Description
A quick and easy Chicken Scampi recipe featuring tender boneless chicken breasts cooked in a rich, garlicky lemon butter sauce with fresh herbs and a splash of white wine. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful dish is perfect for elevating weeknight dinners and can be served over pasta or enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine (or substitute with chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish and Serving
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Angel hair pasta or linguine, cooked (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside to rest.
- Make the Scampi Sauce: Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet and add butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the white wine and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Lemon and Seasonings: Stir in fresh lemon juice and red pepper flakes if using. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, balancing the acidity and richness. Cook for another minute to blend the flavors.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top to coat evenly. Let it warm for 2 minutes so the flavors meld nicely. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Do not overcook the chicken to ensure it remains juicy and tender.
- Use fresh lemon juice for a bright and lively citrus flavor.
- Sauté garlic gently to avoid bitterness.
- Deglaze the pan by scraping up browned bits for added depth.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it moist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 120mg