Craving that creamy, garlicky goodness of Olive Garden's Chicken Scampi but don't want to leave the house? This copycat recipe delivers the same amazing flavor in a fraction of the time, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. It's a quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights, and it's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this delicious and healthy meal!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up a restaurant-quality meal at home.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
Instructions: Let's Get Cooking!
This easy-to-follow recipe will have you enjoying your homemade Chicken Scampi in no time.
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Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in the flour, ensuring they're evenly coated.
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Sauté the Chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Build the Sauce: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
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Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine reduce slightly (about 1 minute).
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Combine and Simmer: Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
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Add Chicken and Cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley. Cook for another minute, allowing the chicken to heat through and the sauce to coat everything evenly.
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Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package directions.
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Combine and Serve: Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss gently to combine. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Tips and Variations for a Perfect Dish
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you don't have white wine, you can substitute with chicken broth or even water.
- For a richer sauce, use a combination of heavy cream and half-and-half.
- Add some sauteed shrimp or vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a heartier meal.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors beautifully.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
Enjoy your delicious homemade Olive Garden-inspired Chicken Scampi! It's a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals that are quick to make and incredibly satisfying. This homemade cooking endeavor is sure to become a new family favorite.