Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Scampi Recipe: A Deliciously Easy Guide
Olive Garden's Chicken Scampi is a beloved dish, known for its creamy, garlicky sauce and tender chicken. But you don't need a reservation to enjoy this culinary delight! This recipe will guide you through making a delicious, restaurant-quality Olive Garden Chicken Scampi at home. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide.
What You'll Need: Ingredients for a Perfect Dish
This recipe focuses on capturing the essence of Olive Garden's Chicken Scampi, using readily available ingredients. Precise measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Scampi Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Linguine or spaghetti pasta (about 1 lb)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Cooking Your Masterpiece
Follow these simple steps to recreate the magic of Olive Garden's Chicken Scampi in your own kitchen:
1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Create the Scampi Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for a minute or two, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
4. Build the Flavor: Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it reduce slightly, until it thickens a bit. This process concentrates the flavors.
5. Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for another minute or two, until the chicken is heated through and coated in the creamy sauce.
6. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package directions.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for an Extra Special Dish
- Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a much more vibrant flavor than pre-minced garlic.
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it until it's just cooked through.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice, red pepper flakes, or Parmesan cheese to suit your preferences.
- Serve with crusty bread: Soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use different pasta? A: Yes, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Fettuccine or angel hair would also work well.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: It's best to make this dish fresh, as the pasta can become soggy if made too far in advance. However, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat it gently before adding the cooked chicken and pasta.
Q: Can I substitute the white wine? A: Yes, you can substitute the white wine with chicken broth if you prefer an alcohol-free version.
This recipe will allow you to enjoy the deliciousness of Olive Garden's Chicken Scampi anytime you crave it. Enjoy!
