Day: May 29, 2025

### Chicken Scampi Recipe: A Delectable Garlic Butter Delight

Chicken Scampi offers a charming variation of the traditional shrimp scampi, featuring succulent chicken breasts sautéed in a decadent garlic butter sauce. This dish is ideal for a casual weeknight meal or a festive gathering, merging straightforward ingredients to craft a tasty dish that is bound to impress.

#### Ingredients

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup dry white wine (or extra chicken broth)
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Cooked pasta or rice, for serving
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

#### Instructions

1. **Prepare the Chicken**: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. **Sear the Chicken**: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for roughly 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. **Make the Garlic Butter Sauce**: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t brown.

4. **Deglaze the Pan**: Pour in the chicken broth and white wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.

5. **Add Lemon and Parsley**: Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley, mixing thoroughly to combine.

6. **Combine Chicken and Sauce**: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.

7. **Serve**: Serve the Chicken Scampi over cooked pasta or rice, drizzling extra sauce on top. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

#### Tips for Success

– **Chicken Thickness**: If your chicken breasts are thick, consider butterflying them or pounding them to a uniform thickness for quicker cooking.
– **Wine Substitute**: If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with additional chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
– **Add Vegetables**: For added nutrition, consider tossing in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus during the sauce preparation.

#### Conclusion

Chicken Scampi is a versatile and delicious dish that highlights the flavors of garlic and butter. With its swift preparation and few ingredients, it’s a fantastic option for both bustling weeknights and sophisticated dinners. Savor this delightful meal with a side salad or crusty bread to absorb the exquisite sauce!