Chicken scampi sauce is a rich, flavorful condiment that is a staple in Italian-American cooking. This creamy, garlic-infused sauce can transform simple dishes into luxurious culinary creations. But what exactly goes into making authentic chicken scampi sauce? Let’s unravel the mystery behind the ingredients that give this sauce its iconic, irresistible flavor.
A Brief History of Chicken Scampi
To understand chicken scampi sauce, we must first look at the history of scampi itself. Scampi is the Italian word for langoustine, a type of lobster. The term “scampi” was adopted by Italian immigrants in the United States to refer to shrimp. Traditional scampi dishes involved sautéing shrimp or langoustine in olive oil, garlic, butter, and white wine.
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
So what exactly is in chicken scampi sauce? While recipes can vary these are the core ingredients that create the signature flavors
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: No scampi sauce is complete without the pungent flavor of garlic. Fresh garlic cloves are thinly sliced or minced and sautéed in the 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.) Using the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, the garlic and half of the onions. 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 allow to simmer 5 to 10 minutes to allow sauce to begin thickening. 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 easy Chicken Scampi is my high-protein spin on classic shrimp scampi—made with juicy chicken breast, garlic, lemon, and a buttery white wine sauce tossed with whole wheat angel hair and spinach.
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 creamy pasta dish that is full of flavor and is also incredibly easy 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?
The chicken scampi sauce is a lighter option than alfredo sauce and can be made with chicken broth instead of wine. 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.