Craving a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare? This chicken scampi recipe is your answer! Bursting with zesty flavors and a hint of garlic, it pairs beautifully with pasta or crusty bread. Ideal for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into the ingredients and cooking steps that make this dish a must-try!
Ingredients
– 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine
– 1 lemon (juice and zest)
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
Servings and Cooking Time
This chicken scampi recipe serves 2 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, with a cooking time of around 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 chicken breast with pasta) contains approximately:
– Calories: 450
– Protein: 35g
– Carbohydrates: 40g
– Fat: 15g
This nutritional value is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Begin by boiling water in a large pot for the pasta. Add a pinch of salt.
2. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
3. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
5. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
7. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
8. Pour in white wine and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze.
9. Return the chicken to the skillet; add lemon zest and red pepper flakes.
10. Let simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
11. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet, tossing to combine with the sauce.
12. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist. Additionally, vegetable broth can replace white wine, and zucchini noodles can be used instead of pasta for a low-carb option.
Serving and Pairings
This chicken scampi pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and a fresh garden salad. A crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. This dish is not recommended for freezing as the texture may change.
Cooking Mistakes
– Don’t overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
– Avoid using too much garlic, as it can overpower the dish.
– Make sure to deglaze the pan to capture all flavors.
– Do not skip the lemon zest; it adds essential brightness.
– Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to maintain texture.
Helpful Tips
– Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
– Experiment with adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes.
– Taste as you go to adjust seasonings.
– Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
What can I do if I don’t have white wine?
If you don’t have white wine, you can use chicken broth with a splash of vinegar as a substitute for a similar flavor profile.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the other ingredients do not contain gluten.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the components in advance and combine them just before serving.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Conclusion
This chicken scampi recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that’s perfect for any occasion. Quick to prepare yet luxurious in taste, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Dive into this culinary creation and enjoy every bite!
Chicken Scampi Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1 lemon juice and zest
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot for the pasta; add a pinch of salt.
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Pour in white wine and lemon juice, scraping the bottom to deglaze.
- Return the chicken to the skillet with lemon zest and red pepper flakes.
- Let simmer for 5 minutes, then combine with drained pasta.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
