Indulge in a taste of Italy with this Chicken Scampi, featuring tender chicken cooked to perfection and served over a bed of angel hair pasta. The dish is bathed in a flavorful garlic-lemon butter sauce with hints of dry white wine, making each bite refreshing yet comforting. It’s the perfect recipe to elevate your everyday dinners or impress guests with its vibrant flavors and elegant presentation. Ready in just 30 minutes, this chicken scampi recipe is all about simplicity and great taste. The combination of savory garlic, zesty lemon, and buttery richness is a crowd-pleaser, and the fresh parsley and Parmesan finish add the perfect touch of color and flavor. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or a dish worthy of a special occasion, this recipe has got you covered!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz angel hair pasta or spaghetti
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped shallot or red onion
- 3/4 cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Mix the flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on a plate. Dredge the chicken tenders in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the olive oil and 2 tbsp of the 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.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 4 tbsp of butter. Add the garlic and shallot, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine and simmer for 3-4 minutes until reduced by half. Add the lemon juice and zest, stirring to combine.
- 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.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan, if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 430 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
The Story Behind Chicken Scampi
Chicken Scampi is an Italian-American classic, a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, silky pasta, and a luscious garlic butter sauce with bright notes of lemon and wine. The term “scampi” traditionally refers to a type of crustacean found in the Mediterranean and northeastern Atlantic, which is why “shrimp scampi” is a more recognized dish. However, the chicken version of this dish has become just as popular, offering an equally delightful flavor profile that’s approachable, familiar, and crowd-pleasing.
What sets chicken scampi apart from other pasta dishes is its light yet rich flavor, thanks to the combination of butter, garlic, and lemon. These key elements work in harmony to create a balance between savory and fresh notes that makes each bite incredibly satisfying. The simplicity of the recipe is what makes it so universally loved—no need for complex sauces or hours in the kitchen, just fresh, quality ingredients coming together in a matter of minutes.
Perfect for All Occasions
One of the reasons Chicken Scampi has grown in popularity is because it fits almost any occasion. Whether you’re looking to serve a quick weeknight dinner or a romantic meal for two, this dish delivers both in flavor and in presentation. The sauce itself is luxuriously silky, and when tossed with pasta, it creates a comfort food experience that’s hard to beat. Additionally, the golden-brown chicken and fresh herbs make it visually appealing, adding to its “gourmet” feel while keeping things easy for the home cook.
A Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Profile
The flavor profile of chicken scampi is unique and compelling. The garlic and shallot create a base of earthy, aromatic flavor, while the lemon juice and zest brighten the dish with a hint of tanginess. The use of dry white wine adds depth and sophistication, making it reminiscent of a classic Italian restaurant dish. Meanwhile, the butter rounds out the sauce, adding a rich, creamy texture that coats the chicken and pasta perfectly.
But it’s not just about the sauce. The chicken is seasoned lightly and cooked to a golden crisp, creating a contrast of textures between the tender meat and the crispy exterior. The choice of pasta—typically angel hair or thin spaghetti—is also important, as it soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully while maintaining its delicate texture.
Variations & Customizations
While the classic Chicken Scampi is fantastic as-is, it’s also a highly versatile dish that lends itself to variations:
- Vegetable Additions: Add-ins like spinach, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini can bring a pop of color and additional flavors to the dish. If you’re a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, toss some in for a tangy burst.
- Capers & Olives: For a briny twist, mix in capers or chopped olives. They add a salty note that complements the lemony butter sauce quite well.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the sauce. The spice pairs wonderfully with the garlic and butter.
- Creamy Upgrade: For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half toward the end of cooking. This will give the dish a richer texture and slightly mellow the tartness of the lemon.
- Cheese Lovers’ Delight: While Parmesan cheese is the traditional choice, feel free to experiment with Pecorino Romano for a sharper, more pungent flavor.
Cooking Tips for Success
Cooking a dish like Chicken Scampi may seem easy, but a few tips will help you elevate the dish to restaurant quality:
- Choose the Right Wine: When picking a white wine for the sauce, opt for a dry variety like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines have a crisp flavor that pairs well with the lemon and enhances the sauce without overwhelming it.
- Keep an Eye on the Chicken: Since chicken tenders cook quickly, make sure to watch them closely. You want a golden-brown crust on the outside without overcooking the inside. If the chicken is cooked properly, it will remain juicy and tender, making every bite enjoyable.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This is a critical step in achieving the right sauce consistency. The starchy pasta water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a silky coating that brings all the flavors together. Adding it in small amounts allows you to control the texture of the sauce.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and herbs are key to bringing this dish to life. While dried spices can work in a pinch, fresh ingredients make the flavors more vibrant and aromatic. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will also melt better and provide a creamier finish.
- Customize the Sauce Consistency: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the thickness of the sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the wine and lemon mixture reduce further before adding the pasta and chicken. For a lighter sauce, simply reduce the cooking time slightly and add a touch more reserved pasta water.
- Garnish Like a Pro: Presentation plays a big part in how we enjoy our food. Garnish your Chicken Scampi with freshly chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and extra Parmesan for a stunning look and added burst of flavor.
Pairings to Complete the Meal
Chicken Scampi is delicious on its own, but a few side dishes can transform your dinner into a complete feast:
- Garlic Bread: A slice of warm, buttery garlic bread is a classic accompaniment to any pasta dish. The crispy texture of the bread balances the tenderness of the chicken and pasta, and it’s perfect for mopping up any extra sauce.
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette adds a refreshing element to the meal, balancing the richness of the scampi sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve the dish alongside roasted asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli for added color, texture, and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes Chicken Scampi so appealing is how well it marries a few simple ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying dish. It’s quick to prepare, making it an excellent option for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. Plus, the lightness of the sauce keeps the dish from feeling too heavy, making it a refreshing take on a traditional pasta dish.
Chicken Scampi is also very forgiving and adaptable. Don’t have chicken tenders on hand? You can substitute with boneless chicken breasts or even shrimp for a different take on the recipe. You can also tweak the amount of lemon or garlic to suit your taste preferences, making this recipe a true crowd-pleaser that you’ll come back to time and again.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Chicken Scampi is a must-have in your recipe arsenal. With its light, lemony garlic butter sauce and tender chicken tossed with al dente pasta, this dish brings both comfort and sophistication to the table. Whether you’re an experienced cook looking for a reliable recipe or a beginner hoping to impress family and friends, this dish checks all the boxes: quick, delicious, and visually stunning.
The best part? It’s endlessly customizable and pairs well with a variety of sides. So next time you’re looking for a meal that feels special without a lot of fuss, give this Chicken Scampi a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple and tasty it is!
