Description
Savory Chicken Scampi delivers a Mediterranean-inspired culinary journey through garlic-kissed pasta and tender chicken. Delightful flavors blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this classic Italian-American comfort dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast
- 0.25 cup shrimp (optional)
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
Liquids and Additional Ingredients:
- 0.5 cup white wine
- 0.25 cup chicken broth
- 0.25 cup lemon juice
- 0.33 cup olive oil
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 lemon (for garnish)
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts into uniform strips, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Mince garlic cloves finely to release their aromatic essence and create a robust flavor base.
- Season chicken pieces generously with salt, black pepper, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes, massaging the spices into the meat.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and ripples with intense warmth.
- Sear chicken strips for 3-4 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown exterior and sealing in succulent juices.
- Remove chicken and set aside, maintaining its perfect temperature and texture.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet, allowing it to melt and create a rich, golden foundation.
- Sauté minced garlic until fragrant and slightly translucent, approximately 30-45 seconds.
- Pour white wine and chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any caramelized bits from the bottom to intensify the sauce’s depth.
- Add optional shrimp and simmer for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and curl slightly.
- Return chicken to the skillet, coating it thoroughly with the luxurious wine-butter sauce.
- Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the dish, brightening the flavors and adding a citrusy tang.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges for a vibrant, restaurant-quality presentation.
- Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and the chicken remains tender and juicy.
Notes
- Perfectly slice chicken into uniform strips by using a sharp knife at a 45-degree angle, ensuring consistent thickness for even cooking and flavor absorption.
- Enhance garlic’s flavor by crushing or mincing it just before cooking, releasing its full aromatic potential and preventing bitter undertones.
- Experiment with protein variations by substituting chicken with shrimp, tofu, or white fish to create a versatile and diet-friendly dish that suits different preferences.
- Elevate the sauce’s richness by using high-quality butter and a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg