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Discover the easy Chicken Scampi recipe, a tasty twist on the classic Italian-American dish. It’s great for a quick dinner any day. This 30-minute meal has tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a zesty lemon-garlic butter sauce. It’s served with angel hair pasta, making it a family-friendly, veggie-packed dish with restaurant-quality flavor at home.
Key Takeaways
- A quick and easy 30-minute chicken scampi recipe
- Features tender chicken, bell peppers, and a lemon-garlic butter sauce
- Pairs perfectly with angel hair pasta for a classic Italian-American meal
- Family-friendly and packed with vegetables
- Delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home
What is Chicken Scampi: Italian-American Classic
Chicken scampi is a favorite dish in the United States. It started as an Italian dish with langoustines, but now it uses shrimp or chicken. It’s cooked in a tasty garlic-butter-wine sauce.
Origin of Scampi Dishes
Scampi dishes come from Italy, where they’re often served as an appetizer. In Italy, “scampi” means small, sweet langoustines. They’re known for their delicate taste and soft texture.
Evolution to Modern Recipe
In the United States, scampi dishes changed to include shrimp or chicken. The garlic-butter-wine sauce stayed the same. Now, American scampi often comes with pasta, making it a full meal.
“The beauty of chicken scampi is that it combines the richness of the garlic-butter sauce with the succulent, tender chicken, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that is both comforting and indulgent.”
Now, chicken scampi is a favorite Italian-American classic. It’s loved by many for its delicious taste and versatility.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Scampi
To make the perfect Chicken Scampi, you need the right ingredients. At the core are chicken tenderloins, which are thin and cook fast. They’re cut into strips for even cooking.
Bell peppers add color and crunch. They’re usually red, yellow, and green. This mix makes the dish pop.
Garlic brings a savory flavor. White wine and lemon juice add a tangy taste. Butter and olive oil make the sauce smooth.
Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley complete the dish. They add the final touches of flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Tenderloins | 1 lb, boneless and skinless |
| Bell Peppers | 3, assorted colors, sliced |
| Garlic | 5 cloves, minced |
| Unsalted Butter | 4 tbsp |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Dry White Wine | 1 cup |
| Lemon Juice | 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed |
| Italian Seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/4 cup, grated |
| Fresh Parsley | 1 tbsp, chopped |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious Chicken Scampi. It will take you straight to Italy with every bite.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the perfect chicken scampi, you’ll need some key tools and equipment. A large skillet is essential for cooking the chicken and simmering the scampi sauce. You’ll also need a pasta pot to boil the angel hair pasta that goes with it. An instant-read thermometer is optional but recommended to check the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Essential Cookware
- Large skillet or sauté pan for cooking the chicken and sauce
- Pasta pot for boiling the angel hair pasta
- Cutting board and sharp knife for prepping ingredients
- Strainer or colander for draining the cooked pasta
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurately portioning ingredients
Optional Tools for Better Results
While not necessary, some extra tools can make your chicken scampi even better:
- An instant-read thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked through
- A set of shallow bowls or dishes for dredging the chicken in flour
- A good quality set of kitchen tongs for handling the chicken and pasta
With these tools, you’ll be ready to make a top-notch chicken scampi dish at home.
Preparing the Chicken Tenderloins
The secret to a tasty chicken scampi dish lies in how you prepare the chicken tenderloins. Start by seasoning them well with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs. This mix of flavors will enhance the chicken’s taste, making it perfect for the dish.
Then, lightly dredge the seasoned chicken tenderloins in flour. This step adds a crispy coating that boosts both texture and flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, skip the flour.
Before cooking, remove any tendons or connective tissue from the chicken. This ensures the chicken stays tender and easy to bite into, making every piece of chicken scampi enjoyable.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Tenderloins | 1 lb |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Italian Seasoning | 2 tsp |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 cup |
By properly seasoning and dredging the chicken tenderloins, you’ll create a flavorful and texturally-appealing base for the chicken scampi dish.
Colorful Bell Peppers and Aromatics Selection
Choosing the right Chicken Scampi ingredients is key. Bell peppers add color and flavor. They make the dish look good and taste great.
Best Pepper Combinations
For a great taste, mix red, yellow, orange, and green bell peppers. This mix makes the dish look amazing and taste balanced.
Proper Cutting Techniques
It’s important to slice bell peppers and red onion thinly. This ensures they cook evenly and look good. Use the right vegetable slicing methods for perfect pieces.
The red onion and multicolored peppers bring color and nutrition to the Chicken Scampi. Preparing them well makes every bite a treat for your taste buds.
Making the Signature Scampi Sauce
The secret to a delicious chicken scampi dish is the scampi sauce. It’s made with butter, garlic, and white wine reduction. Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, tangy touch.
To make this sauce, start by cooking 10 cloves of minced garlic in 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Cook over medium heat until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt. Then, add about 1 cup of dry white wine to the pan.
Let the wine reduce by half. This creates a thick, flavorful base for the sauce. Next, add 1 cup of heavy whipping cream for a creamy texture. Finish with the juice of 1 lemon to balance the flavors.
The butter garlic sauce should be light but full of flavor. It coats the chicken and pasta well without overpowering them. If needed, thin the sauce with pasta water to get the right consistency.
The white wine reduction and lemon juice make this sauce special. They help take your chicken scampi to a restaurant-quality level of taste.
Chicken Scampi Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
Get ready to make a top-notch Chicken Scampi dish at home. This classic Italian-American recipe combines sautéed chicken, colorful veggies, and a tasty scampi-style sauce. Follow this guide to make a Chicken Scampi that’s both delicious and perfectly cooked.
Seasoning and Dredging
Start by seasoning the chicken tenderloins with salt, black pepper, and any other spices you like. Then, lightly coat the seasoned chicken in flour, shaking off any extra. This step helps the chicken get a crispy, golden-brown crust when you sauté it.
Cooking Process
Heat a lot of olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the floured chicken tenderloins. Cook until they’re fully cooked and have a nice golden-brown color, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Move the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
In the same skillet, cook the colorful bell peppers and garlic until they’re soft and smell great. Add a bit of dry white wine to the pan to loosen any stuck bits. This step makes the sauce even more flavorful.
Now, add the scampi sauce ingredients like lemon juice, butter, and herbs to the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors. Then, put the chicken back in the pan and toss everything together until the chicken is well coated with the scampi sauce.
Immediately serve the Chicken Scampi with hot, freshly cooked pasta. Enjoy this tasty dish in all its restaurant-quality glory!
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 630 |
| Total Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Cholesterol | 119mg |
| Sodium | 543mg |
| Potassium | 574mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 49g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Protein | 38g |
Making Chicken Scampi at home is easy and quick, ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a mix of sautéed chicken, colorful veggies, and a tasty scampi sauce. This recipe is a true delight for your taste buds.
Wine Selection for Scampi Sauce
Choosing the right white wine is key for perfect chicken scampi. The recipe uses half a cup of white wine, like Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc. These dry white wines add flavor and tenderize the chicken tenderloins.
Using white wine in this dish is great because the alcohol cooks off. This leaves behind flavors that enhance the dish. If you don’t want alcohol, use chicken stock or a mix of stock and white grape juice. This keeps the acidity and balance without the alcohol.
“The wine selection is crucial in elevating the chicken scampi to new heights of flavor. A crisp, dry white wine is the perfect partner for this Italian-American classic.”
Choose a wine that’s not too sweet or strong. A Pinot Grigio or an unoaked Chardonnay works well. They enhance the garlic, lemon, and herbs without taking over.
Remember, pick a dry white wine that will cook off the alcohol. This ensures a balanced flavor for an unforgettable chicken scampi dish.
Perfect Pasta Pairing Options
Looking for the best pasta to go with your Chicken Scampi? Try angel hair pasta or thin spaghetti. These long, delicate noodles match the bold scampi sauce perfectly. They let the shrimp-like flavor stand out.
Cooking Pasta Al Dente
To get the perfect texture, cook pasta al dente. It should have a slight bite. Follow the package instructions but cook it for about 1 minute less. This keeps the pasta firm and great with the creamy scampi sauce.
Fresh vs. Dried Pasta Options
Fresh and dried pasta both work well, but fresh cooks faster. If using fresh, adjust the cooking time to keep it al dente. For more nutrition, try whole wheat pasta.
Choose any pasta, but save some starchy cooking water. It helps adjust the scampi sauce’s consistency. This ensures the flavors and textures blend well.
Tips for Achieving Restaurant-Quality Results
To make your homemade chicken scampi as good as a restaurant’s, focus on a few key areas. These include timing techniques, flavor balancing, and presentation tips. By following these expert tips, you’ll wow your guests with a dish that’s as good as the best Italian restaurants.
- Cook the pasta just before mixing it with the scampi sauce. This keeps the noodles al dente and prevents them from getting soggy.
- Season the chicken tenderloins well with salt and pepper before cooking. Also, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as you go.
- Choose the best ingredients, especially the wine and Parmesan cheese, to improve the dish’s flavor.
- Top the dish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a fancy, restaurant-like look.
- Serve the chicken scampi right away. This lets the flavors come together and keeps the texture perfect.
By using these simple timing techniques, flavor balancing, and presentation tips, you can make a restaurant-quality chicken scampi at home. Your family and friends will love it, and they’ll ask for more of this Italian-American favorite.
Nutritional Information and Health Benefits
This Easy Chicken Scampi Recipe is a great mix of protein, carbs, and veggies. It has about 390 calories, 11 grams of fat, 45 grams of carbs, and 29 grams of protein per serving.
The chicken tenderloins are the main protein source, being lean and versatile. The bell peppers add vitamins A and C, making the dish even more nutritious.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Protein | 29 g |
| Cholesterol | 55 mg |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
If you’re looking for a lighter version of Chicken Scampi, this recipe is perfect. It uses lean proteins, veggies, and less pasta. This way, you get to enjoy the dish’s flavors while keeping it healthy.
This recipe is also great for different diets. You can use plant-based milk or try different pasta types. This makes it easy to fit your dietary needs and preferences.
“This Chicken Scampi recipe is a game-changer for those who want to enjoy the flavors of a restaurant-quality dish without sacrificing their health and wellness goals.”
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Keeping your Chicken Scampi dish fresh for later is simple. Just follow the right storage and reheating steps. These tips will help you enjoy your Chicken Scampi, whether it’s leftover or frozen in advance.
Freezing Instructions
Chicken Scampi freezes well for long-term storage. Let it cool down first. Then, put it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Make sure to remove air to avoid freezer burn.
Stored right, your Chicken Scampi can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Best Reheating Methods
- Stovetop Reheating: The best way to revive your Chicken Scampi is on the stovetop. Just add a bit of water or broth, cover, and heat over medium, stirring now and then until it’s hot.
- Microwave Reheating: For a quick fix, reheat Chicken Scampi in the microwave. But, this might make the pasta a bit too soft. Add a little water or broth, cover, and microwave in 30-second bursts until it’s hot.
Choose your reheating method wisely. Always check the dish’s temperature to make sure it’s hot before serving. These simple steps will help you enjoy your Chicken Scampi, whether it’s leftover or frozen.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Chicken scampi is a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to suit various dietary preferences and taste buds. Whether you’re craving a classic shrimp scampi, seeking a gluten-free option, or aiming for a vegetarian adaptation, this recipe offers plenty of room for customization.
Shrimp Scampi
For a seafood twist, you can substitute the chicken with succulent shrimp. This classic shrimp scampi dish maintains the signature scampi sauce and pairs beautifully with pasta or crusty bread.
Gluten-Free Chicken Scampi
To create a gluten-free version of chicken scampi, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta as the base. This ensures the dish is both delicious and accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
Vegetarian Adaptation
For a vegetarian take on chicken scampi, replace the chicken with extra vegetables or plant-based protein, such as sautéed portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu. Adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure the substitutions are thoroughly cooked.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 334 |
| Carbohydrates | 23g |
| Protein | 20g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 112mg |
| Sodium | 405mg |
| Potassium | 227mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
No matter which direction you choose to take your chicken scampi, the possibilities are endless. Experiment with different proteins, adjust the seasonings, and explore various pasta or bread pairings to create a dish that perfectly suits your taste preferences and dietary needs.
“The beauty of chicken scampi is its ability to be customized to your liking. Whether you’re craving a seafood delight or seeking a plant-based option, this dish can be easily adapted to satisfy your palate.”
Serving Suggestions and Garnishing
Chicken Scampi is a tasty Italian-American dish that goes well with many sides and garnishes. Serve it with a fresh side salad and some crusty Italian bread. This way, you can enjoy the scampi sauce with every bite.
Adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or lemon wedges can make the dish pop. For a healthier choice, try it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
| Side Dish | Garnish |
|---|---|
| Side Salad | Fresh Parsley |
| Crusty Italian Bread | Lemon Wedges |
| Zucchini Noodles | Parmesan Cheese |
| Cauliflower Rice | Lemon Zest |
With these simple yet tasty additions, your Chicken Scampi will be a hit. The mix of tender chicken, savory sauce, and great sides and garnishes makes for a memorable meal.
Conclusion
Chicken Scampi is a quick and tasty easy weeknight dinner that brings Italy to your kitchen. It has tender chicken, a rich sauce, and colorful veggies. This family-friendly meal is a hit with everyone.
It’s perfect for a fast dinner or to wow your guests with an Italian-American dish. Chicken Scampi is full of flavor, texture, and health benefits. It’s great for busy families and casual get-togethers.
Chicken Scampi is a top pick for a family-friendly meal that adds Italian flair to your easy weeknight dinner. Try it out and improve your cooking skills with this amazing Italian-inspired cuisine recipe.
FAQ
What is the origin of the term “scampi”?
“Scampi” comes from Italian cuisine. It originally meant langoustines or Norway lobster. Now, it’s a dish with shrimp or chicken in garlic-butter-wine sauce.
What are the key ingredients in this Chicken Scampi recipe?
You’ll need chicken tenderloins or breast, bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Also, butter, olive oil, white wine, lemon juice, chicken stock, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.
What essential kitchen tools are needed to make Chicken Scampi?
You’ll need a large skillet for cooking and a pot for pasta. Basic utensils and an instant-read thermometer are also important. A good knife and colander are useful too.
How do you prepare the chicken tenderloins for this recipe?
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Then, lightly coat it in flour for extra flavor and texture.
What types of bell peppers are recommended for Chicken Scampi?
Use red, yellow, orange, and green bell peppers for color and flavor. Slice them and the red onion thinly for even cooking and presentation.
What goes into the signature Chicken Scampi sauce?
The sauce is made with butter, garlic, white wine, lemon juice, and chicken stock. Simmer it to concentrate the flavors. You can add cream for a richer sauce.
What type of white wine is recommended for the Chicken Scampi sauce?
Choose a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc. Avoid sweet wines, as the alcohol cooks off, leaving flavor.
What type of pasta pairs best with Chicken Scampi?
Angel hair or thin spaghetti are perfect. Cook the pasta one minute less than the package suggests for the right texture.
How can you achieve the best texture and flavor when reheating Chicken Scampi leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop in a skillet with a splash of water or broth. Microwave reheating is quick but might overcook the pasta.
What are some variations and substitutions for this Chicken Scampi recipe?
You can use shrimp instead of chicken for a classic scampi. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and pasta. Vegetarians can add extra veggies or plant-based protein.
