This Creamy Chicken Scampi recipe is the perfect Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat recipe. Tender, juicy chicken breast, in a rich and creamy, garlicky sauce, with sautéed peppers and onions. It is a super simple one pot meal that comes together in about 30 minutes.
Chicken scampi sauce is an important part of Italian-American cooking because it is rich and flavorful. This creamy sauce with garlic can make simple dishes taste like they were made by a chef. However, what exactly goes into making real chicken scampi sauce? Let’s find out what gives this sauce its famous, irresistible taste.
A Brief History of Chicken Scampi
Before we can understand chicken scampi sauce, we need to know about scampi’s past. Ital. scampi means langoustine, which is a type of lobster. Italians who came to the United States came up with the word “scampi” to describe shrimp. In traditional scampi dishes, shrimp or langoustine were cooked in white wine, garlic, olive oil, and butter.
Over time Italian-American chefs started preparing scampi dishes with chicken rather than shellfish substituting chicken broth for the shellfish broth. This gave rise to the beloved chicken scampi. The classic chicken scampi sauce we know today evolved from the traditional scampi preparation method.
The Essential Ingredients
What exactly is in chicken scampi sauce? Recipes can be different, but these are the main ingredients that give it its unique flavor.
Butter: Butter provides the base and adds a luxurious, creamy texture. Unsalted butter is often preferred.
Olive Oil Olive oil is used for the initial sautéing of the garlic and spices The flavor of the olive oil shines through in the finished sauce.
Garlic: The strong taste of garlic is an important part of scampi sauce. Fresh garlic cloves are cut into very thin slices or minced and cooked in butter and oil.
White Wine: A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio adds acidity and depth of flavor. The wine contributes nuanced, complex notes.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Broth lends moisture and a rich, savory essence. It prevents the sauce from being too heavy.
Lemon Juice: Bright, fresh lemon juice balances out the richness of the sauce. It brings in citrusy undertones.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds vibrancy. Its mild grassy flavor offsets the bold ingredients.
Black Pepper: A pinch of pepper enhances the aromas and ties everything together.
Customizing Your Sauce
Once you understand the basics, it’s easy to customize your chicken scampi sauce to suit your tastes. Here are some variation ideas:
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Add crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
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Use a combination of olive oil and butter for the base.
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Throw in diced Roma tomatoes for texture and natural sweetness.
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Include fresh basil or oregano for additional herbaceous notes.
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Splash in some white wine vinegar for extra brightness.
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Stir in heavy cream or mascarpone for an ultra-rich and creamy sauce.
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Grate in Parmigiano-Reggiano for a nutty, salty punch.
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Swap lemon juice for lime juice for a tropical twist.
Cooking the Sauce to Perfection
Mastering the cooking method is key to chicken scampi sauce success. Here are some tips:
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Cook the garlic briefly in the olive oil and butter to release its aroma without burning it.
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Simmer the sauce gently to allow the flavors to mingle and meld together beautifully.
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Let the sauce reduce slightly so it can coat the back of a spoon. The texture should be silky smooth.
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Season conservatively at first. You can always add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste later on.
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Stir in fresh parsley right before serving to preserve its color and flavor.
Serving Ideas for Chicken Scampi Sauce
A quick spoonful of chicken scampi sauce can instantly elevate simple meals. Here are just a few serving ideas:
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Toss with freshly cooked pasta or linguine.
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Use as a dip for crusty bread or focaccia.
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Drizzle over baked or grilled chicken breast.
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Serve alongside seared scallops or shrimp.
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Dollop on top of roasted vegetables.
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Fold into fluffy omelets or frittatas.
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Top pizza or flatbreads before baking.
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Stir into seafood-based risottos.
Chicken scampi sauce is endlessly versatile. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual family dinner or an elegant dinner party entrée, this sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The next time you come across a chicken scampi recipe, remember the key ingredients that give this sauce its trademark, irresistible flair.
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Scampi
Step by Step Directions
STEP 1: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat 3 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the chicken tenders and pan-sear on both sides until they are a nice golden brown, about 3 minutes each side.
STEP 2: Remove the chicken from the pan, cover and set aside (Chicken will not be fully cooked at this stage. ) Turn down the heat to medium and add the garlic, half of the onions, and the last two tablespoons of butter to the same pan. Sauté until the onions are tender and the garlic is fragrant.
STEP 3: Deglaze the pan with chicken stock. Using a rubber spatula, scrape off and mix in any bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pan. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low to simmer. Let simmer 2 to 3 minutes.
STEP 4: Add the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for 5 to 10 minutes so it can start to get thicko. Mix in Parmesan cheese, sea salt and black pepper to taste.
STEP 5: Add chicken back to the pan, along with the remaining onions and the mixed bell peppers. Finish cooking the chicken in the sauce on medium-low. Let simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the peppers are crisp-tender, the sauce has thickened, and the chicken is cooked through. Plate the chicken and then pour the sauce over top. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley before serving. Then ENJOY! This is the perfect Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat.
Easy CHICKEN SCAMPI Recipe
FAQ
What is the scampi sauce made of?
Classic scampi sauce is typically made with a base of butter, garlic, and white wine.
What is Chicken Scampi made of?
This simple Chicken Scampi is my high-protein take on shrimp scampi. It has whole wheat angel hair, spinach, garlic, lemon, and a buttery white wine sauce that is mixed with juicy chicken breast.
What is Chicken Scampi at Olive Garden made of?
Chicken sautéed with fresh bell peppers and red onions in a creamy scampi sauce. Served over angel hair pasta.
What is traditional scampi made of?
In most countries, especially Italy, scampi means the peeled tail of pretty much any kind of prawn but in the UK it refers to the meat of just one special prawn: the langoustine. Langoustine is a small lobster found in the colder waters of Scotland, Ireland and Norway.
What is the composition of scampi sauce?
The scampi sauce is made of a combination of olive oil, butter, garlic, onions, bell peppers, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. This creamy sauce is packed with flavor and is the perfect accompaniment to cooked chicken tenders.
What are the main ingredients in chicken scampi?
Chicken scampi is an Italian-American dish made with chicken tenders and spaghetti. The sauce is made with garlic, onions, bell peppers, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Chicken scampi is a wonderful, creamy pasta dish that is also very simple to make.
What is the sauce made of in Chicken Scampi?
Chicken scampi is an Italian dish, usually served over pasta, featuring sauteed chicken in a light sauce. The sauce for chicken scampi is often made with wine but can also be made with chicken broth. It is a lighter option than alfredo sauce.
What are the ingredients for making scampi sauce?
The ingredients for making scampi sauce include salt, black pepper, and paprika (seasoning), a dry white wine, fresh minced garlic cloves, and chicken broth.
Is the chicken scampi sauce low carb?
You can use chicken broth instead of wine to make the chicken scampi sauce, which is lighter than alfredo sauce. By switching the pasta noodles for zoodles, this easy chicken scampi becomes a delicious low-carb dinner!.
What is scampi made of?
The name is a little redundant—scampi is the Italian word for langoustines, a delicious shrimp-like crustacean—but true to its American roots, the dish is made not with langoustines but with plump, pink shrimp. It’s usually served either with crusty bread for mopping up the sauce or over a heaping bowl of pasta.