If you love a dish that’s bursting with bright flavors and creamy garlic goodness, then you’re going to adore this Chicken Scampi Recipe. It’s everything you want in a weeknight meal—quick, simple, and seriously satisfying. Tender chicken tenderloins are seared to golden perfection and then bathed in a luscious sauce made with garlic, butter, lemon, and a splash of white wine. Each bite shines with fresh parsley and a subtle kick from red pepper flakes. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist that feels like a special occasion on your plate every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Chicken Scampi Recipe are uncomplicated but oh-so-essential. Each element contributes uniquely to the flavor profile and texture—whether it’s the silky butter creating richness, the bright lemon juice cutting through the richness, or the fresh parsley adding a pop of color and herbal freshness.
- Chicken tenderloins (1½ lb): Perfectly tender and quick to cook, they’re the star protein of this dish.
- Olive oil (2 Tbsp): Adds a fruity foundation for browning the chicken beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning essentials that elevate every ingredient.
- Unsalted butter (4 Tbsp): Creates a rich, silky sauce that carries all the flavors.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Provides the signature aromatic punch that defines scampi.
- Dry white wine (¾ cup): Adds acidity and depth, perfectly balancing the butter’s richness.
- Salt (1 tsp) and black pepper (¼ tsp): Season the sauce precisely while enhancing flavor complexity.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (â…› tsp): Give a subtle warmth that gently tingles the palate.
- Fresh parsley (â…“ cup, chopped): Brings freshness and a beautiful green contrast.
- Lemon juice (2 Tbsp): Brightens the sauce with citrus notes that keep it lively.
- Pasta: Choose your favorite al dente pasta to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce.
How to Make Chicken Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the chicken tenderloins generously with salt and pepper. Heating the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet is key to achieving a beautifully golden crust. Cook the tenderloins for about 3 minutes on each side until the internal temperature hits 165ºF. This quick sear locks in the juices, making the chicken tender and flavorful. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside—don’t overcook or it will dry out.
Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter and add the minced garlic. Cook over medium heat just until the garlic releases its irresistible fragrance—you want it soft, not burnt. Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer until it’s reduced by half, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step intensifies the flavor, concentrating the wine’s essence into a rich, silky base for your sauce.
Step 3: Bring on the Flavor Boosters
Add the lemon juice, salt, black pepper, fresh parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Each ingredient plays its part: lemon juice cuts through richness, parsley adds brightness, and red pepper flakes bring a gentle heat that’s perfectly balanced. Stir everything to combine the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Reintroduce the Chicken and Simmer
Return the cooked chicken tenderloins back to the skillet and let them simmer gently over medium-low heat. This warms the chicken through while allowing it to soak up every bit of that flavorful garlic butter sauce. The sauce will thicken slightly, coating the chicken with a glossy finish.
Step 5: Plate It Up with Pasta
Serve the chicken and garlic butter sauce over your favorite cooked al dente pasta. The pasta acts as the perfect vessel, absorbing the luscious sauce, making every forkful a mouthwatering experience. Don’t forget a final sprinkle of parmesan cheese and fresh basil for that extra touch of elegance and flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes such as finely chopped parsley, grated parmesan, or even a few basil leaves not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds fresh herbaceous notes that balance the rich sauce. A light sprinkle of lemon zest can also lift the dish’s brightness.
Side Dishes
Chicken Scampi Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to add texture and color contrast. Crunchy garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf is fantastic for mopping up any extra buttery sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, consider plating the chicken over a nest of spiralized zucchini noodles or a bed of creamy risotto. You can also serve the chicken tenderloins whole or sliced diagonally for a more refined look. A drizzle of extra sauce around the plate adds a restaurant-style flourish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Chicken Scampi Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken and sauce cool completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but since it contains pasta and sauce, it’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately from pasta to prevent sogginess. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Stir frequently and add a splash of water, broth, or wine if the sauce feels too thick. Microwaving is doable but may require a bit of care to keep the chicken tender and sauce glossy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well but tend to be thicker, so you may need to pound them to an even thickness or slice them thinner for quicker, more even cooking in this Chicken Scampi Recipe.
What type of white wine is best for this recipe?
A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works beautifully. Avoid sweet wines, as they can alter the sauce’s balance.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a good-quality olive oil or a vegan butter alternative. The sauce will have a slightly different texture but will still be deliciously flavorful.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can make the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, gently reheat it and add freshly cooked chicken to preserve that perfect texture and taste.
What pasta types go best with Chicken Scampi Recipe?
Traditionally, long pasta like linguine or spaghetti complements the silken sauce perfectly. However, you can use any shape you prefer; just be sure it’s cooked al dente to hold the sauce well.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Chicken Scampi Recipe is like inviting a slice of Italian-inspired comfort and elegance into your kitchen. It’s simple enough to whip up on a busy night but special enough to impress your loved ones. Once you experience that tender chicken mingling with a bright garlic butter sauce and tangy lemon notes, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite go-to meal.
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Chicken Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Chicken Scampi recipe features tender chicken tenderloins cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with white wine, lemon, and fresh parsley. Served over al dente pasta, it’s a quick and flavorful meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1½ lb chicken tenderloins
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup dry white wine
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- â…› tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- â…“ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
To Serve
- Pasta of your choice, cooked al dente
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken tenderloins dry and season both sides evenly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken tenderloins and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF, indicating they are fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer until it reduces by half, approximately 3 to 5 minutes, concentrating the flavors.
- Combine sauce and chicken: Stir in lemon juice, salt, black pepper, chopped parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes into the skillet. Return the cooked chicken tenderloins to the pan and simmer gently over medium-low heat until the chicken is warmed through and the flavors meld.
- Serve: Plate the chicken and pour the garlic butter sauce over your favorite al dente pasta. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for added aroma and taste. Serve immediately for best results.
Notes
- Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165ºF for food safety.
- For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- Fresh parsley is recommended for a vibrant flavor, but dried parsley can be used in a pinch.
- Serving with freshly cooked pasta enhances the overall taste and texture.
