Chicken Scarpariello

Chicken Scarpariello is a dish that combines savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors all in one. If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with character and soul, this is it. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces simmering in a sauce made with garlic, white wine, lemon, and just the right amount of heat from pickled peppers. It’s bold, comforting, and absolutely mouthwatering. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be coming back for more!

Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself to something delicious, Chicken Scarpariello is the kind of dish that’ll impress everyone at the table. It’s hearty enough to make you feel satisfied, but the balance of flavors will keep you coming back for just one more bite. Get ready for some serious food joy!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Scarpariello

This recipe is the perfect balance of bold flavors and tender chicken. Here’s why it’s going to become your go-to dish:

Bold & Flavorful: The mix of garlic, white wine, and pickled peppers creates a sauce that’s complex and rich.
Versatile: You can serve it with rice, potatoes, or even a side of greens. It’s a flexible dish that can go with whatever you’re craving.
One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup? Yes, please! This meal comes together in one pan, so you can spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your food.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or making something special for guests, this dish always fits the bill.
A Little Heat: The pickled peppers give it just the right amount of spice without overwhelming the dish, making it the perfect balance.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Milk Frother

Buy Now →

Meat Thermometer

Buy Now →

Olive Oil Sprayer

Buy Now →

Ingredients in Chicken Scarpariello

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful, comforting dish:

For the Chicken:

  • Bone-In Chicken Thighs: The bone-in thighs help keep the chicken juicy and flavorful while it simmers in the sauce.
  • Olive Oil: Used to sear the chicken and bring out those golden, crispy edges.
  • Garlic: Minced or smashed, garlic adds a savory depth of flavor that’s absolutely essential.
  • White Wine: This is the base of the sauce, creating a beautiful, slightly tangy, and aromatic foundation.
  • Pickled Cherry Peppers: These peppers provide the perfect amount of heat and acidity to balance the richness of the chicken and sauce.
  • Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon adds a burst of brightness to the dish.
  • Chicken Broth: For a rich, flavorful sauce that soaks into the chicken.
  • Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and the sauce to perfection.
  • Fresh Parsley: A garnish that adds freshness and a pop of color to the dish.

For Serving:

  • Potatoes: Roasted or mashed potatoes are a classic side that pairs perfectly with this flavorful chicken.
  • Rice: A side of fluffy rice soaks up all that delicious sauce.
  • Crusty Bread: For dipping into the sauce, crusty bread is always a winning option.

Instructions

Let’s get started on making this show-stopping dish!

Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan, skin-side down. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until it’s golden and crispy. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells amazing.

Make the Sauce

Add the white wine to the pan, scraping up any delicious brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the chicken broth, pickled cherry peppers, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.

Cook the Chicken in the Sauce

Return the chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up, and spoon some of the sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The sauce should thicken and infuse the chicken with flavor.

Final Touches

Once the chicken is done, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve & Enjoy

Serve the chicken with your favorite side dishes, like roasted potatoes, fluffy rice, or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Enjoy every bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Scarpariello

Potatoes: Pair this flavorful chicken with roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or even crispy potato wedges. The creamy potatoes are the perfect match for the zesty sauce.
Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all the savory sauce.
Greens: A side of sautéed spinach or a simple green salad balances out the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Bread: You can’t go wrong with a piece of warm, crusty bread to soak up that mouthwatering sauce.

Additional Tips

Make It Spicy: If you love heat, feel free to add extra pickled peppers or even a few dashes of hot sauce.
Chicken Breasts: You can swap the thighs for bone-in chicken breasts, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through.
Add Veggies: Throw in some sliced bell peppers or onions when sautéing the garlic to add extra flavor and texture to the dish.
Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the pan or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Yes! You can use chicken breasts, but make sure to adjust the cooking time. They’ll cook faster than thighs, so keep an eye on them to avoid drying out.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, Chicken Scarpariello holds up well in the fridge. Simply store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q4: Can I make this dish spicier?
A4: Absolutely! Add extra pickled peppers or a bit of crushed red pepper flakes to amp up the heat.

Q5: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
A5: You can, but I recommend using bone-in chicken for the best flavor and juiciness. Boneless chicken will cook faster and may not have the same depth of flavor.

Q6: Can I use different peppers?
A6: Yes, you can use other types of pickled peppers if you prefer, like banana peppers or pepperoncini, for a slightly different flavor.

Q7: What’s the best way to serve this dish?
A7: Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up that flavorful sauce. A simple side salad would also be a great addition.

Q8: Can I freeze this dish?
A8: Yes, you can freeze Chicken Scarpariello for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it in the stovetop or oven.

Q9: Can I add other vegetables?
A9: Definitely! Try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or even potatoes to the sauce for added flavor and texture.

Q10: What should I do if the sauce is too thin?
A10: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken. You can also add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water if you need a quick fix.

Conclusion

Chicken Scarpariello is the kind of dish that packs a punch of flavor while still being easy to make. The savory garlic, tangy pickled peppers, and tender chicken come together beautifully in this comforting meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge in this bold, flavorful chicken dish that’s perfect for any occasion!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Chicken Scarpariello


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken thighs, sausage, and a flavorful, tangy sauce made with vinegar, white wine, garlic, and peppers. It’s a savory and slightly spicy dish that’s perfect for a family dinner.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the crumbled sausage and cook until browned and crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Deglaze the skillet with the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the red wine vinegar, chicken broth, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
  5. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, along with any juices that have accumulated on the plate. Add the sliced bell pepper and cherry peppers (if using). Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes, until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together.
  6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow the sauce to simmer for another 3–5 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly.
  7. Serve the chicken with the sausage, peppers, and sauce, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • For a smokier flavor, you can use smoked sausage in place of regular Italian sausage.
  • If you want to make the dish milder, you can omit the hot peppers or use less red pepper flakes.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing and Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce and sausage
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star