If you're craving a hearty and flavorful dish that's sure to impress, Classic Chicken Scampi is your go-to recipe. With its rich garlic butter sauce and tender chicken, it's a comforting meal that feels like a warm embrace on a plate.
Chicken breasts are the star of this dish, providing a lean protein that's easy to cook quickly. The flour coating helps create a golden crust on the chicken. Olive oil is used for sautéing, imparting a subtle, rich flavor. Garlic and red pepper flakes add depth and a hint of heat to the dish. Chicken broth and dry white wine create a savory base for the sauce, while lemon juice adds a bright, fresh note. Melted butter enriches the sauce, making it creamy and luxurious. Finally, parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish. The spaghetti serves as the perfect vehicle to soak up all that delicious sauce.
This Chicken Scampi pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the dish beautifully, enhancing the lemon and garlic notes.
Start by slicing the chicken breasts into thin strips. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly. Next, mix together the flour, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Dredge each piece of chicken in this mixture, ensuring they're lightly coated, then shake off any excess flour.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken strips and cook until they're golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. You’ll want to let them sit in the pan without moving them too much to develop that nice crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté these for about a minute, just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Then, pour in the chicken broth, white wine, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Stir in the butter until it's melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. This will give the sauce a creamy, rich texture. Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat evenly. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes to soak up all that goodness.
While the chicken is simmering in the sauce, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and add it directly into the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated with the sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
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