If you’re craving an Italian-American classic that delivers bold, zesty flavor and irresistible comfort in every bite, look no further than this Chicken Scarpariello Recipe. Tender bone-in chicken thighs, sweet Italian sausage, colorful peppers, and a tangy, spicy sauce come together in a single skillet for a meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or lively weeknight dinners. Whether you’re new to Italian cooking or already a Scarpariello devotee, this dish promises layers of savory goodness and a wonderful aroma that fills your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this Chicken Scarpariello Recipe keeps things refreshingly straightforward, but every component has a role to play. The combination of fresh chicken, sausage, and sweet peppers is truly the backbone of the dish, while a handful of pantry staples build the lively sauce that ties everything together.
- Chicken thighs (2 pounds, bone-in, skin-on): These stay moist and juicy while lending richness to the sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A drizzle for browning the meat and building up incredible flavor from the start.
- Sweet Italian sausage (1/2 pound, cut into 1-inch pieces): Adds savory depth and a hint of sweetness—perfectly complements the tangy sauce.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Lends sweetness, color, and texture.
- Yellow bell pepper (1, sliced): Provides another layer of sweetness and a pop of sunshine-y color.
- Onion (1 small, sliced): Brings natural sweetness and rounds out the flavor base.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The classic aromatic foundation—don’t be shy here!
- Dry white wine (1/2 cup): Used for deglazing the pan and adding depth to the sauce.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Provides a savory backbone and a bit of extra moisture.
- Red wine vinegar (1/4 cup): Delivers that signature tangy kick you crave in Chicken Scarpariello.
- Fresh rosemary (1 tablespoon, chopped): Infuses sharp, piney notes that keep the dish lively.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): A must for that warm, earthy Italian flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): For just the right level of background heat.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.
- Sweet pickled cherry peppers (8-10, halved): The star ingredient for that unmistakable sweet heat.
- Cherry pepper brine (1 tablespoon, optional): For extra tang and punch in the final sauce.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): Brings freshness and a pop of green right before serving.
How to Make Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with a generous sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high. Once hot, lay in the chicken skin-side down. Sizzle until they develop a deep golden crust, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. This step locks in juiciness and ensures the chicken’s skin will bring delicious texture to your Chicken Scarpariello Recipe.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Using the same pan (don’t drain those tasty chicken drippings!), add your sausage pieces. Let them brown beautifully on all sides. This quick char not only seals in the sausage’s savory flavor but also leaves behind caramelized bits—the secret to a sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Peppers
With the chicken and sausage set aside, toss in the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté until they’re soft and starting to take on a hint of color, about 5 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Time for the magic! Pour the dry white wine into your pan and scrape up those browned bits stuck on the bottom—this is pure flavor gold. Add the chicken broth, red wine vinegar, rosemary, oregano, red pepper flakes, and the delicious sweet pickled cherry peppers. Give everything a good stir to integrate all those punchy aromatics into the sauce base of your Chicken Scarpariello Recipe.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Return the browned chicken thighs and sausage pieces to the pan, nestling them into the sauce and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for 25 to 30 minutes so the chicken becomes succulent and every ingredient infuses the sauce. Uncover and simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes to thicken the sauce just slightly. Stir in a splash of cherry pepper brine if you like extra tang.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, shower everything with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. The result is a one-pan masterpiece—your new go-to Chicken Scarpariello Recipe!
How to Serve Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving gives a burst of grassy brightness and brings the whole dish to life. If you want to play up the spicy-sweet theme, add a few extra sliced cherry peppers on top for color and a sneaky bit of heat. You could even finish each plate with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Scarpariello Recipe begs to be served with something that’ll soak up all those incredible pan juices. Crusty Italian bread is a must for mopping up sauce, but creamy polenta or garlic mashed potatoes are fantastic choices too. For a lighter touch, try it alongside steamed broccolini or a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve Chicken Scarpariello in a big shallow platter family-style, so everyone can admire the vibrant peppers and glistening sauce. Or, portion out individual servings over toasted crostini for an elegant dinner party starter. Celebrate the heart and soul of this recipe by letting the ingredients shine on the plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Scarpariello Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge. Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making this an even more irresistible lunch the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze Chicken Scarpariello for up to 2 months. Let the dish cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The chicken and sausage maintain their texture, and the peppers hold up surprisingly well!
Reheating
For best results, reheat Chicken Scarpariello gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce as needed. You can microwave leftovers as well, but the oven or stovetop methods help preserve the chicken’s succulence and the flavors of the sauce.
FAQs
What does ‘Scarpariello’ mean?
“Scarpariello” translates to “shoemaker-style” in Italian! It’s a fun name, possibly because this dish was thrown together quickly with whatever was on hand after a long day—much like something a busy shoemaker might whip up for dinner.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Absolutely! You can swap in boneless skinless thighs or even breasts—just adjust the cook time since they’ll finish faster. Remember, bone-in chicken delivers the most flavor and tenderness to the Chicken Scarpariello Recipe.
Is this dish very spicy?
It’s as spicy as you like! The sweet pickled cherry peppers deliver gentle heat, while the crushed red pepper flakes add zing. If you prefer a milder version, use fewer pepper flakes and go easy on the cherry peppers—or go wild if you love the spice!
Can I make Chicken Scarpariello Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, the flavors get even better after a night in the fridge. Simply reheat gently just before serving, and enjoy a quick, restaurant-worthy meal any night of the week.
What’s the best wine to use in this recipe?
Use a dry white wine you’d enjoy drinking, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The wine isn’t the focus in the dish, but it does add essential background flavor and acidity to balance out the Chicken Scarpariello Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to shake up your dinner routine with a dish that’s cozy, colorful, and full of character, this Chicken Scarpariello Recipe is the perfect answer. Try it once, and it just might become the comfort food classic you reach for again and again—especially when you want to treat your loved ones to something special.
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Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Scarpariello recipe is a flavorful Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken thighs, savory sausage, and a medley of peppers cooked in a tangy sauce. Spiced with herbs and peppers, this stovetop dish is perfect for a hearty dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sausage:
- 1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
Peppers and Onions:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
Other Ingredients:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8–10 sweet pickled cherry peppers, halved
- 1 tablespoon brine from cherry peppers (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken thighs with salt and black pepper.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Sausage: Brown the sausage in the same pan, then remove.
- Cook Peppers and Onions: Sauté bell peppers and onion until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Deglaze the pan with white wine, then add broth, vinegar, herbs, and peppers. Return chicken and sausage to the pan, simmer covered for 25-30 minutes.
- Finish: Uncover and simmer to reduce sauce. Stir in cherry pepper brine if desired. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, use hot cherry peppers or add extra red pepper flakes.
- You can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
