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Chicken Scampi

Chicken Scampi
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Chicken Scampi is a quick, flavorful Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed in a garlic, lemon, and buttery sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a zesty and rich meal perfect for busy weeknights and can be paired with pasta, rice, or vegetables for a comforting yet refreshing dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter (plus extra cold butter pieces for finishing, about 2 tablespoons)
  • 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth as substitute)
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside to rest.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat slightly. Add the freshly minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic to avoid bitterness.
  3. Build the Sauce: Pour in white wine (or broth substitute) and lemon juice to deglaze the pan. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits. Let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes until the alcohol evaporates and the sauce slightly thickens.
  4. Finish with Butter and Herbs: Lower the heat and whisk in cold butter pieces until melted and the sauce becomes silky. Stir in chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Nestle the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top to coat thoroughly.
  5. Serve Immediately: Serve your Chicken Scampi right away to enjoy the sauce at its freshest and most flavorful.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cold butter added in pieces to create a creamy, emulsified sauce.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Fresh minced garlic is essential for the best aroma and flavor.
  • Thoroughly deglaze the pan to incorporate all the browned bits into the sauce for deeper flavor.
  • Adjust acidity by adding more lemon juice for liveliness or a pinch of sugar to balance the tang.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken scampi, garlic chicken, Italian chicken recipe, lemon butter chicken, quick dinner, easy recipe, gluten free dinner

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/chicken-scampi/