Chicken Scampi Recipe With Garlic Butter And White Wine Sauce

Name: Chicken Scampi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: – 8 ounces whole wheat angel hair pasta (or an alternative); – 24 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1/2 inch cubes; – 1 teaspoon kosher salt; – Black pepper to taste; – Olive oil spray for browning the chicken; – 2 tablespoons butter for the sauce; – 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves; – 3/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth; – 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes; – 2 tablespoons butter additional, for finishing the sauce; – 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; – 2 cups baby spinach; – 3 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish; – Parmesan cheese if desired, for serving

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Scampi

This chicken scampi recipe stands out as a go-to option for anyone craving a tasty meal that’s simple to whip up on a busy night. With ingredients like lean chicken and fresh garlic, butter, and lemon, it delivers a burst of flavors that feel special but don’t take hours in the kitchen. You’ll appreciate how it supports a healthy lifestyle while still satisfying those comfort food cravings.

One big plus is the ease of preparation, as this dish comes together in just 30 minutes total. It’s packed with nutrients from items like cherry tomatoes and baby spinach, making it ideal for diet-conscious folks who want balance without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re a busy parent or a student short on time, this recipe adapts easily to your routine and keeps meals exciting.

Ease of preparation: This chicken scampi recipe is designed for simplicity and speed, requiring minimal ingredients and quick cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Health benefits: Packed with lean protein and fresh ingredients, this dish supports a balanced diet and provides essential nutrients while maintaining a low calorie count.
Versatility: Adaptable to various dietary preferences, including gluten-free and low-calorie diets, with easy substitutions to suit your needs.
Distinctive flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates a rich yet bright taste that sets this chicken scampi apart from other dishes.

This meal not only tastes great but also offers flexibility for adding extras like zucchini or mushrooms to boost the veggies. For more ideas on similar dishes, check out our roasted red pepper spinach stuffed chicken recipe to explore fresh twists on chicken favorites.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Chicken Scampi
2. Essential Ingredients for Chicken Scampi
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Chicken Scampi: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Chicken Scampi
5. Mastering Chicken Scampi: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Chicken Scampi: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Scampi
8. Chicken Scampi

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Scampi

Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in creating this delicious chicken scampi. This section breaks down what you’ll need, focusing on precise measurements to ensure your dish turns out perfect every time. Start by listing out the main items so you can shop smart and prep with ease.

Main Ingredients List

8 ounces of whole wheat angel hair pasta (or an alternative)
24 ounces of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Black pepper to taste
Olive oil spray (for browning the chicken)
2 tablespoons of butter (for the sauce)
4 thinly sliced garlic cloves
3/4 cup of dry white wine or chicken broth
1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons of butter (additional, for finishing the sauce)
2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cups of baby spinach
3 tablespoons of chopped parsley (for garnish)
Parmesan cheese (if desired, for serving)

This structured list covers everything required for the recipe, ensuring you have the exact quantities for a flavorful outcome. Each item plays a key role, from the pasta that soaks up the sauce to the spinach that adds a fresh, nutritious touch.

Special Dietary Options

If you have specific dietary needs, you can tweak things easily. For instance, swap in gluten-free pasta to keep it light and inclusive. Options like using vegetable broth instead of wine make it adaptable for everyone at the table.

Vegan: Use firm tofu or chickpea patties in place of chicken, and substitute vegan butter and vegetable broth.
Gluten-free: Ensure white wine or broth is gluten-free, or use gluten-free chicken broth.
Low-calorie: Opt for reduced-fat butter or olive oil sprays, and use lemon juice more liberally for flavor without added fat.

Per serving of about 1 1/2 cups, this recipe provides roughly 483 calories, 47 grams of protein, 43 grams of carbohydrates, 12 grams of fat (with 8 grams saturated fat), 139 milligrams of cholesterol, 374 milligrams of sodium, 8 grams of fiber, and 2 grams of sugar, making it a smart choice for balanced eating.

How to Prepare the Perfect Chicken Scampi: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting this chicken scampi just right involves following simple steps that lead to a mouthwatering result. Begin by prepping your ingredients to keep things moving smoothly in the kitchen. This guide walks you through each part, from seasoning the chicken to tossing it all together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First Step: Prepare the chicken by cutting 24 ounces of boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1/2 inch cubes and seasoning with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper to taste for even flavor.
Second Step: Mince the 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and juice the lemon to have all fresh ingredients ready for the sauce.
Third Step: Heat olive oil spray in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken in batches to get a nice sear without overcrowding the pan.
Fourth Step: Once browned, set the chicken aside and start the sauce by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in the same pan, then add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Fifth Step: Add 3/4 cup of dry white wine or chicken broth to the pan and simmer until it reduces, which helps build a rich base for the sauce.
Sixth Step: Stir in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and cook briefly, then finish the sauce with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice before removing from heat.
Seventh Step: Cook 8 ounces of whole wheat angel hair pasta to al dente, reserving some pasta water for later use.
Eighth Step: Toss the pasta with the cooked chicken, 2 cups of baby spinach, and the sauce, adding pasta water as needed to coat everything evenly.
Final Step: Garnish with 3 tablespoons of chopped parsley and serve immediately, with Parmesan cheese if you like, for a complete meal.

This method ensures the dish comes together in about 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking. For more pasta ideas, try our creamy chicken and broccoli pasta recipe on the blog.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Chicken Scampi

Making adjustments for different diets is straightforward with this chicken scampi recipe. You can swap ingredients based on what works for you, keeping the core flavors intact. This helps everyone enjoy the dish, whether you’re aiming for vegan options or cutting back on gluten.

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Substitute chicken with firm tofu, chickpea patties, or shrimp for vegan, vegetarian, or pescatarian options.
Use gluten-free chicken or vegetable broth and gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to cater to gluten sensitivities.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Incorporate seasonal vegetables like asparagus, spinach, or cherry tomatoes to enhance nutrition and flavor.
Swap butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil for plant-based variants.
Adjust seasoning by adding red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs like basil and thyme to vary flavor profiles.

These changes let you add extras like zucchini or mushrooms, as suggested in our tips, to make the meal even healthier.

Mastering Chicken Scampi: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you nail the basics, you can level up your chicken scampi with some pro moves and fun twists. Cooking in batches helps get that perfect sear on the chicken, while using wine adds depth or broth keeps it alcohol-free. Here are ways to make it your own and impress your family.

Pro Cooking Techniques

Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure consistent cooking; use a cast-iron skillet for superior heat distribution.

Tips for Best Results	Why It Helps
Cook chicken in batches	Ensures better searing and even cooking
Use wine or broth	Adds depth or offers an alcohol-free option
Toss pasta with tongs	Coats everything evenly for a better mix
Substitute proteins	Allows for shrimp or other options if preferred

Flavor Variations

Experiment with adding sun-dried tomatoes or capers for a tangy twist.
Use different herbs such as tarragon or oregano to diversify taste.
Consider adding extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more nutrition.

Adjust spice levels with additional crushed red pepper flakes if you want more kick. Presentation tips include serving with lemon wedges and parsley on a simple plate to make it look inviting.

How to Store Chicken Scampi: Best Practices

Keeping your chicken scampi fresh means storing it the right way after cooking. This helps maintain its flavors and textures for later meals. Follow these steps to keep things tasty and safe.

Refrigeration: Store cooked chicken scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For long-term storage, place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags; freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat to preserve the delicate sauce; avoid microwave to prevent drying out.
Meal prep considerations: Divide into single servings immediately after cooking for convenient reheating throughout the week.

Make-ahead options like preparing the sauce in advance can save time on busy days.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Scampi

What is chicken scampi and how is it different from shrimp scampi?

Chicken scampi is a variation of the classic Italian-American dish traditionally made with shrimp. Instead of shrimp, boneless chicken breast slices are cooked in a garlic, lemon, and white wine sauce, often finished with butter and fresh herbs. The difference lies mainly in the protein used; chicken offers a milder flavor and different texture but retains the rich, tangy sauce characteristic of scampi dishes.

How do I make chicken scampi sauce from scratch?

To make chicken scampi sauce, start by sautéing minced garlic in olive oil and butter until fragrant. Add white wine and allow it to reduce slightly for about 2 minutes. Then, stir in fresh lemon juice and chicken broth to balance acidity and depth. Finish the sauce with chopped parsley and optionally a pinch of red pepper flakes. This simple combination creates a flavorful base that complements the chicken perfectly.

What is the best type of chicken to use for chicken scampi?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for chicken scampi. Breasts provide a leaner, milder taste and tend to cook quickly. Thighs offer a juicier and more flavorful option. Slice the chicken thinly or pound it evenly to ensure uniform cooking and tenderness in the quick sauté process.

Can chicken scampi be served with pasta, and what sides pair well?

Yes, chicken scampi pairs beautifully with pasta, especially linguine, angel hair, or spaghetti, which soak up the garlic-lemon sauce well. It also goes well with steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, and a side of crusty bread for dipping into the sauce adds a satisfying touch.

How long does it take to cook chicken scampi, and what are common cooking tips?

Chicken scampi usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes from start to finish. Key tips include cutting the chicken into thin, even pieces to cook quickly, not overcrowding the pan to avoid steaming, and allowing the wine sauce to reduce properly for concentrated flavor. Cooking the chicken just until opaque keeps it tender and juicy.

Chicken Scampi Recipe with Garlic Butter and White Wine Sauce