If you’ve ever wished for a dish that perfectly balances zesty heat, savory meatiness, and vibrant veggies, look no further than this Chicken Scarpariello Recipe. It’s a wonderfully hearty Italian-American classic combining succulent chicken thighs and spicy Italian sausage simmered in a tangy sauce with pickled cherry peppers, white wine, and red wine vinegar. Every bite bursts with flavor and warmth, making it an irresistible meal to cozy up to any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is essential for nailing this Chicken Scarpariello Recipe. Each element plays a key role—from the juicy chicken thighs providing rich texture to the bright, pickled cherry peppers that add that signature tangy kick. Simple staples like garlic, peppers, and herbs round everything out to create a colorful, mouthwatering dish.
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: Choose thighs for juicy and tender meat that holds up well during simmering.
- 2 sweet Italian sausages, sliced: Adds savory depth and a touch of spice, balancing the dish perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the chicken and sautéing vegetables, bringing out amazing flavors.
- 1 small onion, sliced: Introduces sweetness and a mild punch that melts into the sauce.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Complements the red pepper with bright, cheerful hues and flavor.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Essential for aromatic warmth and savory depth.
- ½ cup dry white wine: Deglazes the pan and infuses an elegant acidity that brightens the dish.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Builds a rich base to simmer all ingredients in and keep everything moist.
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar: Provides that characteristic tang that makes Chicken Scarpariello truly unforgettable.
- 10–12 pickled cherry peppers, halved: The star ingredient delivering zesty spice and brightness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy herbal note that ties all the flavors together.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh burst of color and a mild herbal finish.
How to Make Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken Thighs
Start by seasoning those beautiful bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then place the chicken skin-side down. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy, then flip and brown on the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes. This step seals in all the juices and builds the foundation of flavor you want.
Step 2: Cook the Italian Sausage
Remove the chicken and set it aside to rest for now. In the same pan, add the sliced Italian sausage. Let it brown and render its flavorful fat for about 4 to 5 minutes. The sausage brings a savory richness that’s essential to the Chicken Scarpariello Recipe’s signature taste.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the sliced onion along with the red and yellow bell peppers and the minced garlic. Allow these to sauté in the pork fat for about 5 minutes, until everything softens and the garlic is fragrant. This delicate vegetable mix adds sweetness, color, and aromatic layers.
Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—this is pure flavor gold! Stir in the chicken broth, red wine vinegar, and halved pickled cherry peppers. Finally, sprinkle in the dried oregano, then return the chicken and sausage to the pan. This vibrant sauce is what turns simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.
Step 5: Simmer Until Perfect
Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. This slow simmer lets the chicken cook gently while the sauce reduces and thickens, melding all the flavors. Once the chicken is tender and fully cooked, you’re ready for the final touch.
How to Serve Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving. This vibrant green garnish adds a fresh herbal brightness that complements the rich and tangy sauce beautifully. It’s a simple step that elevates the presentation and flavors delightfully.
Side Dishes
Traditionally, Chicken Scarpariello pairs wonderfully with creamy polenta, fluffy pasta, or golden roasted potatoes. These sides soak up the zesty sauce perfectly and round out the meal with satisfying carbs and textures. Choose your favorite to balance the bold flavors of the chicken and sausage.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful twist, serve this dish over a bed of sautéed greens like spinach or kale, adding earthy contrast. Alternatively, spoon the chicken and sauce over crusty Italian bread for a rustic, hands-on experience. Either way, the versatility of this Chicken Scarpariello Recipe shines in how you present it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Scarpariello keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it just as delicious the next day. Simply reheat gently until warmed through.
Freezing
To freeze, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat to maintain moisture and preserve that signature rich sauce. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs will work well, though bone-in adds extra flavor and helps keep the meat juicier during cooking. Just adjust the simmer time slightly to ensure doneness.
What if I prefer a spicier Chicken Scarpariello Recipe?
Feel free to swap out the sweet Italian sausage for hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes during the sautéing step. The pickled cherry peppers already add some heat, so adjust according to your spice preference.
Is it necessary to use white wine and red wine vinegar?
Both are essential for creating the tangy, bright flavor that defines Chicken Scarpariello. If you need a substitute, use dry vermouth for wine and a good-quality white or apple cider vinegar in place of red wine vinegar for a slightly different but delicious twist.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Chicken Scarpariello Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and verify the sausage contains no gluten ingredients.
What sides pair best with this Chicken Scarpariello Recipe?
Traditional sides include creamy polenta, simple pasta, or roasted potatoes, all wonderful for soaking up the flavorful sauce. A crisp green salad is also a refreshing companion to balance the richness.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Scarpariello Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to keep coming back to—warm, tangy, hearty, and full of vibrant Italian-American goodness. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, it’s a soul-satisfying meal that’s surprisingly simple to make yet wonderfully complex in flavor. Give it a try soon; I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
Print
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: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Scarpariello is a flavorful Italian-American skillet dish featuring tender bone-in chicken thighs and sweet Italian sausage simmered with pickled cherry peppers, bell peppers, garlic, and a tangy, slightly spicy sauce made from white wine, chicken broth, and red wine vinegar. This hearty main course offers a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors, garnished with fresh parsley for brightness, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 sweet Italian sausages, sliced into 1-inch pieces
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 10–12 pickled cherry peppers, halved
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper on all sides to ensure flavor is infused during cooking.
- Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5–7 minutes until the skin is nicely browned and crisp. Flip and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Sausage: In the same pan, add the sliced sweet Italian sausage pieces. Cook them for 4–5 minutes until browned on all sides, releasing their flavorful fats into the pan.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the sliced onion, red and yellow bell peppers, and minced garlic to the pan with the sausage. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This step lifts all the concentrated flavors into the sauce.
- Add Liquids and Peppers: Stir in chicken broth, red wine vinegar, halved pickled cherry peppers, and dried oregano. Mix well to combine all ingredients and build the sauce base.
- Simmer Dish: Return the browned chicken thighs and sausage to the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low and let everything simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, herbaceous finish. Serve immediately over your choice of roasted potatoes, pasta, or polenta.
Notes
- For a spicier version, swap sweet Italian sausage for hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes during sautéing.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted potatoes, polenta, or any pasta to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- The skin-on chicken thighs help keep the meat juicy and add extra flavor; you can remove the skin after cooking if preferred.
