Craving that delicious Olive Garden Chicken Scampi but want a simplified, wine-free version you can easily make at home? You're in the right place! This recipe delivers all the creamy, garlicky, lemony goodness you love, without the fuss of wine. It's a perfect example of delicious dishes made easy, ideal for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. Get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen! This healthy meal is packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes, making it one of the best recipes for quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring they're evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it will become bitter.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together until well combined.
Tips for the Best Olive Garden Chicken Scampi (Without Wine!):
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the chicken, work in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Fresh garlic is best: Using fresh garlic provides a much more vibrant flavor than using garlic powder.
- Adjust the lemon juice: To your liking. If you prefer a more tart scampi, add a bit more lemon juice.
- Add some spice: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Variations:
- Shrimp Scampi: Substitute 1 pound of shrimp for the chicken. Cook the shrimp for a shorter time, about 2-3 minutes, until pink and opaque.
- Creamy Scampi: For a richer sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream at the end.
- Vegetable Scampi: Add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini, to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: Approximately 30-35 grams
- Fat: Approximately 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45 grams
This homemade cooking adventure offers a fantastic alternative to restaurant takeout. Enjoy this easy recipe and let us know in the comments how it turned out! We are always looking for new food recipes to share!