Indulge in a delightful blend of flavors with this Slow Cooker Chicken Scampi recipe! This dish takes the traditional scampi and infuses it with the convenience of slow cooking, ensuring tender chicken bathed in a garlicky, buttery sauce that will transport your taste buds straight to the Italian coast. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this easy-to-follow recipe promises to impress without keeping you tied to the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Scampi Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- For Serving:
- Cooked pasta (spaghetti or linguine recommended)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Lemon wedges (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Ensure they are evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step enhances the flavor but is optional if you’re short on time.
- Make the Scampi Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Combine in Slow Cooker:
- Place the seared chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the garlic-wine mixture over the chicken, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Add the butter pieces on top of the chicken for extra richness.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Final Touches:
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken and set aside. Stir in the chopped parsley into the sauce to brighten the flavors.
- Serve the chicken over cooked pasta, drizzling the luscious scampi sauce on top. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges if desired.
- Enjoy!
- Dig into this comforting and flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken Scampi, and savor the delightful combination of garlic, butter, and lemon that makes this dish irresistible!