Chicken Scampi

This Chicken Scampi is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests. This creamy and flavorful recipe offers a taste of restaurant-quality food right in your home kitchen. With juicy chicken and a rich garlic sauce, it’s sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Chicken Scampi comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Sauce: The combination of white wine, garlic, and cream creates a rich sauce that enhances the chicken and pasta beautifully.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this dish by swapping out chicken for shrimp or adding different vegetables.
• Vibrant Presentation: The colorful bell peppers not only add flavor but also make the dish visually appealing.
• Comfort Food Appeal: Creamy pasta with tender chicken is the ultimate comfort food that everyone will love.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking this Chicken Scampi, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Medium-sized pot
• Shallow dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A large skillet allows you to sear the chicken evenly while making the sauce in one pan.
• Medium-sized pot: Essential for boiling the angel hair pasta without overcrowding.
• Shallow dish: Perfect for dredging the chicken in flour, ensuring an even coating.

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, cover, and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, 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 any browned bits from skillet; simmer for about 4 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Stir in reserved pasta water and whipping cream; once sauce simmers, add Parmesan cheese and remaining salt along with chili flakes if using.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

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

Enjoy this easy Chicken Scampi that captivates with its flavors and beautiful presentation!

How to Serve Chicken Scampi

Chicken Scampi is a delicious dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer a classic presentation or a more creative twist, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Serve with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley enhances the flavor and adds a pop of color.
• Basil Leaves: Fresh basil can provide an aromatic touch that complements the creamy sauce.

Pair with Wine

• White Wine: A glass of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the flavors of Chicken Scampi.
• Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with lemon offers a refreshing balance.

Add Extra Veggies

• Steamed Broccoli: Serving steamed broccoli alongside adds nutrition and color to your plate.
• Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach can bring additional flavor and texture to your meal.

How to Perfect Chicken Scampi

To ensure your Chicken Scampi is restaurant-quality, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your dish every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality chicken will significantly enhance the dish’s flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook the chicken just until golden brown; it will continue cooking in the sauce.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a unique twist on flavor.
• Balance Flavors: Taste as you go; adding salt or acid (like lemon juice) can help balance flavors perfectly.

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Best Side Dishes for Chicken Scampi

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Scampi can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
2. Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad offers crunch and complements the creamy pasta beautifully.
3. Roasted Asparagus: Roasted asparagus adds a healthy and flavorful element that balances the richness of the dish.
4. Caprese Salad: The freshness of tomatoes and mozzarella provides a refreshing contrast to the warm pasta.
5. Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, serve Chicken Scampi over spiralized zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.
6. Risotto: Creamy risotto can be an indulgent side that matches well with the buttery sauce of Chicken Scampi.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Scampi can be straightforward, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Ensure you sear the chicken just until golden brown. Overcooking will make it dry. Use a meat thermometer for precision.
• Not Reserving Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water before draining. It helps thicken the sauce and adds flavor. Aim for about one cup.
• Skipping the Deglazing Step: Don’t skip scraping up browned bits after adding wine. This adds depth to your sauce and enhances the overall flavor.
• Using Low-Quality Wine: The wine you choose impacts the flavor of the sauce. Opt for a dry white wine you enjoy drinking.
• Neglecting Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness to your dish. Don’t forget to sprinkle it on top before serving for an extra pop of flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chicken Scampi

• Use a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Chicken Scampi can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chicken Scampi

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat until warm, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish on medium power, stirring occasionally, until hot, about 2-3 minutes.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Scampi?

Chicken Scampi is a flavorful dish made with pan-seared chicken, pasta, and a creamy garlic butter sauce typically enhanced with white wine.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! While angel hair is ideal, you can substitute it with spaghetti or linguine based on your preference.

Is Chicken Scampi suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare Chicken Scampi ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for convenient meals later.

How do I customize Chicken Scampi?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or swap chicken for shrimp or scallops for variation.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your flour is also gluten-free for dredging the chicken.

Final Thoughts

This colorful and creamy Chicken Scampi is not only quick to prepare but also delivers restaurant-quality flavors right at home! With its rich garlic butter sauce and customizable ingredients, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or proteins!

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