Hello and welcome to this delicious recipe for Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi! If you’re a fan of Olive Garden’s comforting and flavorful dishes, you’re in for a treat with this restaurant-quality meal. With its tender sautéed chicken, bell peppers, and a rich buttery scampi sauce, this homemade version brings all the familiar flavors right to your kitchen!
Introduction
Chicken scampi is a beloved dish in Italian-American cuisine, featuring lightly breaded chicken sautéed to golden perfection and mixed with colorful bell peppers, red onions, and angel hair pasta. The tangy, buttery scampi sauce is what sets this dish apart, and it’s surprisingly simple to make at home. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi recipe is a must-try for fans of pasta and chicken dishes.
Ingredients for Chicken Scampi
For the best Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi, gather these fresh ingredients:
- 12 chicken tenderloins (about 1.75 pounds)
- ½ cup flour for dredging
- Vegetable oil for frying
- ½ red bell pepper, cut into strips
- ½ yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
- ½ green bell pepper, cut into strips
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 12 ounces angel hair pasta
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
For the Scampi Sauce:
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 2 Tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ pound unsalted butter (1 stick)
Optional substitutions:
- Gluten-free pasta for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Swap out chicken tenderloins with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
How to Make Chicken Scampi – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Salt it generously before adding the pasta. Cook the angel hair pasta until it’s just shy of al dente. Drain the pasta, saving 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta water heats, coat the chicken tenderloins in seasoned flour. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce
In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes. Deglaze the pan with white wine and simmer for 2 minutes. Add the chicken stock, lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes, simmering for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the remaining 8 tablespoons of butter.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In the same pot used for cooking the pasta, sauté the bell peppers and onions until they soften, about 5 minutes. Toss the cooked pasta in the scampi sauce, using reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Add salt to taste, then serve topped with the sautéed chicken and freshly grated Parmesan.
Helpful Tips for Chicken Scampi
- Use freshly grated Parmesan to enhance the dish’s savory flavor.
- To keep the pasta from clumping, gently toss it in a small amount of olive oil after draining.
- If you don’t have white wine, chicken broth can be a good substitute for a milder sauce.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Scampi
- Best Scampi Cooking Techniques: Use a high-quality skillet to evenly sear the chicken, and make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to prevent sticking.
- Scampi Cooking Hack: Don’t overcook the pasta! It’s best to undercook it slightly as it will finish cooking when tossed with the hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Scampi
Pair this rich and flavorful Chicken Scampi with a simple green salad or garlic bread to complete your meal. A light white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, would complement the buttery sauce perfectly. For dessert, consider serving a classic Italian treat like Tiramisu or a light fruit sorbet.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional info for Chicken Scampi (per serving):
- Calories: 901 kcal
- Fats: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 77g
- Protein: 40g
This dish offers a satisfying mix of protein and carbs, making it an ideal option for those looking for a hearty yet balanced meal.
Storage and Leftovers for Chicken Scampi
Storing Chicken Scampi: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips: Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken stock or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the chicken and pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Chicken Scampi
- Can I use chicken breast instead of tenderloins?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts can be used, but make sure to pound them thin for even cooking. - What can I substitute for white wine in the sauce?
Chicken broth or vegetable stock can replace white wine for a non-alcoholic version. - Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and flour for dredging the chicken. - Is this dish spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but feel free to adjust or omit them based on your spice preference.
Related Recipes for Chicken Lovers
- Sausage Balls Recipe with Red Lobster Mix – A tasty appetizer perfect for parties!
- Chicken Jerusalem Recipe: A Culinary Masterpiece – Try this flavorful dish for a gourmet experience at home.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe! It’s a restaurant-quality meal that you can easily recreate at home, impressing family and friends alike. Let me know how yours turns out, and feel free to share your own twists on this dish in the comments below!
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Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe – Easy & Delicious
Description
Hello and welcome to this delicious recipe for Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi! If you’re a fan of Olive Garden’s comforting and flavorful dishes, you’re in for a treat with this restaurant-quality meal. With its tender sautéed chicken, bell peppers, and a rich buttery scampi sauce, this homemade version brings all the familiar flavors right to your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 12 chicken tenderloins (about 1.75 pounds)
- ½ cup flour for dredging
- Vegetable oil for frying
- ½ red bell pepper, cut into strips
- ½ yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
- ½ green bell pepper, cut into strips
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 12 ounces angel hair pasta
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
For the Scampi Sauce:
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 2 Tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ pound unsalted butter (1 stick)
Optional substitutions:
- Gluten-free pasta for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Swap out chicken tenderloins with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Salt it generously before adding the pasta. Cook the angel hair pasta until it’s just shy of al dente. Drain the pasta, saving 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta water heats, coat the chicken tenderloins in seasoned flour. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce
In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes. Deglaze the pan with white wine and simmer for 2 minutes. Add the chicken stock, lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes, simmering for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the remaining 8 tablespoons of butter.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In the same pot used for cooking the pasta, sauté the bell peppers and onions until they soften, about 5 minutes. Toss the cooked pasta in the scampi sauce, using reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Add salt to taste, then serve topped with the sautéed chicken and freshly grated Parmesan.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use freshly grated Parmesan to enhance the dish’s savory flavor.
- To keep the pasta from clumping, gently toss it in a small amount of olive oil after draining.
- If you don’t have white wine, chicken broth can be a good substitute for a milder sauce.
