Get ready to fall in love with a dish that truly brings bold flavors and comforting vibes to your dinner table. This Chicken Scarpariello Recipe is a perfect harmony of juicy, tender chicken thighs, savory Italian sausage, and a tangy, slightly spicy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. The combination of bright bell peppers, a splash of white wine, and the zing of red wine vinegar creates a vibrant dish that feels both rustic and refined. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe delivers a hearty, satisfying meal that’s bursting with authentic Italian-American goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you—each element in this Chicken Scarpariello Recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the savory sausage to the fragrant herbs and tangy peppers, these ingredients come together effortlessly to create a dish that’s as delicious as it is visually inviting.
- 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs: These provide tender, juicy meat that stands up beautifully to the robust sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a smooth, rich base for browning the chicken and sausage.
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed and crumbled: Brings savory depth and a hint of spice, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses an aromatic punch that elevates every bite.
- 1/2 cup white wine: Used to deglaze the pan, it adds acidity and brightness to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar: Provides a zesty tang that balances the richness of the meat.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce luscious and ensures the chicken stays moist.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy, herbal note that complements the Italian flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Enhances the savory profile with subtle minty undertones.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little heat, these bring a gentle spice kick.
- 1 bell pepper, sliced: Offers crispness and a mild sweetness that contrast beautifully with the hearty meat.
- 1/2 cup cherry peppers or hot Italian peppers, sliced (optional): Adds vibrant color and an extra layer of tangy heat, if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A fresh, bright finish that livens up the plate.
How to Make Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
Step 1: Season and Brown the Chicken
Begin by generously seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until the skinless thighs develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. This step locks in savory flavor and creates a delicious base for the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Garlic
Using the same skillet, add the crumbled Italian sausage. Cook it until it’s browned and slightly crispy, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step releases the sausage’s rich fats that enrich the sauce. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant—it will fill your kitchen with irresistible aroma!
Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up every toasted bit stuck to the bottom—these are flavor gold! Add red wine vinegar, chicken broth, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Stir everything until combined and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This vibrant, tangy sauce will soon envelop the chicken beautifully.
Step 4: Simmer with Peppers and Chicken
Return the browned chicken to the skillet, along with any juices that have collected. Add sliced bell peppers and cherry or hot Italian peppers if you like an extra kick. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the chicken becomes tender and juicy, soaking up the exciting blend of flavors in the sauce.
Step 5: Reduce the Sauce
Remove the chicken thighs once again and set them aside. Increase the heat slightly and let the sauce simmer for another 3 to 5 minutes until it reduces and thickens just enough to coat the spoon. This concentrates all those beautiful flavors, making your Chicken Scarpariello Recipe truly sing.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Arrange the chicken back on the skillet or a serving platter, spoon the sausage, peppers, and rich sauce over the top, and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. This final flourish lends a pop of color and freshness that brightens every bite.
How to Serve Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic and simple garnish that adds a lovely herbal note and vibrant green color. If you want to step it up, a few thinly sliced lemon wedges can bring an extra layer of brightness and a touch of acidity that complements the rich flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with rustic sides like creamy polenta, buttery mashed potatoes, or a crusty Italian bread to soak up the luscious sauce. For a lighter option, try serving it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance out the hearty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style meal, serve directly from the skillet to keep the sauce warm and inviting at the table. Alternatively, you can plate each serving over a bed of cooked pasta or rice, which makes the luscious sauce the star. Garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of parmesan for a restaurant-worthy presentation at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy nights.
Freezing
This Chicken Scarpariello Recipe freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to retain the tender texture and vibrant flavors.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving when possible, as slow reheating helps maintain the chicken’s tenderness and the sauce’s rich consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You absolutely can, though chicken thighs are preferred because they stay juicier and more flavorful during cooking. If using breasts, watch the cooking time closely to avoid drying out the meat.
What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I skip the peppers?
Definitely! The peppers add a nice tang and heat, but you can omit the cherry peppers and red pepper flakes for a milder version while still enjoying all the other fantastic flavors.
Is there a substitute for Italian sausage?
While Italian sausage gives this dish its signature depth, you can substitute with ground pork seasoned with fennel seeds, paprika, and garlic if needed. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as there are no wheat-based ingredients involved. Just be sure to check that your chicken broth and sausage are gluten-free brands to avoid any hidden gluten.
How long does the dish take to prepare and cook?
The Chicken Scarpariello Recipe takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Scarpariello Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s got just the right balance of savory, tangy, and spicy notes that keep every bite exciting and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a simple weeknight meal, this recipe never fails to impress. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it instantly becomes a favorite in your home as well!
Print
Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Chicken Scarpariello is a flavorful Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken thighs cooked with spicy Italian sausage, garlic, and a tangy sauce made from white wine, red wine vinegar, and chicken broth. Enhanced with herbs and peppers, this hearty skillet meal combines savory and spicy flavors, perfect for a comforting dinner that’s ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed and crumbled
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry peppers or hot Italian peppers, sliced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Cook the sausage and garlic: In the same skillet, add the crumbled Italian sausage. Cook until browned and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze and add liquids: Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan’s bottom for extra flavor. Then add the red wine vinegar, chicken broth, dried oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer with chicken and peppers: Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Add the sliced bell pepper and cherry or hot Italian peppers if desired. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld.
- Reduce the sauce: Remove the chicken from the skillet. Continue to simmer the sauce uncovered for an additional 3 to 5 minutes to thicken it slightly.
- Serve: Plate the chicken with the sausage, peppers, and spoon the reduced sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- For extra heat, use hot Italian sausage and add the optional red pepper flakes and hot cherry peppers.
- If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute chicken broth or a dry white vermouth.
- Bone-in chicken thighs add more flavor and juiciness but you can substitute with boneless if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Serve with crusty bread, polenta, or over pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
