As the sizzling sound of chicken hitting a hot skillet filled my kitchen, I knew I was in for a treat. This Best Chicken Scarpariello Recipe is my go-to when craving something truly comforting yet vibrant. With tender chicken thighs and the perfect marriage of sweet bell peppers and zesty cherry peppers, this dish creates a stunning balance that delights the palate. Not only is it incredibly quick to whip up—ready in just 45 minutes—but it also impresses guests with its classic Italian flair. Imagine sitting down to a plate that’s both a cozy hug and a flavor explosion—the best of both worlds! I can’t wait for you to experience this stellar addition to your dinner rotation. What side dishes do you think would pair beautifully with this scrumptious feast?
Why Is Chicken Scarpariello So Irresistible?
Comforting and Hearty: This Best Chicken Scarpariello Recipe transforms simple ingredients into a soul-soothing meal that feels like a warm embrace.
Quick and Convenient: In just 45 minutes, you can serve up a restaurant-quality dish that saves you from the monotonous fast food routine.
Flavor Forward: The marriage of sweet bell peppers and spicy cherry peppers produces a delightful flavor profile that speaks to your taste buds.
Versatile Pairing: Whether you serve it with lemon rice or crunchy Italian bread, this dish complements many sides.
Perfect for Gatherings: Impress family and friends at your next dinner with a dish that brings classic Italian charm to the table!
Get ready to savor every bite of this captivating dish!
Best Chicken Scarpariello Recipe Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Chicken Thighs – 2 lbs, bone-in or boneless; perfect for achieving a juicy, tender dish as it simmers.
• Italian Sausage – ½ lb, sliced; adds a rich depth of flavor to the Best Chicken Scarpariello Recipe.
For the Vegetables
• Bell Peppers – 2, sliced; brings a pop of color and sweetness that balances the spice.
• Hot Cherry Peppers – ½ cup, sliced; adds that signature zesty kick to make the dish come alive.
• Garlic – 4 cloves, minced; infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic embrace.
For the Sauce
• White Wine – ½ cup; lifts the overall flavor and contributes to a bright, balanced sauce.
• Chicken Broth – 1 cup; forms the savory base that holds everything together beautifully.
• Vinegar from Cherry Peppers – 2 tbsp; sharpens the taste with a delightful tang.
• Lemon Juice – 1 tbsp; adds a refreshing brightness right at the end.
• Oregano – 1 tsp; a classic herb that gives the dish an earthy depth.
• Salt and Pepper – To taste; enhances and rounds out all the flavors in the skillet.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Best Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by generously seasoning 2 pounds of chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. This helps enhance the natural flavor of the chicken. Set aside while you prepare your skillet so the seasoning can penetrate for a richer taste.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken thighs and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crisp. After achieving that beautiful color, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
In the same skillet, add ½ pound of sliced Italian sausage, cooking over medium heat. Brown the sausage for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully cooked and has released its flavorful oils. This adds rich depth to your Best Chicken Scarpariello Recipe and builds a fantastic base for the dish.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
Once the sausage is browned, add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the garlic is fragrant and just golden, ensuring it doesn’t burn, which could impart a bitter flavor. This aromatic step is key to developing layers of flavor in your dish.
Step 5: Add the Peppers
Now stir in 2 sliced bell peppers and ½ cup of sliced hot cherry peppers into the skillet. Cook these vibrant peppers for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften, bringing a lovely sweetness and tang that complements the chicken beautifully.
Step 6: Deglaze the Skillet
Pour in ½ cup of white wine, and using a wooden spoon, scrape up any brown bits stuck to the pan—these add incredible flavor. Allow the wine to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it has reduced by half, creating a luscious sauce that forms the heart of your Chicken Scarpariello.
Step 7: Incorporate the Liquid Ingredients
Add 1 cup of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of vinegar from cherry peppers, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of oregano into the skillet. Stir everything together, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully before reintroducing the chicken.
Step 8: Return the Chicken to the Skillet
Carefully return the seared chicken back into the skillet, nestling it among the peppers and sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, with the internal temperature reaching 165°F.
Step 9: Thicken the Sauce
As the chicken finishes cooking, allow the sauce to thicken slightly, which will enhance its texture and flavor. If the sauce appears too thin for your taste, increase the heat to medium and cook for an additional few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
To serve, place the Chicken Scarpariello on a warm plate, spooning extra sauce and peppers generously over the top for maximum flavor. Pair this dish with some roasted broccoli or crusty Italian bread for a satisfying and rustic meal that highlights your culinary skills.
Expert Tips for Best Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
Choose Your Chicken Wisely: Opting for bone-in thigh pieces adds moisture and richness that greatly enhances the flavor of the Best Chicken Scarpariello Recipe.
Sautéing Secrets: Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken. This ensures a perfect golden crust and prevents steaming.
Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of hot cherry peppers based on your spice tolerance. If you prefer milder flavors, substitute with sweet bell peppers instead.
Wine Selection Matters: Use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, which complements the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
Flavor Fusion Tip: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking enhances the mingling of flavors, creating a more harmonious taste experience.
Best Chicken Scarpariello Recipe Variations
Feel free to personalize this delightful Chicken Scarpariello recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs!
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Chicken Breasts: Swap bone-in thighs for boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option that’s still full of flavor.
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Sweet Sausage: Use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy for a milder dish that appeals to family members with sensitive palates.
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Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms, and substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it vibrant and flavorful.
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Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, ensure your chicken broth and wine are certified gluten-free to suit your dietary preferences.
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Extra Spicy: For a fiery kick, add more hot cherry peppers or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes during cooking to amplify the heat.
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Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a luscious, creamy sauce that transforms the dish into something indulgent.
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Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley instead of oregano for a fresh flavor twist that brightens the entire dish.
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Wine Alternatives: Use a splash of balsamic vinegar instead of white wine for a rich and tangy alternative that adds depth to the sauce.
For more comforting chicken recipes, don’t miss out on my delicious Chicken Dumplings Cozy or the vibrant Chicken Enchiladas Fun for more culinary inspiration!
What to Serve with Best Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
This delightful dish deserves pairings that elevate a cozy Italian dining experience and make every meal memorable.
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Lemon Rice: Light and refreshing, lemon rice adds a bright zing that complements the savory depth of the chicken.
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Roasted Broccoli: With its slightly charred edges and crisp texture, roasted broccoli provides a healthy contrast to the tender chicken.
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Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce, adding an indulgent touch to your meal.
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Arugula Salad: A simple arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette introduces a peppery freshness that lightens each bite.
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Italian Grilled Vegetables: Colorful grilled veggies like zucchini and eggplant enhance the Italian flair and bring a medley of flavors to the table.
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Red Wine: A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese enhances the meal’s richness, perfectly balancing the dish’s zest with complementary notes.
Each of these pairings brings unique textures and flavors to the table, ensuring your Chicken Scarpariello shines at mealtime.
Make Ahead Options
These make-ahead tips for the Best Chicken Scarpariello Recipe are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time during the week. You can marinate the chicken thighs with salt and pepper up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply for a richer taste. Additionally, you can slice the bell peppers and hot cherry peppers a day ahead; just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their crispness. When you’re ready to serve, cook the chicken and sausage as directed and warm the prepped veggies—transfer everything to a skillet and let it simmer to ensure a delicious, comforting meal on the table with minimal effort!
Storage Tips for Best Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
Fridge: Store your Chicken Scarpariello in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This allows the flavors to continue melding, making each bite as delicious as the first!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing for optimal taste and texture upon reheating.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw your chicken in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the sauce rich and flavorful.
Room Temperature: Avoid leaving Chicken Scarpariello out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure safety and freshness.
Best Chicken Scarpariello Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken is best for Chicken Scarpariello?
Absolutely! I recommend using bone-in chicken thighs for the Best Chicken Scarpariello Recipe since they provide rich, juicy meat that becomes incredibly tender as it simmers. If you prefer, you can use boneless thighs or even breasts, though they might cook a bit faster.
How should I store leftover Chicken Scarpariello?
Once cooled, store your Chicken Scarpariello in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This storage method helps the flavors meld beautifully! When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep it moist.
Can I freeze Chicken Scarpariello?
Yes! To freeze your delicious dish, allow it to cool completely. Transfer Chicken Scarpariello into an airtight container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to dig in, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
What if my Chicken Scarpariello turns out too salty?
If you find that your dish is too salty, there are a few tricks you can try! First, you can add a bit more chicken broth to dilute the saltiness. Alternatively, toss in some additional vegetables like bell peppers or even slices of potato to absorb some of the salt. Just remember to simmer a bit longer until they’re tender.
Can my pets eat Chicken Scarpariello?
While some ingredients in Chicken Scarpariello, like chicken and bell peppers, are safe for pets, it’s best to avoid letting them eat the entire dish. Ingredients like garlic and onions can be harmful to pets, so consider offering your furry friends plain, cooked chicken without any seasonings instead.
Best Chicken Scarpariello Recipe for Cozy Italian Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by generously seasoning 2 pounds of chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add ½ pound of sliced Italian sausage and brown for 4-5 minutes. Set aside.
- Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in 2 sliced bell peppers and ½ cup of sliced hot cherry peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in ½ cup of white wine and simmer for 3-4 minutes, scraping up brown bits from the pan.
- Add 1 cup of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of vinegar from cherry peppers, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of oregano. Stir and simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.
- Allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Adjust heat as necessary.
- Serve the Chicken Scarpariello on a warm plate, spooning extra sauce and peppers over the top.
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