If you have a craving for a dish that bursts with bold, tangy flavors and hearty comfort, this Chicken Scarpariello Recipe is your new go-to. Featuring tender bone-in chicken thighs, spicy Italian sausage, and pickled cherry peppers all simmered together in a savory sauce, this Italian-American classic hits all the right notes. The marriage of sweet bell peppers, punchy vinegar, and aromatic herbs creates a vibrant sauce that coats every bite, making it an unforgettable meal that’s surprisingly easy to whip up any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing the authentic flavor and texture of Chicken Scarpariello Recipe. Each component plays its part, whether it’s adding depth, spice, or that perfect balance of acidity.
- 1 ½ pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: For juicy, flavorful meat and crispy skin when seared.
- ½ pound sweet Italian sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces: Adds savory richness and a subtle sweet-spice contrast.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for browning the chicken and sausage beautifully.
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced: Brings sweetness and body to the sauce.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds vibrant color and gentle sweetness.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Balances the reds for a visually appealing dish.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Injects pungent, aromatic warmth.
- ½ cup dry white wine: Used to deglaze the pan and build a complex flavor base.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce moist and savory without overpowering.
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar: The signature tang that wakes up the entire dish.
- 8-10 pickled cherry peppers, halved (seeds removed if desired): Deliver a spicy, vinegary kick and playful texture.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds herbal earthiness for depth.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a little extra heat if you like things spicy.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Brightens the dish with a burst of fresh color.
How to Make Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then carefully add the chicken skin-side down. Sear for 4–5 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes. This step locks in juices and builds a flavorful crust that helps create a rich sauce later on. Remove the chicken and set it aside to rest while you work on the next steps.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In the same pan, add your sweet Italian sausage pieces. The sausage renders fat and crisps up nicely, adding layers of meaty goodness. Let it cook until browned on all sides for about 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside alongside the chicken. Don’t worry about every bit of browning on the pan – that’s exactly what makes the sauce so tasty!
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Now, add the thinly sliced onion and bell peppers to the pan. Sauté them for about 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. This adds natural sweetness and texture, balancing the acidity and spice to come. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute—it’s amazing how much garlic brightens everything up without overpowering.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Time to deglaze your pan! Pour in the dry white wine, gently scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—those bits hold so much flavor. Add the chicken broth, red wine vinegar, and pickled cherry peppers next. Season with oregano and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re in the mood for heat. This bubbling mixture is the heart of your Chicken Scarpariello Recipe, offering that perfect balance of tangy, savory, and spicy notes.
Step 5: Simmer Everything Together
Return the chicken and sausage back to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Let it cook for 25–30 minutes so the chicken becomes tender and fully infused with those bold flavors. Uncover and simmer for another 5–10 minutes without the lid to let the sauce thicken slightly. The aroma at this stage is truly irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle your dish with plenty of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and color. This step adds a herbal lift that perfectly complements the meaty and tangy components of your Chicken Scarpariello Recipe. Then, dig in!
How to Serve Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
Garnishes
Besides fresh parsley, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dash of extra crushed red pepper flakes if you want to dial up the umami or heat. A lemon wedge on the side can also brighten the flavors just before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish’s sauce is so rich and delicious that it pairs perfectly with simple sides. Crusty Italian bread is a classic choice for mopping up every last drop. Roasted potatoes or creamy polenta also work beautifully, while a light pasta like spaghetti or linguine makes it feel like a true Italian feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the chicken thighs on a rustic wooden board surrounded by vibrant bell pepper slices and cherry peppers. Spoon the extra sauce over everything, and garnish with parsley. Alternatively, serve family-style in a large pan so everyone can dig in and share the warmth and flavor together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Chicken Scarpariello Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors even deepen overnight, making your next meal just as satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor preservation.
Reheating
Reheat your Chicken Scarpariello gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. This keeps the chicken tender and the sauce luscious without drying anything out.
FAQs
What cut of chicken is best for Chicken Scarpariello Recipe?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal because they stay juicy and tender while adding great flavor from the skin and bones. If you prefer, you can use boneless chicken, but you might lose some depth in taste.
Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?
Absolutely! The pickled cherry peppers add a nice heat, but you can remove the seeds to tone down the spice or add extra crushed red pepper flakes if you want it hotter. Adjust according to your preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Chicken Scarpariello Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your sausage is gluten-free as well. Always check labels if you’re sensitive or cooking for someone with gluten intolerance.
What can I use instead of pickled cherry peppers?
If you cannot find pickled cherry peppers, consider substituting with pickled pepperoncini or even jalapeños, adjusting the quantity to taste. The key is to maintain that vinegary, spicy kick.
Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?
You can swap in boneless chicken thighs or breasts for a leaner option or faster cooking time. Just note that bone-in chicken adds more flavor and tends to stay juicier in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Scarpariello Recipe has won over so many hearts with its punchy flavors and comforting warmth. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a cherished classic that works for both casual weeknights and special occasions. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and make a batch of this Italian-American favorite—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Scarpariello is a classic Italian-American skillet dish featuring bone-in chicken thighs simmered with sweet Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and tangy pickled cherry peppers. This flavorful and hearty recipe combines seared chicken and sausage with a savory sauce made from white wine, chicken broth, and red wine vinegar, enhanced with garlic and herbs. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread, roasted potatoes, or pasta.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 ½ pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- ½ pound sweet Italian sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8–10 pickled cherry peppers, halved and seeds removed if desired
Liquids & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavors before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Cook the Sausage: In the same pan, add the Italian sausage pieces and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for 4–5 minutes until they soften. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen the browned bits. This adds depth to the sauce.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in chicken broth, red wine vinegar, halved cherry peppers, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to combine the flavors.
- Simmer the Chicken and Sausage: Return the seared chicken thighs and browned sausage to the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Reduce the Sauce: Uncover the pan and continue simmering for 5–10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and intensify in flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh finish. Serve hot alongside your choice of crusty bread, roasted potatoes, or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a milder dish, reduce the number of cherry peppers used or remove their seeds to tone down the heat.
- This recipe pairs excellently with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce, as well as roasted potatoes or your favorite pasta.
- Although bone-in chicken thighs provide more flavor and juiciness, you can substitute with boneless chicken thighs if preferred.
