Garlic-Infused Chicken or Shrimp Scampi Delight
Indulge in this exquisite recipe that combines the classic flavors of shrimp scampi with the heartiness of chicken. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, this dish features succulent shrimp or tender chicken bathed in a rich garlic, butter, and wine sauce. The delightful blend of spices and fresh parsley creates a mouthwatering dish that will transport your taste buds to culinary bliss. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty Italian bread to soak up every last drop of this savory sauce, and it may just become a staple in your home cooking repertoire!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
raw shrimp
1 lb (peeled and deveined)
chicken breast
1 lb (cubed)
dry white wine
2/3 cup
light olive oil
1/4 cup
butter
1/2 cup
margarine
2 tablespoons
minced garlic
3 tablespoons
paprika
1/4 teaspoon
parsley flakes
1/2 tablespoon
white pepper
1/8 teaspoon
ground cayenne pepper or red pepper
1/8 teaspoon
lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon
ground celery seed
1/16 teaspoon
grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (to top)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, combine the dry white wine, light olive oil, butter, margarine, and minced garlic over medium heat. Allow the mixture to heat until it just begins to boil, releasing a fragrant aroma.
2
Once boiling, add the paprika, parsley flakes, white pepper, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and ground celery seed. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
3
For shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, cooking for about 4 to 5 minutes or until the shrimp turns pink. Be careful not to overcook.
4
For chicken: Add the cubed chicken breast, cooking for approximately 8 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink in the center.
5
Transfer the cooked shrimp or chicken along with the sauce to a toasting or baking dish, ensuring that the dish is generously coated.
6
Top the dish liberally with grated parmesan cheese to enhance the flavors.
7
Preheat your oven to the 'toast' or 'broil' setting and let it heat for about 5 minutes. Broil the dish for 2 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8
Serve hot alongside homemade Italian bread, over a bed of tri-colored pasta, or with Elswet's Crab Dressing or Jasmine Rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Garlic-Infused Chicken or Shrimp Scampi Delight?
It is a versatile dish that combines the classic flavors of shrimp scampi with the option to include hearty chicken breast, all bathed in a rich garlic, butter, and wine sauce.
Can I use both chicken and shrimp in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of 1 lb of raw shrimp, 1 lb of chicken breast, or a combination of both proteins.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
What type of wine is recommended for the scampi sauce?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of dry white wine.
How much garlic is required for this dish?
You will need 3 tablespoons of minced garlic to achieve the signature garlic-infused flavor.
What kind of oil should I use?
The instructions specify using 1/4 cup of light olive oil.
Does the recipe use butter or margarine?
Both are used: 1/2 cup of butter and 2 tablespoons of margarine.
What spices provide the flavor profile for the sauce?
The sauce is flavored with paprika, parsley flakes, white pepper, cayenne pepper, and ground celery seed.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1/8 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper or red pepper.
How much lemon juice is added to the sauce?
1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice is used to add a touch of acidity.
How long does it take to cook the shrimp?
Shrimp should be cooked for about 4 to 5 minutes or until they turn pink.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
Cubed chicken breast takes approximately 8 to 12 minutes to cook thoroughly.
What is the first step in preparing the sauce?
Combine the white wine, olive oil, butter, margarine, and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until the mixture begins to boil.
How should the chicken be prepared before cooking?
The chicken breast should be cubed into bite-sized pieces.
What preparation is needed for the shrimp?
The shrimp should be peeled and deveined before being added to the skillet.
When do I add the spices to the skillet?
Add the spices once the wine and butter mixture has reached a boil and is fragrant.
What is the purpose of the ground celery seed?
A small amount (1/16 teaspoon) is used to add a subtle earthy depth to the flavor profile.
Is the dish baked or sautéed?
It is first sautéed in a skillet and then finished under the broiler or in a toaster oven.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The dish is topped liberally with 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
How do I finish the dish in the oven?
Transfer the protein and sauce to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil for 2 minutes.
How long should I preheat the broiler?
The recipe suggests preheating the 'toast' or 'broil' setting for about 5 minutes.
What are the best side dishes for this scampi?
It is excellent served over tri-colored pasta, Jasmine rice, or with Elswet's Crab Dressing.
Can I serve this with bread?
Yes, crusty homemade Italian bread is recommended for soaking up the savory sauce.
What should the cheese look like when done?
The cheese should be golden and bubbly after broiling.
Is white pepper different from black pepper in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/8 teaspoon of white pepper for its unique flavor and appearance.
How much parsley should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 tablespoon of parsley flakes.
How do I know the chicken is safe to eat?
The chicken is done when it is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink in the center.
Can I overcook the shrimp?
The recipe warns to be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they only need 4-5 minutes.
What is the main flavor profile of the dish?
The dish features a rich blend of garlic, butter, and white wine accented by fresh herbs and mild spices.
Is this suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely, its exquisite flavors make it perfect for both cozy family dinners and special gatherings.