Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi
You’ll need:
½ pound thin spaghetti noodles
⅔ cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt, divided
¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
½ teaspoon black pepper
1-1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1½-inch wide x 4-inch long strips
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small red pepper, cut into thin strips
1 small yellow pepper, cut into thin strips
1 small green bell pepper, cut into strips
½ medium red onion, cut into strips
1½ tablespoons grated fresh garlic
¼ cup dry white wine
¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
¾ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, divided
Instructions
In a large pot of boiling water, cook your thin spaghetti noodles for 9 to 10 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a shallow dish (a pie pan works great), add the all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Remove 2 tablespoons of the seasoned flour and set it aside in a small bowl.
Coat each of the boneless skinless chicken strips in the seasoned flour and place it onto a plate.
In a large skillet on medium-high heat, add the olive oil and unsalted butter. Allow the oil and butter to heat up to approximately 350°F before adding the chicken strips to lightly pan-fry. A quick way to test the temperature of your oil is to sprinkle a little pinch of flour into the oil. If it starts to sizzle, then your oil should be hot enough.
Place half the amount of your coated chicken strips into the skillet of hot oil to lightly pan-fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until lightly golden and fully cooked. You should have no pink remaining, and the internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°F.
Remove the chicken strips and place them onto a plate to rest. Repeat with the second half of the coated chicken strips.
Once all the chicken has been lightly pan-fried and removed to a plate, add the sliced red peppers, yellow peppers, green peppers, red onion, and grated fresh garlic to the hot skillet. Cook the vegetables for 4-5 minutes or until you get a light sear on the vegetables and they are tender.
Remove the cooked peppers and onions from the skillet and place them on a plate.
Turn the heat to the skillet down to medium-low and add the 2 tablespoons of the reserved seasoned flour. Whisk the flour into the butter and oil that is remaining in the skillet until all the flour is absorbed.
Add the white wine and lemon juice to the skillet and whisk until you have no lumps of flour remaining. Add the low-sodium chicken broth to the skillet and bring the liquids to a low boil to allow the sauce to thicken.
Add the heavy cream and 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
To the sauce, add the reserved cooked and drained pasta and toss to completely coat all the thin spaghetti noodles with the sauce.
Top the sauce-coated pasta with the cooked peppers, onions, and chicken strips.
Garnish with the remaining tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley.
Olive Garden's Chicken Scampi is a fan favorite, renowned for its delicious blend of flavors and comforting textures. This dish features succulent chicken breasts that are lightly coated and pan-fried to golden perfection, then paired with vibrant bell peppers and a rich, creamy sauce. The addition of fresh garlic and a splash of dry white wine elevates the flavors, creating a meal that's not only satisfying but also reminiscent of dining at Olive Garden. For an even richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice and Italian seasoning for a few hours before cooking. This can add an extra layer of zest to the dish. Additionally, the choice of pasta can vary; while thin spaghetti is traditional, you may also experiment with fettuccine or linguine for a heartier texture. Don’t forget to garnish your Chicken Scampi with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for that authentic touch. Pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the remaining sauce, making for a complete and satisfying meal that will wow your family and friends.