Chicken Scampi is a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken strips with a savory garlic and butter sauce, served over linguine pasta. This recipe puts a delightful twist on the traditional dish, offering a burst of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up this mouthwatering meal in no time. Let’s dive into how to create this delectable Chicken Scampi that will surely become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
8 ounces linguine pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Cook linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season chicken breast strips with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté seasoned chicken strips in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in chicken broth and white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. Return cooked chicken to skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Add cooked linguine pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the chicken and sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Serving Tips:
Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle additional chopped parsley or freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the plated Chicken Scampi for a visually appealing presentation.
Pair with Complementary Sides: Serve the Chicken Scampi alongside a variety of side dishes such as garlic bread, steamed vegetables, or a crisp green salad to round out the meal.
Offer Bread for Sauce Dipping: Provide crusty bread or breadsticks on the side for soaking up any leftover garlic butter sauce—it’s too delicious to waste!
Customize to Taste: Encourage diners to customize their plates with additional toppings like crushed red pepper flakes for added heat or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness.
Storage Tips:
Refrigerate Properly: Store any leftover Chicken Scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure that it cools to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation and sogginess.
Reheat with Care: Reheat the leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
Freeze for Future Enjoyment: If you have a surplus of Chicken Scampi, consider freezing individual portions in freezer-safe containers for longer-term storage. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw Safely: When ready to enjoy frozen leftovers, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or defrost them in the microwave using the appropriate setting.
Reheat and Enjoy: Reheat the thawed Chicken Scampi in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a splash of chicken broth or olive oil if needed to revive the flavors and prevent dryness.
Related Recipes:
- Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
- Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine pasta is traditionally used in Chicken Scampi, you can easily swap it out for your favorite pasta variety such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta shape.
Can I omit the white wine from the recipe?
Yes, you can omit the white wine if you prefer. The wine adds depth of flavor to the sauce, but the dish will still be delicious without it. You can simply increase the amount of chicken broth to compensate for the omitted wine or just leave it out entirely.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The amount of red pepper flakes added to the recipe is relatively small (just 1/4 teaspoon), so it adds a subtle hint of heat without being overwhelming. However, if you’re sensitive to spice or prefer a milder dish, you can omit the red pepper flakes altogether, and the Chicken Scampi will still be flavorful and enjoyable.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While Chicken Scampi is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare certain components ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. You can cook the chicken strips and prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and serve the dish. Simply reheat the components gently on the stove and toss with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to enjoy. Keep in mind that the pasta should be cooked just before serving to maintain its optimal texture.
Conclusion:
With its tender chicken strips, savory garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine pasta, this Chicken Scampi recipe is a surefire way to please your palate. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is both impressive and incredibly easy to make. Give it a try and savor the rich flavors of this delightful Italian-inspired creation. Enjoy!
📖 Recipe:
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Chicken Scampi
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Tantalize your taste buds with this savory Chicken Scampi recipe featuring tender linguine pasta, succulent chicken breast strips, and a flavorful blend of garlic, butter, and herbs. Perfect for a delicious family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its simple yet vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
8 ounces linguine pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook linguine pasta until al dente, then set aside.
- Season chicken breast strips with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown.
- In the same skillet, create a fragrant garlic butter sauce with chicken broth, white wine, lemon juice, and parsley.
- Combine cooked chicken and linguine with the sauce, toss until well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For an extra kick of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Customize with your favorite pasta shape or additional veggies for a personalized touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
