Description
Chicken Scampi is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breast cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with white wine and chicken broth, served over perfectly cooked linguine or spaghetti. This easy and elegant recipe delivers a rich yet fresh flavor, ideal for a family dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 1 lb linguine or spaghetti
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Heat the butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, ensuring it doesn’t brown to maintain a clean buttery flavor.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, releasing its rich aroma.
- Cook the chicken: Add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are browned on the outside and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and white wine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly reduce for about 4-5 minutes.
- Season and add parsley: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and season the sauce with salt and pepper according to taste, enhancing the bright, fresh flavor.
- Toss with pasta: Add the cooked linguine or spaghetti directly to the skillet, tossing well to coat the pasta thoroughly with the flavorful sauce and chicken.
- Serve: Serve the chicken scampi hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute white wine with additional chicken broth or white grape juice.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; garlic powder won’t provide the same aroma.
- Fresh parsley adds color and brightness—do not omit it.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breast for a juicier result but will need slightly longer cooking time.
- Ensure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture absorbs sauce better.