Chicken Scarpariello is a classic Italian-American recipe. It features crispy chicken, savory sausage, and a tangy cherry pepper sauce. The flavors are bold, with a perfect mix of spice, acidity, and richness. This dish is hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor.
The name “Scarpariello” means “shoemaker-style” in Italian. While its exact origin is unclear, it has become a favorite in many homes and restaurants. The combination of juicy chicken, spicy sausage, and vibrant peppers makes it unforgettable.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
High-quality ingredients make all the difference. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs create a crispy crust while staying juicy inside. Italian sausage adds richness, while cherry peppers bring heat and a tangy kick. Their vinegar enhances the sauce, making each bite even more flavorful.
Fresh bell peppers, onions, and garlic add natural sweetness. A splash of dry white wine helps blend the flavors. As the dish simmers, the sauce thickens, coating the chicken and sausage in a delicious glaze. The end result is a dish bursting with spice, tang, and savory goodness.
How to Make Chicken Scarpariello
Cooking this dish is simple. First, pat the chicken dry and season it with salt, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and paprika. This step helps create a flavorful crust. Next, poke small holes in the sausages with a fork. This prevents them from bursting while cooking.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sear the chicken until golden and crispy on both sides. At the same time, brown the sausages, turning them occasionally for even cooking. Dump the chicken and sausages in a large baking pan.
Now, it’s time for the vegetables. Sauté sliced onions, garlic, and bell peppers in the same pan until soft. Add cherry peppers along with a bit of their vinegar. Scrape up any browned bits for extra flavor.
Transfer the veggies to the baking dish. Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.
Serving Suggestions & Final Tips
Chicken Scarpariello pairs well with crusty Italian bread, pasta, or roasted potatoes. The rich sauce is perfect for dipping. For balance, serve it with sautéed greens like spinach or broccoli rabe.
Want more spice? Add extra cherry peppers. Prefer a milder version? Use fewer peppers and less vinegar. This dish also tastes even better the next day, as the flavors deepen overnight.
Chicken Scarpariello is bold, comforting, and easy to make. Whether for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress. Try this classic recipe and enjoy the taste of Italian-American tradition!
Chicken Scarpariello Recipe – Spicy, Savory & Absolutely Delicious!
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Oven
- Tongs
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 4 Mix of Bone-in Chicken Thighs and Legs skin-on
- 4 links Italian Sausage mild or spicy
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Onion sliced
- 4 cloves Garlic sliced
- 2 Bell Peppers sliced
- 1/2 cup Hot Cherry Peppers sliced, with some vinegar
- 1 cup Dry White Wine
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin.
- Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on both sides until crispy, about 5 minutes per side.
- Using a fork, poke small holes in the sausage to prevent them from bursting while cooking.
- Turn the sausages and cook until browned on all sides.
- Pour in the dry white wine in the chicken pan and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add the vinegar from the hot cherry peppers into the pan for extra heat and flavor.
- Place the browned chicken and sausage into a baking dish and pour the wine and cherry pepper mixture over them.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant. Add bell peppers and cook until slightly softened.
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the baking dish, distributing them evenly over the chicken and sausage.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld together.