Chicken Scarpariello Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that delivers bold, tangy, and hearty flavors wrapped around tender, juicy chicken, then look no further than this Chicken Scarpariello Recipe. It’s a soul-satisfying combination of crispy chicken thighs and spicy Italian sausage nestled in a vibrant medley of peppers, onions, and garlicky goodness, all brought together with a tantalizing blend of pickled peppers, white wine, and rosemary. This is comfort food with a punch that easily becomes the star of any meal, perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself to a delicious meal full of personality and warmth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Chicken Scarpariello Recipe lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each component contributes indispensable flavors, textures, and colors that make every bite unforgettable, from the crispy chicken skin to the tangy punch of pickled peppers.

• Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on for maximum flavor and crispy, golden skin that locks in juices.
• Italian sausages: Either sweet or hot, they add a savory, spicy richness that complements the chicken beautifully.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning meat and enhancing all the natural flavors in the dish.
• Ground black pepper: Adds a slightly sharp heat that rounds out the spices perfectly.
• Olive oil: Used for searing, it adds depth and a subtle fruitiness.
• Sweet onion: Transforms into a tender, fragrant base that adds sweetness and texture.
• Red bell peppers: Provide vibrant color and a mild, fresh pepper flavor.
• Garlic cloves: Thinly sliced to infuse the dish with warm, aromatic layers of flavor.
• Fresh rosemary: Chopped leaves offer a fragrant, pine-like aroma that pairs naturally with chicken.
• Gold potatoes: Cut into wedges that roast beautifully, soaking up the savory sauce.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds a light, savory liquid base while keeping the dish balanced.
• Dry white wine: Brings acidity and complexity, helping brighten the sauce.
• Pickled pepper brine: The secret ingredient that brings the signature tangy zip of Chicken Scarpariello Recipe.
• Whole pickled peppers: Cherry, peppadew, banana, or pepperoncini—each offers bursts of piquant flavor that elevate every bite.
• Crusty bread or cooked pasta: Perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce left on the plate.

How to Make Chicken Scarpariello Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Getting the oven ready at 350°F (175°C) is essential for finishing the dish perfectly. This moderate heat allows the chicken, sausages, and potatoes to cook gently and evenly while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken and Sausage

Patting the chicken dry ensures the skin crisps to perfection. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors. Using olive oil in a braiser or Dutch oven, sear the chicken skin-side down until it’s a deep, golden brown—about 6 to 8 minutes. This step locks in juices and creates that coveted crispy skin. Flip and cook the other side briefly, then set aside. Next, quickly sear the Italian sausages to develop their savory crust. This combination of searing builds layers of smoky, caramelized flavor fundamental to the recipe.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables and Aromatics

In the same pot, add onion, red bell peppers, garlic, and fresh rosemary. Cooking these together until the onions soften brings an irresistible aroma and sweetness. This mixture creates the vegetable foundation that perfectly complements the richness of the meats, making every bite more complex and satisfying.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the chicken broth, dry white wine, and pickled pepper brine to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits off the bottom. These browned bits carry immense flavor, so this step is vital. Reducing the mixture for about 5 minutes intensifies the sauce, melding the tanginess from the pickled pepper brine with the herbal and savory tones.

Step 5: Combine and Arrange for Baking

Return the seared chicken and sausages to the pot, nestling them among the sautéed vegetables. Scatter the pickled peppers and potato wedges around the meat. Spoon some of the cooking liquid over to ensure everything stays moist, even if the ingredients don’t sit fully submerged. This arrangement ensures even cooking and allows every part to soak in the wonderful sauce flavors.

Step 6: Bake the Dish

Cover the pot with a lid and bake for about 45 minutes until the chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked, and the potatoes are soft. Baking gently melds all the robust flavors while producing a juicy, aromatic one-pot meal that’s both rustic and sophisticated.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

Serve one chicken thigh alongside a sausage link and a generous share of the cooked vegetables and potatoes. Spoon the luscious sauce over everything. Crusty bread or freshly cooked pasta on the side is a perfect companion, soaking up every bit of the delicious sauce.

Step 8: Optional – Thicken the Sauce

If you prefer a more concentrated sauce, remove the chicken and vegetables from the pot, then simmer the liquid over medium heat until it reduces to your desired thickness. Pour the thicker sauce over the plated dish for an even more decadent finish.

How to Serve Chicken Scarpariello Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh rosemary sprigs or a sprinkle of chopped parsley make beautiful edible garnishes, adding that fresh green pop and herbal aroma that complements the robust flavors of this dish perfectly. A little cracked black pepper on top right before serving adds a nice punch too.

Side Dishes

This Chicken Scarpariello Recipe shines best when paired with simple sides like crusty Italian bread or linguine pasta, which are ideal for sopping up the tangy, garlicky sauce. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette also pairs nicely to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic family-style presentation, serve directly from the braiser placed in the center of the table. Alternatively, for a fancier dinner, plate the chicken and sausages over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside roasted seasonal vegetables, offering a twist with varied textures and flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Scarpariello keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making for an even tastier next-day meal.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well. Cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. To maintain best quality, use frozen portions within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to preserve the texture of the chicken and keep the sauce from drying out. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help refresh the sauce. Alternatively, use a low oven heat while covered.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

While boneless chicken thighs will work, bone-in, skin-on chicken provides more flavor and a better texture with crispy skin. The bone also helps keep the meat juicy during cooking.

What types of pickled peppers work best?

Cherry peppers, peppadews, banana peppers, and pepperoncini all bring a unique tangy brightness. Pick your favorite or mix several for a more complex taste that enhances the dish’s signature zip.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! Use hot Italian sausages instead of sweet ones and add extra pickled hot peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables for more heat.

Is white wine necessary?

White wine adds acidity and depth, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with an equal amount of extra chicken broth and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to lift the flavors.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken thighs are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork as well.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Scarpariello Recipe is one of those dishes that brings comfort and excitement to the table at the same time. It’s hearty without being heavy and bursting with vibrant flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. If you love a meal that feels like a warm hug but with a lively, tangy twist, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and may just become your new favorite go-to dish.

Chicken Scarpariello Recipe

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4.4 from 53 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Chicken Scarpariello is a classic Italian-American dish featuring succulent bone-in chicken thighs and flavorful Italian sausages baked in a vibrant sauce of onions, bell peppers, garlic, pickled peppers, white wine, and aromatic rosemary. The dish is finished in the oven with hearty gold potatoes, making it a comforting and well-rounded meal perfect for serving with crusty bread or pasta.

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Ingredients

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Meat

• 4 large bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 pound (4 to 6 links) sweet or hot Italian sausages

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 large sweet onion, cut into 1/2-inch strips
• 2 red bell peppers, cut into 1/2-inch strips
• 6 cloves garlic, sliced thinly
• 1 (6-inch) stem fresh rosemary, stem removed and leaves chopped
• 1 pound gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch thick wedges (or halved if very small)
• 1 heaping cup whole pickled peppers (such as cherry, peppadew, banana, or pepperoncini)

Liquids

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup brine from pickled peppers

Serving Suggestion

• Crusty bread or cooked pasta (like linguine)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for finishing the dish.
2. Season and sear the chicken and sausage: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season evenly with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Heat olive oil in a 4 to 6-quart braiser or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until the skin is deeply golden and releases easily, about 6 to 8 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 3 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate. Then add the sausages to the pot and sear for about 1 minute per side until browned. Transfer sausages to the plate with chicken.
3. Sauté the vegetables and aromatics: In the same pot, add the onion, red bell peppers, garlic, and chopped rosemary. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to soften and become translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
4. Add liquids and deglaze: Pour in the chicken broth, dry white wine, and pickled pepper brine. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Combine and arrange for baking: Return the seared chicken thighs to the pot skin side up, along with the sausages, nestling them among the sautéed vegetables. Scatter the whole pickled peppers and gold potato wedges around the meat. Spoon some of the cooking liquid over the potatoes. It’s fine if some pieces are not fully submerged.
6. Bake the dish: Cover the pot with its lid and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
7. Plate and serve: For each serving, place a chicken thigh and a sausage on the plate along with a generous portion of the cooked vegetables and potatoes. Spoon the flavorful cooking liquid over the top. Serve alongside crusty bread or freshly cooked linguine pasta for a complete meal.
8. Optional – Thicken the sauce: To thicken the sauce, remove the chicken and most vegetables to a serving platter. Place the pot back on the stovetop over medium heat and simmer the sauce until it reduces and thickens to your liking. Pour the thicker sauce over the meat and vegetables before serving.

Notes

• For best results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for flavor and moisture.
• If you don’t have pickled peppers, you can substitute with pepperoncini or banana peppers to maintain the tangy profile.
• Adjust the level of heat by choosing sweet or hot Italian sausages depending on your preference.
• Serve with crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce or over your favorite pasta like linguine.
• Leftovers reheat well and the flavors deepen when reheated the next day.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American