Chicken Scampi

This Chicken Scampi recipe is a delightful dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your home. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it combines juicy chicken with tender pasta in a creamy garlic sauce. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers make this meal visually appealing, while the blend of white wine and cream creates a rich taste that is hard to resist.

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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 Garnish
• 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
• Classic Garnish
• Side Salad
• Bread Options
• 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 shrimp instead of chicken?
• Is Chicken Scampi healthy?
• How do I customize my Chicken Scampi?
• Can I make Chicken Scampi ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This Chicken Scampi can be made in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
• Rich Flavor: The buttery garlic sauce combined with white wine and Parmesan delivers a restaurant-style flavor.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it with pasta or try it over zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
• Colorful Presentation: Bright bell peppers not only enhance the taste but also add visual appeal to your plate.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a creamy pasta dish, ensuring this will be a hit at the dinner table!

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this Chicken Scampi, you will need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium-sized pot
• Shallow dish for dredging
• Pasta tongs or slotted spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Skillet: Ideal for searing chicken and making the sauce all in one pan, enhancing flavor without extra cleanup.
• Medium-Sized Pot: Perfect for boiling pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Shallow Dish: Provides ample space for dredging chicken, ensuring even coating with flour.

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

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. Drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a shallow dish, mix the 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 and cover to keep warm.

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, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the skillet; simmer for about 4 minutes until reduced slightly.
5. Stir in reserved pasta water and whipping cream; once simmering, add Parmesan cheese and remaining salt along with chili flakes if desired.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

1. Toss cooked pasta into sauce until evenly coated.
2. Return chicken to skillet and nestle into pasta mixture.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving warm.

Now you have an easy-to-follow Chicken Scampi recipe that’s bound to impress! Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!

How to Serve Chicken Scampi

Serving Chicken Scampi is a delightful experience, as this dish can be paired with various sides and garnishes to enhance its rich flavors. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your meal.

Classic Garnish

• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve alongside lemon wedges for a zesty kick that complements the buttery sauce.

Side Salad

• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad pairs wonderfully with Chicken Scampi, balancing the creamy sauce with crunchy greens.
• Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a light and refreshing contrast.

Bread Options

• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Crusty French Baguette: Slices of baguette provide a hearty option to enjoy with your meal.

How to Perfect Chicken Scampi

To make your Chicken Scampi truly outstanding, consider these helpful tips. Each one will ensure delicious results every time you prepare this dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ripe bell peppers enhance the flavor significantly.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Searing until golden brown keeps the chicken tender and juicy.
• Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water helps thicken the sauce and bind it to the pasta.
• Simmer Wine Properly: Allowing the wine to reduce brings out its natural sweetness while removing any harsh alcohol taste.
• Experiment with Cheese: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or add a mix for added depth of flavor.

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Best Side Dishes for Chicken Scampi

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Scampi can elevate your dining experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutrition and a vibrant green color.
2. Roasted Asparagus: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of asparagus while adding texture.
3. Herb Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
4. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that soaks up every bit of sauce.
5. Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, serve your chicken over zucchini noodles for a fresh twist.
6. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cheeses, and cured meats offers variety and excitement to your table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Scampi, it’s easy to overlook a few crucial steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish.

• Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to season your chicken can result in bland flavors. Always season the flour mixture generously before coating the chicken.
• Overcooking the pasta: If you cook your pasta too long, it will become mushy. Follow package instructions for al dente pasta, which holds up better in sauces.
• Not reserving pasta water: Forgetting to save some pasta water can hinder your sauce’s creaminess. This starchy water helps bind the sauce and pasta together.
• Using low-quality wine: Substituting with poor wine can compromise flavor. Choose a dry white wine you would enjoy drinking for the best results.
• Rushing the sauce: Cooking the sauce too quickly can lead to uneven flavors. Allow it to simmer gently so that all ingredients meld beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken Scampi in an airtight container.
• It will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Ensure it has cooled before sealing the container.

Freezing Chicken Scampi

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Label your container with the date for reference.

Reheating Chicken Scampi

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warm. Use a microwave-safe dish.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over low heat, stir gently until warmed through, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Scampi?

Chicken Scampi is a delicious dish featuring pan-seared chicken combined with angel hair pasta in a rich garlic butter sauce, often enhanced by white wine and cream.

Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?

Yes! For a delightful variation, substitute shrimp for chicken. Just adjust cooking time accordingly as shrimp cooks faster.

Is Chicken Scampi healthy?

Chicken Scampi can be made healthier by using less butter and cream or opting for vegetable noodles instead of pasta.

How do I customize my Chicken Scampi?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also adjust spices according to your preference.

Can I make Chicken Scampi ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time and combine them just before serving for optimal taste.

Final Thoughts

This colorful and creamy Chicken Scampi is perfect for any dinner occasion! Its versatility allows you to customize with different proteins or veggies. Try this recipe today, and enjoy restaurant-quality flavors at home!

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