Chicken Scampi Recipe
You know, I've tried a lot of dishes, but this Chicken Scampi? Wow. The first time I made it, I was convinced it would be one of those complicated recipes that eats up your whole evening. But I was wrong. It’s incredibly simple, and yet, the flavors feel restaurant-worthy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5-6 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon + 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
- 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 👉 for garnish.
Instructions
- First, season your chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Lightly coat each piece in flour.
- Begin boiling water for your pasta and cook according to package directions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium-high. Once the oil shimmers, place your chicken in the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer it to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
- Lower the heat to medium. Add butter to the pan and melt it slowly. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and wine (if using), then squeeze in the lemon juice. Stir well to create a flavorful base.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes into your sauce. Season with salt and pepper until it’s just right.
- Layer the chicken back into this saucy goodness. Flip each piece to soak up the flavors.
- Now, add cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Toss everything together gently, making sure the sauce coats every noodle. Pro Tip? Add a splash of reserved pasta water if you want to loosen the sauce.
Notes
- Make it “Extra Creamy” ✨ Stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream to the scampi sauce if you prefer a richer texture.
- Healthy Chicken Scampi Option: Use whole-wheat noodles, less butter, and olive-oil-based cooking for a lighter dish.
- Amp the Zest Up!: Use extra lemon zest or slices as garnish for a tangy twist.
- Custom Spices: Tweak heat levels by adjusting garlic or red pepper flakes.
- Cheesy Love: Skip Parmesan? Try Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano instead.