Chicken Scarpariello is the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell like an Italian grandma’s house and instantly gathers everyone around the table. This beloved Italian-American skillet favorite brings together golden-crisp chicken, juicy sausage, tangy pepperoncini, and a savory white wine sauce that’s irresistible from the very first bite. Whether you’re new to family-style comfort food or want to shake up your weeknight dinner, Chicken Scarpariello never disappoints and always tastes like something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients for a truly memorable Chicken Scarpariello, and every single one has a purpose. These key players come together to build layers of rich flavor, a medley of texture, and a pop of color that brightens the whole skillet.
- Chicken thighs: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for juiciness and crisp skin that holds up beautifully in the sauce.
- Olive oil: Essential for a golden sear and that classic Mediterranean undertone.
- Unsalted butter: Adds depth and a touch of creamy richness to the sauce.
- Onion: Sliced onions melt into the background, lending sweetness and backbone to the flavor profile.
- Garlic: Don’t skimp here—garlic is a must for welcoming, aromatic notes throughout.
- Sweet Italian sausage: The perfect savory partner, either crumbled or sliced for a little bite in every forkful.
- Chicken broth: Your sauce’s savory, slow-simmered element, capturing all the goodies from the pan.
- Dry white wine: Just half a cup, but it wakes up the flavors and balances all that richness.
- Pepperoncini peppers: Their briny, gentle heat gives the whole dish its signature zing.
- Pepperoncini brine: A spoonful from the jar adds a secret layer of tangy depth.
- Dried oregano: Classic Italian herb, giving everything a cozy, rustic touch.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the other flavors into perfect harmony.
- Fresh parsley: A handful of chopped green at the end for freshness and color.
How to Make Chicken Scarpariello
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Get your oven preheating to 375°F and grab an ovenproof skillet. Pat your chicken thighs dry, sprinkle them with salt and pepper, and let them hit a hot pan with shimmering olive oil. Sear them skin-side down until they’re golden and crisp, then flip and repeat. The goal: lock in moisture while building up that irresistible crust that’s going to be everyone’s favorite bite.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Sausage
After you’ve set the chicken aside, drop the heat to medium and add a little butter to those delicious drippings. Your sliced onions go in first, followed closely by the minced garlic. As they turn soft and fragrant, toss in the Italian sausage pieces and let them brown. This not only cooks the sausage through but draws out all their delicious flavor into the skillet.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour the dry white wine right into the pan, scraping up all those flavorful brown bits at the bottom—this is pure flavor magic for Chicken Scarpariello! Let the wine bubble away for a couple of minutes before stirring in the chicken broth, pepperoncini (and their zippy brine), and a sprinkle of oregano. This is when everything starts smelling incredible.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Time to nestle those crispy chicken thighs right back in, skin-side up, letting them sit proudly above the bubbling sauce. Slide your skillet into the preheated oven and let it all bake together for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken finishes cooking through and soaks up all the bright, tangy flavors.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, finish with a scatter of chopped fresh parsley for color and extra freshness. Serve the Chicken Scarpariello hot, spooning plenty of the tangy sausage-and-pepperoncini sauce over each piece. Every bite will have you going back for more.
How to Serve Chicken Scarpariello
Garnishes
Never underestimate the power of the finishing touches. Freshly chopped parsley brings a pop of green and a bright note that perfectly lifts the rich, savory sauce. For a little extra flair, add a few more pepperoncini slices on top, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness.
Side Dishes
The sauce in Chicken Scarpariello is pure gold, so you’ll want something to soak up every drop. Roasted potatoes are a classic side, or keep it simple with a fluffy mound of white rice. A warm loaf of crusty Italian bread is always welcome—just tear off big pieces and dive right in. If you’re craving a lighter touch, serve alongside garlicky sautéed greens or a crisp salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style charm, bring the whole skillet right to the table and let everyone serve themselves. If you’re feeling fancy, plate individual portions with a generous ladle of sauce and a few sausage-and-pepper bites on top. Chicken Scarpariello is also fantastic served over creamy polenta or tucked into toasted ciabatta rolls for a hearty sandwich twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Chicken Scarpariello cool to room temperature before refrigerating (in the pan or in airtight containers). The flavors keep getting better overnight! Leftovers will stay tasty for up to three days, so you can look forward to a fabulous lunch or dinner repeat.
Freezing
If you want to extend your enjoyment, pop cooled Chicken Scarpariello into freezer-safe containers. It freezes beautifully for up to two months. Just remember: for best results, freeze without the parsley garnish and add fresh when serving.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your Chicken Scarpariello in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it’s looking thick. You can also use the microwave—just cover and heat in short bursts to keep everything moist and delicious. Either way, the sauce will revive all those vibrant, tangy notes.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for Chicken Scarpariello?
Yes! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well if you’re looking for a quicker-cooking option. Just keep an eye on cook times, as boneless pieces will be ready a bit faster and stay moist if you don’t overbake.
What can I substitute for sweet Italian sausage?
Feel free to go with hot Italian sausage for a spicier version, or even use turkey or chicken sausage to lighten things up. The flavor will shift, but the dish will still be packed with character.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the wine?
Absolutely! Replace the dry white wine with extra chicken broth and a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice. This preserves the zing and depth of flavor without the alcohol.
Can I make Chicken Scarpariello ahead of time?
Definitely. You can cook the entire dish earlier in the day and simply reheat before serving. The sauce will only get richer, and the chicken stays juicy thanks to the braising method.
What pepperoncini substitutes work in a pinch?
If you’re out of pepperoncini, try jarred banana peppers for a gentle heat, or a few chopped pickled jalapeños if you want a spicy kick. It’s all about finding the pickled tang you love!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring a little Italian-American comfort to your own table, give Chicken Scarpariello a try. It’s hearty, zesty, and always a crowd-pleaser—plus, it only takes one skillet and under an hour to make. Something tells me you’ll want to make it part of your regular dinner rotation!
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Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Chicken Scarpariello is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken thighs, sweet Italian sausage, and tangy pepperoncini peppers cooked in a flavorful sauce. This hearty and savory recipe is perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1 small onion, sliced, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 cup sweet Italian sausage, sliced or crumbled, 1 cup chicken broth, ½ cup dry white wine, ½ cup jarred pickled pepperoncini peppers (sliced or whole), 1 tablespoon brine from the pepperoncini jar, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Sear Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in a skillet until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Sauté onion, garlic, and sausage. Deglaze with wine, then add broth, pepperoncini, brine, and oregano. Return chicken to the skillet.
- Bake: Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked and sauce is reduced.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with roasted potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
- For added spice, try using boneless chicken or hot sausage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
