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Creamy Garlic Chicken Scampi

creamy garlic chicken scampi - featured image

A quick and comforting 30-minute meal featuring tender chicken breasts in a luscious creamy garlic sauce with hints of lemon and parsley.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) or chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy cream
  • Juice of 1 medium lemon
  • 1/4 cup (25g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat dry chicken breasts and pound to about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) thickness. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Sear chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken and tent with foil to keep warm.
  3. Lower heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté gently for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in white wine and scrape up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced by half.
  5. Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  6. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  7. Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over each piece. Warm together for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve immediately with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Notes

Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy. Avoid burning garlic as it turns bitter. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. If sauce is too thin, simmer longer off heat; if too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and butter with olive oil or dairy-free butter.

Nutrition

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