If you’re in the mood for a hearty, tangy, and utterly irresistible meal, look no further than this Chicken Scarpariello Recipe. A favorite in Italian-American households, this dish brings together juicy chicken, zesty sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a punchy vinegar and pepperoncini-kissed sauce. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a cozy dinner with friends. Each forkful is a delectable harmony of savory, spicy, and bright flavors that all simmer together to create something magical.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the most delightful things about Chicken Scarpariello Recipe is how its flavor is built from just a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each component has its moment to shine, adding depth, color, and a burst of character to this iconic Italian-American classic.
- Chicken (2 lbs bone-in, skin-on thighs or drumsticks): These cuts keep the chicken juicy and tender; the skin adds great flavor during the sear.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For searing and adding fruity richness to the base of the sauce.
- Italian sausage (1/2 lb, cut into 1-inch pieces): Brings just the right amount of spice and savory goodness to complement the chicken.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Sweet pops of flavor and vibrant color.
- Yellow bell pepper (1, sliced): Similar to red, it offers sweetness and a sunny hue.
- Onion (1 small, sliced): Lends natural sweetness and rounds out the aromatic base.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Essential for a robust, earthy aroma—don’t skimp!
- Dry white wine (1/2 cup): Adds acidity to lift and balance all the savory notes.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Creates the saucy foundation and intensifies the meatiness.
- Red wine vinegar (1/4 cup): Gives that signature Scarpariello tang; so zippy and bold.
- Pepperoncini peppers (6–8, whole or sliced): Brings a gentle heat and unmistakable brininess that makes this dish sing.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Offers an herby touch—just enough to brighten the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): To season each bite perfectly.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A pop of fresh green to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by generously seasoning your chicken thighs or drumsticks with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken skin-side down, letting it sizzle until a deep golden crust forms—usually 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and let the other side brown for another 3 to 4 minutes. This step adds irresistible texture and builds the savory base for your Chicken Scarpariello Recipe. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In the same hot pan, toss in your chunks of Italian sausage. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until beautifully browned and cooked through. This not only flavors the sausage itself but also allows those incredible sausage drippings to mix in with the fond left from the chicken, infusing every bite with complex flavor. Set the sausage aside with the chicken.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Lower the heat slightly if needed, then add sliced red and yellow bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, scraping up any golden bits from the bottom. The vegetables will soften, sweeten, and soak up all those meaty juices, becoming a lush bed for your braise.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Deglaze the pan by pouring in the dry white wine. As it bubbles, use a wooden spoon to scrape up any stubborn bits stuck to the bottom—these are flavor gold! Once the wine has reduced slightly, pour in the chicken broth, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and add the pepperoncini peppers. Give everything a good stir, breathing in that sharp, tangy aroma that defines the Chicken Scarpariello Recipe.
Step 5: Braise to Perfection
Return the chicken and sausage (and all their juices) back into the pan. Nestle everything together so the sauce can mingle with the meats. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce to low heat. Let the flavors meld for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is irresistibly tender and fully cooked through.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Uncover the pan and let everything simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and intensify just a touch. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you like, and bring your Chicken Scarpariello Recipe triumphantly to the table!
How to Serve Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a shower of fresh parsley over the steaming dish just before serving. It not only adds a fresh, herbaceous note but also brings gorgeous color contrast against the golden chicken and vibrant peppers. For extra flavor, a few more pepperoncini rings right on top can pack an extra punch, reminding everyone what makes Chicken Scarpariello Recipe so special.
Side Dishes
This is a dish that begs for something to soak up its saucy goodness. Classic mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, fluffy rice, or a warm loaf of crusty bread are perfect accompaniments. Roasted vegetables or a simple green salad also balance out the richness of your Chicken Scarpariello Recipe and round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family-style approach, serve the chicken and sausage straight from your Dutch oven at the table, letting everyone help themselves. Or, for a dinner party, plate each portion with a drizzle of sauce, a wedge of charred lemon, and a rustic chunk of bread. Tiny bowls of extra pepperoncini on the side let guests customize their heat. You can even make mini versions for tapas night—just slice meat smaller and serve in individual ramekins.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Scarpariello Recipe stores beautifully. Let everything cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Kept in the refrigerator, leftovers will stay delicious for up to three days without losing flavor or tenderness.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you’re in luck—this dish freezes quite well! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge. The stewy nature of Chicken Scarpariello Recipe means it reheats like a dream.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken, sausage, and veggies back in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water. Gently warm over medium-low heat until everything is hot all the way through, avoiding harsh boiling so the chicken stays tender. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, but cover so the sauce doesn’t splatter.
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken instead?
Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on pieces provide extra flavor and moistness, boneless thighs or breasts work just fine, though they may cook a little faster. Just be cautious not to overcook, and savor every bite of your Chicken Scarpariello Recipe.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the white wine?
Yes! You can replace the wine with extra chicken broth plus a splash of white wine vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice for acidity. The result will be slightly different but still totally delicious.
What type Main Course
Either sweet or hot Italian sausage works wonderfully. If you’re sensitive to spice, choose sweet, but the mild heat from a hot sausage marries really well with the tangy sauce in this Chicken Scarpariello Recipe.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
This dish is actually even better the next day as the flavors meld and intensify! Simply reheat gently and serve—perfect for meal prepping or easy entertaining.
How do I control the level of spiciness?
The main source of heat comes from the pepperoncini. Add fewer peppers or remove their seeds for a milder flavor. For more heat-lovers, offer crushed red pepper flakes at the table to sprinkle on their own portions of Chicken Scarpariello Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Chicken Scarpariello Recipe, now’s definitely the time! It’s the kind of dish that transforms simple ingredients into pure comfort and excitement on a plate. Gather your favorite people, pour yourself a glass of wine, and see just how joyful homemade Italian-American cooking can be!
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Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and hearty Italian-American dish, Chicken Scarpariello is a braised chicken recipe cooked with sausage, bell peppers, onions, and pepperoncini peppers in a tangy white wine sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sausage and Vegetables:
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 6–8 pepperoncini peppers, whole or sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil until golden on both sides. Set aside.
- Cook Sausage: Brown Italian sausage in the same pan. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Cook bell peppers, onion, and garlic until softened.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Add white wine, scrape up browned bits. Pour in broth, vinegar, oregano, and pepperoncini. Return chicken and sausage to the pan, simmer covered.
- Finish and Serve: Uncover, simmer to thicken sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
- For extra tang, add a splash of pepperoncini juice to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Braising
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sausage and peppers
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
