Quick Description
This Creamy Chicken Scampi is a rich and savory dish featuring tender chicken breast, mixed bell peppers, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s an easy-to-make, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a low-carb dinner or any occasion.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients List
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breast, cut into tenders-sized pieces
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 tablespoons butter, divided
- ¾ cup chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 ounces mixed bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, green), sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, for serving and garnish
- Finely chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
-
Sear the Chicken:
- Heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken tenders to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side, until cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
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Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the minced garlic, sliced bell peppers, and red onion.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- Add the chicken stock to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2 minutes to allow the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
-
Season the Sauce:
- Add the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together.
Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
-
Return Chicken to Skillet:
- Add the cooked chicken tenders back into the skillet with the creamy sauce.
- Stir to coat the chicken with the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through and thicken the sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve:
-
Serve the Dish:
- Remove from heat and sprinkle the dish with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
- Serve immediately with a side of your favorite low-carb vegetables or zucchini noodles.
Additional Notes
- Vegetable Variations: You can add more veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the dish for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Make-Ahead Option: The sauce and chicken can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just reheat and serve when ready.
Dietary Info
- Keto-Friendly
- Low-Carb
- High-Protein
- Gluten-Free
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Chicken: You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut.
- Creamy Sauce: If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream and dairy-free butter for a similar creamy texture.
- Bell Peppers: Feel free to adjust the bell pepper mix or use just one color if preferred.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- With Zucchini Noodles: Serve this creamy chicken scampi over zucchini noodles for a low-carb pasta alternative.
- Cheesy Version: Add extra shredded mozzarella or cream cheese to the sauce for a richer, cheesier flavor.
- Add Bacon: For extra flavor, try adding crispy bacon bits to the dish as a topping.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Freeze: This dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 45 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Carbs: 8 g
- Net Carbs: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream, dairy-free butter, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.
Q: Can I add pasta to this dish?
While this is a low-carb dish, you can definitely serve it with zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly “pasta” alternative.
Q: Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Just store in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
Optional Personal Story
This Creamy Chicken Scampi has quickly become one of my favorite keto dishes. It’s so rich and comforting but still light and full of flavor. I love how it can be prepared in one skillet — making cleanup a breeze — and it’s always a hit when I’m craving something creamy and indulgent.
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Try this Creamy Chicken Scampi today! It’s a comforting, keto-friendly dinner that’s packed with flavor and sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
