Looking for a dinner recipe that combines elegance with comfort? This Lemon Garlic Chicken Tenderloin Scampi is the perfect twist on the classic scampi, featuring tender chicken in a garlic butter sauce that’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy evening in, this dish is bound to impress. It’s quick, easy to prepare, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe elevates chicken tenderloin with a buttery garlic sauce infused with lemon and Italian herbs. The white wine brings a subtle depth, while the Parmesan cheese adds a savory richness. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this scampi recipe so delightful:
- Chicken Tenderloin: The chicken tenderloin is juicy and quick-cooking, making it an excellent alternative to shrimp scampi.
- Garlic and Butter Sauce: This classic pairing forms the base of the sauce, infusing every bite with mouthwatering flavor.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon adds brightness, balancing out the richness of the butter.
- Italian Seasoning and White Wine: A mix of herbs and a splash of wine create an aromatic and flavorful sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adding a salty, nutty finish that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- 1 lb chicken tenderloin, trimmed
- 1 tbsp pure olive oil
- 2 tbsp garlic, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups white wine (feel free to use a sweeter wine if you prefer)
- Juice of 1/2 a fresh lemon
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the chicken finishes cooking perfectly once it’s been baked with the sauce.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the garlic until it’s tender and fragrant. Add the chicken tenderloins, cooking for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet, as they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Once done, transfer them to a baking dish.
3. Create the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the white wine, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 7-10 minutes, or until it reduces by half. Gradually add the softened butter, stirring continuously to ensure a smooth, silky sauce.
4. Pour and Season
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the baking dish. Sprinkle chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese over the top, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake the dish in your preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted to perfection.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the chicken cool slightly, then serve it with a side of pasta, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables.
Tips for Success
- Wine Choice: For a slightly sweet, balanced sauce, opt for a sweeter white wine like Riesling, but a dry white wine like Chardonnay will work beautifully, too.
- Butter Quality: Using high-quality butter will elevate the sauce’s richness.
- Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad to soak up the sauce.
Why This Recipe Works
The simplicity of ingredients in this Lemon Garlic Chicken Tenderloin Scampi lets each element shine, creating a dish that’s both luxurious and comforting. The combination of garlic butter, lemon, and Parmesan adds layers of flavor, while the tender chicken offers a succulent texture in every bite.
This recipe is ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend dinner that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to make. Give it a try, and let this delicious twist on scampi become a favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Lemon Garlic Chicken Tenderloin Scampi
Description
Discover the perfect twist on a classic dish with this Lemon Garlic Chicken Tenderloin Scampi. Succulent pieces of chicken paired with a delightful garlic butter sauce offer a burst of flavor in every bite. Ideal for an elegant dinner or a cozy night in, your taste buds will thank you.
Ingredients
– 1 lb of chicken tenderloin, trimmed
– 1 tablespoon of pure olive oil
– 2 tablespoons of garlic, finely chopped
– 1 1/2 cups of white wine, some prefer a sweet wine
– 1/2 fresh lemon, juice only
– 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
– 1/2 cup of softened butter
– 1 tablespoon of parsley
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt to taste
– Black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350F (175C).
2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic until it is tender.
3. Add the chicken tenderloin and cook until they are just golden, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Do not cook fully as they will continue cooking in the oven.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and arrange them in a baking dish.
5. Using the same skillet, add the white wine, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 7-10 minutes or until it reduces by half.
6. Slowly add chunks of the softened butter, stirring well to incorporate it into the sauce. Once all the butter is melted, pour the sauce over the chicken in the baking dish.
7. Sprinkle the chicken with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.