Chicken Scampi

Chicken Scampi is a flavorful twist on the classic Shrimp Scampi, featuring tender, pan-seared chicken instead of seafood. The dish is paired with delicate angel hair pasta and tossed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. A splash of dry white wine, a touch of cream, and freshly grated Parmesan add depth, creating a luxurious yet simple meal.

Vibrant bell peppers and red onions give this dish a pop of color and a subtle sweetness, balancing out the savory garlic butter sauce. With its creamy texture and restaurant-quality taste, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes.
• Rich and Flavorful – A perfect balance of garlic, butter, and Parmesan.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home – Tastes like a dish from your favorite Italian restaurant.
• Versatile – Easily swap chicken for shrimp or use zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Skillet – Ideal for searing the chicken and making the sauce.
• Medium Pot – For boiling the pasta.
• Tongs – Useful for flipping the chicken and tossing the pasta in the sauce.
• Whisk – Ensures the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Preparation Tips

• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
• Pound chicken tenderloins slightly to ensure even cooking.
• Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft.
• Reserve pasta water to help emulsify the sauce and enhance its texture.

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Ingredients for Chicken Scampi

For the Chicken

• 1 ½ pounds (650g) chicken tenderloins
• 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

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the angel hair pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken

1. In a shallow dish, mix flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dredge each chicken tenderloin in the flour mixture, coating 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 fully cooked.
5. Remove from the skillet, cover, and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
5. Simmer for about 4 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce slightly.
6. Stir in the reserved pasta water and whipping cream. Let the sauce simmer gently.
7. Add Parmesan cheese, red chili flakes (if using), and the remaining salt. Stir to combine.

4. Combine Everything & Serve

1. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, coating it evenly.
2. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the pasta.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

How to Serve Chicken Scampi

Chicken Scampi is best enjoyed fresh, with its creamy garlic butter sauce coating every strand of angel hair pasta. To enhance its flavor and presentation, consider the following serving ideas:

• Extra Parmesan – A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds depth and richness.
• Fresh Herbs – Chopped parsley or basil brightens the dish.
• Lemon Wedges – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice enhances the flavors and balances the richness of the sauce.
• Drizzle of Olive Oil – A small amount of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can elevate the dish.

Chicken Scampi is a satisfying main course on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides makes for a well-rounded meal.

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Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Even though Chicken Scampi is a relatively simple dish, a few common mistakes can affect its texture and flavor. Here’s how to avoid them:

1. Overcooking the Chicken

Chicken tenderloins cook quickly, and overcooking them can result in dry, tough meat. To prevent this:

• Use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken from the pan when it reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices.

2. Skipping the Pasta Water

The reserved pasta water is crucial for achieving a silky sauce that clings to the pasta. The starch in the water helps emulsify the butter, wine, and cream. Always remember to:

• Save at least 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
• Add it gradually to the sauce, stirring continuously to reach the desired consistency.

3. Using Too Much Flour on the Chicken

Dredging the chicken in flour creates a light crust, but too much flour can lead to a gummy texture in the sauce. To avoid this:

• Shake off any excess flour before placing the chicken in the pan.
• Ensure the flour is evenly distributed for a crisp, golden sear.

4. Overcooking the Pasta

Angel hair pasta cooks quickly, and overcooking it can cause it to break down in the sauce. To get the perfect texture:

• Cook the pasta just until al dente according to package instructions.
• Immediately drain it and toss it with the sauce to prevent sticking.

5. Using the Wrong Type of Wine

White wine adds acidity and depth to the sauce, but using a sweet wine can make the dish taste unbalanced. To ensure the best flavor:

• Use dry white wines like Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc.
• If avoiding alcohol, substitute with ¼ cup chicken broth + ¼ cup white grape juice or apple juice.

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Best Side Dishes for Chicken Scampi

A well-chosen side dish can elevate Chicken Scampi from a simple meal to a full dining experience. Here are some of the best options:

1. Garlic Bread

Crispy garlic bread is the perfect side for soaking up the buttery, garlicky sauce. Make it by toasting slices of baguette or Italian bread with butter, minced garlic, and parsley.

2. Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Toss romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan for a classic pairing.

3. Roasted Asparagus

Lightly roasted asparagus adds a fresh and slightly smoky element. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes.

4. Bruschetta

Fresh bruschetta with diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar makes for a bright and flavorful side dish. Serve it on toasted baguette slices for a light appetizer.

5. Steamed Broccoli

Broccoli’s natural earthiness pairs well with the creamy sauce. Simply steam the florets until tender and toss with butter or lemon juice.

6. Caprese Salad

A simple Caprese salad made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offers a fresh, vibrant complement to Chicken Scampi. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

7. Mashed Cauliflower

For a low-carb alternative, mashed cauliflower is a great substitute for pasta. Blend steamed cauliflower with butter, cream, and Parmesan for a creamy, flavorful side.

8. Sautéed Spinach with Garlic

Quickly sautéed spinach with garlic and olive oil adds a healthy and flavorful side without overpowering the main dish.

Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Scampi

1. Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh garlic, high-quality Parmesan, and good olive oil make a significant difference in flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded varieties, giving the sauce a smoother texture.

2. Don’t Skip the Wine (or Use the Right Substitute)

White wine adds depth to the sauce, but if you need a substitute, use a combination of chicken broth and white grape juice or apple juice to maintain a slight acidity and sweetness.

3. Balance the Sauce Consistency

The key to a perfect sauce is controlling its thickness. If it’s too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.

4. Toast the Garlic for More Flavor

Instead of just cooking garlic until fragrant, let it toast slightly in the butter for a richer, more complex taste. Be careful not to burn it, as burned garlic turns bitter.

5. Serve Immediately

Chicken Scampi is best enjoyed fresh. The sauce can thicken as it sits, so toss it with the pasta right before serving. If needed, a small splash of cream or pasta water can loosen it up.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

How to Store Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce can separate and become grainy when reheated.

How to Reheat Chicken Scampi

• Stovetop (Best Method): Warm over low heat with a splash of cream, broth, or reserved pasta water, stirring frequently to bring back the sauce’s creamy consistency.
• Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, and add a little cream or water if the sauce seems too thick.
• Oven: Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make Chicken Scampi Without Wine?

Yes. Replace the wine with ¼ cup chicken broth + ¼ cup white grape juice or apple juice to maintain flavor balance.

2. What’s the Best Pasta for Chicken Scampi?

Angel hair pasta is traditional, but linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine work well too. For a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

3. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time and store them separately. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

4. Can I Use a Different Protein?

Yes. Shrimp is a classic alternative, requiring just 2 minutes per side when searing. Thinly sliced boneless pork chops or even tofu can also work.

5. How Can I Make It Spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes to taste, or stir in a teaspoon of hot sauce for more heat.

6. What’s the Best Way to Keep the Sauce Creamy?

Avoid overheating the cream, and always add it after the wine has reduced. Stirring in a bit of reserved pasta water helps keep the sauce from becoming too thick.

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Final Thoughts

Chicken Scampi is a simple yet elegant dish that combines tender chicken, a velvety garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether served as a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner, it delivers rich flavors with minimal effort. With the right techniques, storage methods, and serving ideas, this dish is sure to become a favorite in any kitchen.