Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Scampi with Fresh Herbs is a delicious and quick skillet meal featuring tender chicken strips sautéed in a garlic-infused butter sauce with fresh parsley and basil. Enhanced with a splash of white wine and lemon juice, this dish is perfect served over your favorite cooked pasta for a comforting and flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For Serving
- Cooked pasta of your choice
Instructions
- Season and Coat Chicken: Season the chicken strips evenly with salt and black pepper. Dredge the chicken strips in all-purpose flour until well coated, shaking off any excess flour.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and sizzling. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze and Simmer Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and dry white wine (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for approximately 2 minutes to allow the liquid to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Finish Sauce with Herbs: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and chopped basil to the skillet. Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and toss to coat them thoroughly in the garlic butter herb sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the chicken and sauce over your preferred cooked pasta, making sure to drizzle extra sauce on top for a rich and flavorful dish.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- If you prefer to avoid alcohol, omit the white wine and increase the chicken broth by 1/4 cup.
- Fresh herbs make a big difference—use fresh parsley and basil for optimal flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions to complement the sauce texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
