Irresistible Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe

Intro and Brief Recap

Have you ever craved the rich, buttery flavors of Olive Garden’s Chicken Scampi? This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe captures that same delightful taste and aroma right in your kitchen. With tender chicken, fresh garlic, and a luscious sauce, this dish is a culinary experience that transports you straight to Italy with every bite.

Growing up, enjoying a hearty meal at Olive Garden was a cherished family tradition. The moment I first tasted their Chicken Scampi, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The combination of perfectly sautéed chicken and fragrant garlic butter ignited my taste buds and created a lasting memory. Now, you can recreate this beloved dish at home for any occasion—from cozy family dinners to elegant gatherings. Get ready to impress your guests with an amazing flavor experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Key Ingredients For Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts for this recipe, but feel free to adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; they’ll elevate your dish significantly.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter for cooking; it provides a rich base without adding extra salt.
• Olive Oil: A good-quality olive oil adds depth to the dish while helping to sauté the chicken perfectly.

For the Sauce:

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the sauce and balances the richness of the butter.
• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness while still providing that savory flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives the sauce its luxurious texture and creamy consistency that makes it irresistible.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness; be sure to chop it finely before adding it to the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them lightly with salt and pepper.

Second Step: Sauté Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and half of the butter until melted. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Third Step: Cook Garlic

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it as burnt garlic can turn bitter.

Fourth Step: Make The Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice while scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about five minutes before adding heavy cream.

Fifth Step: Combine Ingredients

Return cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir well until everything is combined and heated through. Add chopped parsley just before serving.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and herbs; they will significantly enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
• Don’t Overcook Chicken: Keep an eye on your chicken while cooking; overcooking can lead to dry meat instead of juicy pieces.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your sauce before serving; you may want to add more salt or lemon juice based on your preference.

Cooking Instructions

To begin with the Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe, follow these simple steps:

1. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

2. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in white wine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.

3. Next, stir in heavy cream and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer before adding in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and creamy.

4. Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and return them to the skillet. Toss gently to coat them in the creamy sauce.

5. Finally, serve this delicious Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe over a bed of linguine or your pasta of choice. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe is delightful on its own but can be enhanced with various sides:

• Garlic Bread: A perfect option to soak up the delicious scampi sauce.
• Steamed Broccoli: Adds a nutritious green element that complements the dish well.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp salad offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers from your Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe, store them properly to maintain freshness:

– Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

– Place the container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it; however, note that cream-based sauces may change texture upon thawing.

– When reheating, warm gently on low heat on the stove or microwave while stirring occasionally to restore creaminess.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional content of your Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe can help you make informed choices:

– This recipe generally serves about four people and contains approximately 450 calories per serving.

– The main ingredients like chicken provide protein, while cream adds fat content. Incorporate vegetables for added vitamins and minerals.

– Adjust portion sizes or ingredients according to dietary needs or preferences for healthier alternatives.

FAQs

How can I make this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe healthier?

To create a lighter version of this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe, consider using whole wheat pasta instead of regular linguine. You can also substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a lower-fat cream alternative. Additionally, increase vegetable content by adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrients without sacrificing flavor.

Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can easily adapt this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe by substituting shrimp for chicken. Simply sauté peeled shrimp in olive oil until pink and cooked through before adding them to your sauce mixture. Adjust cooking time accordingly since shrimp cooks faster than chicken.

Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, preparing this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe ahead of time is feasible! Cook everything but the pasta initially, then store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on low heat while cooking fresh pasta for optimal results.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

For pairing wines with your Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe, opt for a dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines complement the garlic and lemon flavors beautifully without overwhelming them. Enjoying a glass alongside your meal enhances both flavors significantly!