If you’re craving a dish bursting with vibrant flavors and hearty textures, the Chicken Scarpariello Recipe is an absolute treasure you need in your culinary repertoire. This classic Italian-American dish brings together crispy chicken thighs, spicy Italian sausage, tangy pickled cherry peppers, and a delightful splash of vinegar that wakes up your palate. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing friends, this recipe offers a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and tangy notes that will make everyone ask for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s fabulous about the Chicken Scarpariello Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each brings something essential to the final dish. Every component adds depth—from the juicy chicken thighs and robust sausage to the colorful bell peppers and punchy vinegar, giving you a harmony of flavors and textures that dance on your tongue.
- Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): These provide juicy, flavorful meat with crisp skin when seared properly.
- Hot Italian sausage: Adds a spicy, savory richness that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Sweet bell peppers: Bring vibrant color and subtle sweetness to balance the heat.
- Onion: Adds a mellow, aromatic base flavor once sautéed.
- Garlic: A must-have for that unmistakable fragrant punch.
- Pickled cherry peppers: Deliver a lively tang and mild heat, brightening the dish.
- Dry white apple vinegar: Brightens and lifts all the flavors with its sharp acidity.
- Low-sodium chicken stock: Keeps the sauce rich but not overwhelmingly salty.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds freshness and a pop of green to complete the presentation.
How to Make Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken Thighs
Begin by seasoning the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Heat some vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Place the chicken skin-side down first to render the fat and crisp the skin to a golden brown. Flip and sear the other side equally well. This initial step locks in flavor and texture before slow cooking.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Using the same pan, add the hot Italian sausage and brown them until fully cooked through. Browning in the flavorful fat left behind from the chicken infuses the sausages with more depth and ensures every bite is packed with savory goodness. Once cooked, remove the sausages and set aside just like the chicken.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the remaining oil and rendered fat, toss in sliced onions, sweet red bell peppers, and crushed garlic. Cook them gently until they soften and release their natural sweetness, forming the fragrant base of this unforgettable Chicken Scarpariello Recipe.
Step 4: Add Pickled Cherry Peppers
Stir in the pickled cherry peppers along with their tangy juice. Let the mixture cook for 2 to 3 minutes. The peppers introduce a bright, piquant note that beautifully balances the richness of the meat and sausages.
Step 5: Deglaze with White Apple Vinegar
Pour dry white apple vinegar into the pan, scraping the bottom to lift all the lovely browned bits stuck to the surface. These bits are flavor gold and will enrich your sauce. Allow the vinegar to reduce for about three minutes, intensifying its sharp yet fruity essence.
Step 6: Add Chicken Stock and Return Meat
Once the vinegar has reduced slightly, add the low-sodium chicken stock to create a delicious braising liquid. Return the chicken thighs and sausages to the pan, nestling them into the flavorful sauce.
Step 7: Simmer to Perfection
Cover the pan partially with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let everything simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, giving the chicken and sausage plenty of time to absorb those vibrant flavors while the sauce thickens and develops a luscious, rich consistency.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve Hot
Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh parsley over the top—its slight bitterness and fresh aroma add a wonderful contrast to this hearty, tantalizing dish. Serve your Chicken Scarpariello Recipe piping hot and enjoy every soulful bite.
How to Serve Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice for garnishing Chicken Scarpariello Recipe, adding just the right amount of color and freshness. You can also add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or some thinly sliced scallions for an extra layer of texture and mild onion flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy polenta, garlic mashed potatoes, or simple buttered pasta, each helping to soak up the tangy, savory sauce. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can provide a refreshing counterbalance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Chicken Scarpariello Recipe in individual shallow bowls over risotto or creamy grits, allowing guests to enjoy the sauce as a rich, spoonable experience. Alternatively, plating with roasted seasonal vegetables alongside creates an elegant, colorful presentation that dazzles the eye as much as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Scarpariello Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the dish an even better option for next-day lunches or quick weeknight dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool the dish completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor upon reheating.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the Chicken Scarpariello Recipe on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of chicken stock can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Microwave reheating also works fine for quick meals, just cover to keep moisture in and heat in short intervals.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on thighs give extra flavor and texture, boneless thighs can be used for a quicker cooking time and easier eating. Just keep an eye on them while cooking so they don’t dry out.
Is it necessary to use pickled cherry peppers?
Pickled cherry peppers add that signature tang and slight heat that really define Chicken Scarpariello Recipe, but if you can’t find them, mild pickled peppers or pepperoncini can be a good substitute.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Definitely. The hot Italian sausage provides a good amount of spice, but you can choose mild sausage if you prefer less heat. Also, you can control the amount of cherry peppers or remove seeds to tone down spiciness.
What type of vinegar works best?
Dry white apple vinegar is preferred for its crisp, fruity profile that complements the other flavors without overpowering. White wine vinegar can also be used, but avoid stronger vinegars like balsamic as they might alter the dish’s balance.
Is this dish suitable for freezing and reheating?
Yes, Chicken Scarpariello Recipe freezes and reheats beautifully, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy weeks. Just ensure it’s cooled properly before freezing and reheat gently to preserve the sauce’s richness.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Scarpariello Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting yet packed with exciting flavors that keep you coming back for more. It’s easy to prepare, richly satisfying, and a wonderful way to impress friends and family without spending all day in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites!
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Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Chicken Scarpariello is a flavorful Italian-American dish featuring seared chicken thighs and spicy hot Italian sausage cooked with sweet bell peppers, onions, pickled cherry peppers, and a tangy vinegar sauce. This hearty skillet meal is perfect for a comforting dinner that balances savory, spicy, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Meat:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 hot Italian sausages
Vegetables & Aromatics:
- 1 sweet bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 1/4 cup pickled cherry peppers (with juice)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Liquids & Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup dry white apple vinegar
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: In the same pan, add the hot Italian sausages and brown them thoroughly on all sides until cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the sausages and set aside with the chicken.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the sliced onion, sweet bell pepper, and chopped garlic to the remaining oil and drippings in the pan. Sauté over medium heat until the vegetables are softened and starting to caramelize, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Pickled Cherry Peppers: Stir in the pickled cherry peppers along with their juice. Continue to cook the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Deglaze with Vinegar: Pour in the dry white apple vinegar and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the vinegar reduce for about 3 minutes, intensifying the tangy flavor.
- Add Chicken Stock and Return Meat: Pour in the low-sodium chicken stock, then nestle the seared chicken thighs and browned sausages back into the skillet.
- Simmer: Partially cover the pan with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through fully and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve the Chicken Scarpariello hot, right from the skillet.
Notes
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide the best flavor and moisture.
- Pickled cherry peppers add a distinctive tangy heat; substitute with banana peppers if unavailable.
- Use low-sodium chicken stock to control salt levels in the final dish.
- Searing the chicken and sausage well develops deep, rich flavors.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or over pasta or rice.
