Chicken Scampi Recipe
When you’re craving a meal that’s quick, creamy, and bursting with flavor, this Chicken Scampi is your go-to!
The juicy chicken tenders are smothered in a rich, buttery garlic sauce.
This simple yet satisfying dish is ready in just 25 minutes, making it the perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.
Serve it with pasta for a meal that’s nothing short of restaurant-worthy!
For Chicken Scampi
- Chicken Tenderloins – These are juicy, tender pieces of chicken that cook quickly and are perfect for this dish.
- Flour – Helps to dredge the chicken, creating a light crust that holds the sauce.
- Italian Seasoning – Adds a fragrant, herby flavor to the chicken.
- Salt and Pepper – For seasoning the chicken and enhancing the overall taste.
- Olive Oil – Used to brown the chicken for a crispy texture.
- Butter – Adds richness to the sauce and helps sauté the vegetables.
- Red Onion – Provides a mild sweetness and slight crunch when sautéed.
- Bell Peppers (Red, Yellow, Green) – Adds color and a mild sweetness to the dish.
- Garlic – The base of the flavorful, aromatic sauce.
For the Scampi Sauce
- Whipping Cream – Creates a smooth, creamy base for the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds saltiness and a rich, cheesy flavor to the sauce.
- Red Chili Flakes – Optional, but adds a touch of heat to balance the creaminess.
- Fresh Parsley – Adds a fresh, herby finish to the dish.
Chicken Scampi Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (225g) angel hair pasta
- 1 ½ pounds (650g) chicken tenderloins (mini chicken fillets in the UK)
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp salt, divided
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 red onion, sliced into half-moons
- ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- ¼ cup (60ml) chicken broth
- ¼ cup (60ml) white grape juice or apple juice
- ½ cup (120ml) whipping cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring salted water to a boil in a medium-sized pot.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions.
- Once done, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Dredge chicken tenders in a mixture of flour, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown chicken tenders, cooking about 3 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- Remove from skillet, cover, and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced onions and bell peppers.
- Sauté for 2 minutes until peppers soften, then add crushed garlic and cook for another minute.
Deglaze the Pan:
- Pour in the chicken broth and white grape/apple juice mixture and let it cook for about 4 minutes to reduce slightly.
Finish the Sauce:
- Add the reserved pasta water and whipping cream to the pan.
- Once the sauce begins to simmer, stir in parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, and red chili flakes (if using).
Combine:
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add the cooked chicken tenders on top and mix them in.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Shrimp Alternative: You can replace the chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the dish over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, you can substitute chicken tenderloins with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just slice them into strips to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While angel hair pasta is typically used, feel free to use spaghetti or any pasta shape you have on hand. The creamy sauce will pair well with most pasta varieties.
- How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, simply sprinkle red chili flakes into the sauce. Start with a pinch and add more to taste!
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Chicken Scampi is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then combine them and reheat when ready to serve.
