Chicken Scampi

Indulge in the perfect harmony of flavors with this chicken scampi! This Italian-inspired dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luxurious garlic-lemon butter sauce.

You know those nights when you want something fancy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? This dish is my go-to solution.

It has all the flavors of a high-end Italian restaurant, but I can make it in my PJs (don’t tell anyone).

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe. So grab a fork, twirl that pasta, and get ready for a delicious adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Scampi

Gourmet Experience: This recipe offers a restaurant-quality dish right at home. It’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special meal without the need to dine out.

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes around 30 minutes to cook, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Rich, Savory Taste: The combination of garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon creates a rich and savory taste.

Elegant Presentation: The vibrant colors from the fresh parsley and the golden-brown chicken make this dish visually appealing.

Ingredients

• Angel Hair Pasta or Spaghetti: The perfect base for this dish. Its delicate texture pairs beautifully with the light, lemony sauce.
  
• Chicken Tenders: Tender and juicy, they cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce, making every bite delicious.
  
• All-Purpose Flour: It coats the chicken, creating a light, crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
  
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, and Pepper: A simple yet flavorful blend enhances the taste of the chicken and sauce.
  
• Olive Oil: It adds a rich, fruity flavor and helps to brown the chicken to perfection.
  
• Unsalted Butter: It gives the sauce a creamy texture.
  
• Garlic and Shallot: These aromatic ingredients add depth and a savory kick to the sauce.
  
• Dry White Wine: It adds a sophisticated, tangy note to complement the lemon and butter.
  
• Lemon Juice and Zest: It infuses the dish with a bright, fresh citrus flavor that lifts the entire recipe.
  
• Parmesan Cheese and Fresh Parsley: The finishing touches add a nutty, salty richness and a pop of color.

How to Make Chicken Scampi

This dish is restaurant-quality, but it’s so easy to make at home! 

1. Cook the pasta. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

2. Prepare the chicken. Mix flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on a plate. Dredge the chicken tenders in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.

3. Cook the chicken. Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

4. Make the sauce. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 4 tbsp butter. Add garlic and shallot, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Reduce the sauce. Pour in the white wine and simmer for 3-4 minutes until reduced by half. Add the lemon juice and zest, stirring to combine.

6. Combine the ingredients. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Add the pasta, reserved pasta water, parsley, and Parmesan. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

7. Serve. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Tips for the Best Chicken Scampi

Follow these tips for a truly mouthwatering dish! 

• Pick the best pasta. Angel hair pasta or thin spaghetti works best to soak up the flavorful scampi sauce.
  
• Chop chop! Cut the chicken tenders into even bite-sized pieces for faster cooking and easier eating.
  
• Do some dredging. Shake off the excess flour after dredging the chicken for a light, crispy coating rather than a gummy one.
  
• Go dry with the wine. For the best taste in the sauce, use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
  
• Choose your consistency. Simmer the wine and lemon juice mixture until reduced by half for a thicker, more concentrated sauce.
  
• Toss in some add-ins. For variations, try stirring in capers, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or toasted pine nuts.
  
• Make it a perfect pairing. Serve chicken scampi alongside garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.

How to Store

If you have leftover chicken, keep it fresh with these tips. I don’t recommend freezing this recipe, as the texture will change. 

To Store: Refrigerate in an air-tight container for up to 3 days. If possible, separate the pasta and chicken to maintain a better texture.

To Reheat: Warm the chicken scampi in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce. Or, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.