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

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

Description

🍝 Chicken Scampi delivers a rich garlic butter and white wine sauce that makes for a deliciously savory pasta dish.
🍋 This recipe is quick to prepare and packed with protein and fresh flavors, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

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

Instructions

1-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.

2-Second Step: Mince the 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and juice the lemon to have all fresh ingredients ready for the sauce.

3-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.

4-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.

5-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.

6-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.

7-Seventh Step: Cook 8 ounces of whole wheat angel hair pasta to al dente, reserving some pasta water for later use.

8-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.

9-Final Step: Garnish with 3 tablespoons of chopped parsley and serve immediately, with Parmesan cheese if you like, for a complete meal.

Notes

🍳 Cook chicken in batches to ensure even searing and avoid overcrowding.
🍷 Use dry white wine for depth or chicken broth as a non-alcoholic alternative.
🥄 Toss pasta with tongs to evenly coat in sauce for the best texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Calories: 483 per serving
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 374mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 47g
Cholesterol: 139mg

Keywords: Chicken Scampi, Garlic Butter Sauce, White Wine Sauce, Healthy Pasta