The Chicken Scarpariello Recipe is one of those vibrant, Italian-American classics that manages to hit every note on the flavor spectrum. Tender, golden-seared chicken, juicy sausage, and sweet bell peppers all come together in a tangy, garlicky sauce bursting with the bold kick of pickled cherry peppers. This dish is an absolute showstopper for cozy family dinners or when you want to impress friends with something both rustic and robust. Its savory depth and playful zing truly celebrate the magic of home cooking, and it’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation after just one bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The greatness of this Chicken Scarpariello Recipe is in its soulful, straightforward ingredients. Each element brings an essential layer—juicy chicken for richness, spicy-sweet sausage, crisp peppers, aromatic garlic, and a tangy, cherry pepper-studded sauce that really sets this dish apart.
- Chicken thighs and/or drumsticks (2 lbs, bone-in, skin-on): This cut remains tender and juicy, and the skin crisps up beautifully when seared first.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and helps develop a flavorful sear on the chicken.
- Italian sausage links (4, sliced into 1-inch pieces; mild or hot): They bring savory spice and extra heartiness—choose the spice level to suit your crowd!
- Small onion (1, sliced): Sweetens and softens, working as an aromatic base for the sauce.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Offers a mellow sweetness and dazzling color contrast.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Intensifies the flavor, releasing perfume and a bit of bite.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Balances the acidity and helps create a luscious sauce.
- Dry white wine (½ cup): For brightness and subtle complexity—don’t skip it!
- Red wine vinegar (¼ cup): A crucial tangy note that defines the scarpariello flavor.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Adds herbal warmth and familiar Italian undertones.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): Turn up the heat if you’re in the mood!
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential to bring out all the flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and aromatic depth.
- Pickled cherry peppers (½ cup, halved, with a bit of brine): The star for a spicy, tangy punch—adjust to your preferred level of zing.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): A final touch of color and freshness to finish the dish.
How to Make Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Begin by patting the chicken pieces dry and seasoning them with salt and black pepper—don’t be shy, this step promises crisp, golden skin and flavor in every bite. In your largest oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high. Once it shimmers, arrange the chicken skin-side down, and let it sizzle for 5 to 7 minutes until deep golden brown. Flip and brown the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes, then remove the chicken to a plate. Browning both sides locks in juices and sets the tone for the rich sauce to come.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In that same pan—don’t clean it!—add the sliced sausage. Let the pieces brown for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so all sides crisp up. The sausage not only flavors the final sauce but also leaves behind flavorful browned bits (fond) that will make your Cherry-Pepper sauce unforgettable. Once browned, transfer the sausage to the plate with the chicken.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Next, toss in the sliced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes until they begin to soften and the onions turn translucent. The vegetables soak up all the sausage and chicken flavor left in the pan. Stir in the garlic, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the mixture bloom for just about a minute—it’ll get beautifully fragrant and aromatic without burning.
Step 4: Build the Tangy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, dry white wine, and red wine vinegar. Use your spatula to gently scrape up every bit of goodness from the pan bottom. Add in the pickled cherry peppers (halved) and, for extra punch, a big spoonful of their brine. This is the step when the kitchen truly starts to smell amazing and the sauce takes on a gorgeous, tangy complexity.
Step 5: Bring it All Together and Bake
Return both the chicken and sausage (plus any precious juices) back into the skillet, nestling them in among the peppers and sauce. Make sure the chicken sits skin-side up so it stays crisper in the oven. Transfer the whole skillet, uncovered, to your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should read 165°F/74°C). As it bakes, the sauce thickens, the peppers mellow, and the chicken and sausage soak up every drop of robust flavor.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the dish generously with chopped fresh parsley for color and brightness. That’s it: the Chicken Scarpariello Recipe is ready for the table! Serve piping hot, with plenty of crusty bread, roasted potatoes, or twirled pasta to soak up all that dreamy sauce.
How to Serve Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
Garnishes
A shower of freshly chopped parsley is the finishing touch for this Chicken Scarpariello Recipe—its grassy notes and vibrant color are the perfect contrast to the rich sauce. For extra zip, you could also add thinly sliced scallions or a few extra pickled cherry peppers.
Side Dishes
This dish loves to be paired with sides that soak up its lively sauce. Try a platter of golden roasted potatoes, garlic-sautéed greens, or simply a generous basket of Italian bread. If you want a heartier meal, toss the chicken and sausage over al dente pasta or steamed rice for a satisfying base that absorbs every bit of flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style fun, bring the whole skillet straight to the table and let everyone help themselves. For a special twist, serve individual portions over toasted polenta rounds, or plate it in shallow bowls with a swirl of extra cherry pepper brine for an added pop of color and zing. Sprinkle more parsley or fresh basil on top for an Instagram-worthy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers to room temperature, then transfer them to airtight containers. The flavors deepen overnight, making reheated portions absolutely delicious for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Store the chicken and sausage together with plenty of sauce to keep everything moist.
Freezing
Chicken Scarpariello Recipe freezes surprisingly well! Let the cooked dish cool, pack it into freezer-safe containers (with as much sauce as possible), and freeze for up to 2 months. To preserve texture, avoid freezing the fresh parsley garnish—add that after reheating instead.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken, sausage, and sauce in a covered skillet and warm over low to medium heat until hot and bubbling. You can also microwave individual servings, covered, for about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to return that luscious consistency.
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken for this Chicken Scarpariello Recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and shave a bit off the cooking time. If using, check for doneness after about 20 minutes in the oven, as they cook faster than bone-in cuts.
How spicy is the Chicken Scarpariello Recipe?
The heat level is totally customizable. Mild sausage and just a few cherry peppers make this dish pleasantly zippy, while hot sausage and extra red pepper flakes will turn up the fire. Taste and adjust the amount of cherry pepper brine to suit your crowd!
What kind of wine should I use?
A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a nice unoaked Chardonnay adds brightness without overpowering the sauce. There’s no need to splurge—anything crisp and drinkable will do the trick.
Can I make Chicken Scarpariello Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, the flavors only get better after a day in the fridge. Make it up to two days ahead and gently reheat before serving. It’s a great dinner party make-ahead dish.
How do I keep the chicken skin crispy?
Searing the skin well before baking, and baking the chicken uncovered, will help the skin stay crisp. If you want it extra crackly, pop the skillet under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes (just watch closely to avoid burning).
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Chicken Scarpariello Recipe and experience that addictive balance of tangy, spicy, savory, and sweet. It’s a meal that always draws people back to the table for seconds, and it’s a true celebration of how simple ingredients can become something unforgettable. Give it a go, and let it claim its rightful place in your comfort food hall of fame!
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Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and savory Chicken Scarpariello recipe that combines tender chicken with Italian sausage, pickled cherry peppers, and a flavorful sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken:
2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and/or drumsticks,
Italian Sausage:
4 Italian sausage links (mild or hot, sliced into 1-inch pieces),
Veggies:
1 small onion (sliced), 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 4 cloves garlic (minced),
Seasonings:
1 cup chicken broth, ½ cup dry white wine, ¼ cup red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional), ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper,
Garnish:
½ cup pickled cherry peppers (halved, with a bit of brine), chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Sear: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season and sear chicken in a skillet.
- Cook Sausage and Veggies: Brown sausage, then sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic with seasonings.
- Add Liquids and Bake: Deglaze with broth, wine, vinegar, then add cherry peppers. Bake in the oven.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot with sides.
Notes
- Consider using boneless chicken thighs for faster cooking.
- Adjust cherry pepper quantity for desired heat level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
