out on an essential ingredient that helps bind your sauce and pasta together. Always reserve some before draining.
• Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Be generous with salt and pepper, and taste your sauce before serving to adjust seasonings as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken Scampi in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure it’s cooled completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Chicken Scampi

• Freeze Chicken Scampi in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Consider portioning it into smaller containers for easier reheating.

Reheating Chicken Scampi

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place Chicken Scampi in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth and reheat while stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Chicken Scampi:

What is Chicken Scampi?

Chicken Scampi is a creamy pasta dish made with tender chicken cooked in a buttery garlic sauce, often served over angel hair pasta.

Can I use different proteins in my Chicken Scampi?

Absolutely! You can swap chicken for shrimp or scallops for a delightful variation that still captures the essence of scampi.

How do I make Chicken Scampi healthier?

To make this dish healthier, consider using whole wheat pasta, reducing the amount of cream, or adding more vegetables like spinach or broccoli.

What should I serve with Chicken Scampi?

Pair your Chicken Scampi with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic bread also makes an excellent side!

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and then simply add cooked chicken and pasta when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This colorful Chicken Scampi not only impresses with its restaurant-quality flavors but also offers versatility. You can easily customize it by swapping proteins or adjusting ingredients based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a cherished part of your dinner rotation!