Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Scarpariello brings together juicy chicken, savory sausage, and sweet-hot tanginess in a single pan. The method is approachable, the flavor payoff is immense, and the ingredients are easy to source. The dish offers a comforting yet vibrant profile thanks to the combination of peppers, vinegar, and fragrant herbs. It reheats beautifully, pairs well with rice, potatoes, or crusty bread, and can be customized to suit mild or spicy preferences. Whether you appreciate classic Italian-American comfort food or you simply enjoy a deeply flavorful one-pan meal, this recipe is a dependable favorite.
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Chicken Scarpariello – A Vibrant Italian-American Classic with Bold Flavor
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A classic Italian-American dish of braised chicken cooked with peppers, onions, sausages, and a tangy vinegar-wine sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup mini sweet peppers or sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven and brown chicken on both sides; remove and set aside.
- Add sausage slices to the pan and cook until browned; remove and set aside.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and peppers in the same pan until softened.
- Pour in white wine and simmer 2 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
- Add chicken broth, white wine vinegar, rosemary, and red pepper flakes.
- Return chicken and sausage to the pan, bringing mixture to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 25–30 minutes until chicken is tender.
- Uncover and simmer an additional 5 minutes to thicken sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Bone-in chicken gives the sauce a richer flavor.
- You can substitute spicy sausage for extra heat.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken thighs
Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide the juiciest result and develop a beautifully crisp, golden exterior.
Italian sausage
Sweet or spicy sausage adds richness and hearty flavor to the base of the dish. I’ve used spicy sausage for extra depth, and it paired wonderfully with the vinegar sauce.
Bell peppers
Their natural sweetness counterbalances the tang of the vinegar and the savory notes of the chicken and sausage.
Onions
Sautéed onions bring a gentle sweetness and volume to the skillet.
Garlic
Aromatic and essential, garlic intensifies the sauce and enhances the sausage and chicken.
Peperoncini or pickled hot peppers
These add the signature sweet-hot tang that defines Scarpariello. They brighten the entire dish.
White wine
Used to deglaze the pan, adding acidity and complexity. You may substitute with chicken broth if preferred.
Chicken broth
Forms the base of the sauce, helping blend the vinegar, herbs, and pan drippings together smoothly.
White wine vinegar
Provides the essential tangy kick that makes the sauce lively and flavorful.
Fresh rosemary
Its earthy aroma infuses the dish beautifully without overpowering the other ingredients.
Salt and black pepper
Basic seasonings that bring cohesion to the dish and enhance its complexity.
Directions
- Season the chicken thighs well with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven and sear the chicken skin-side down until crisp and golden. Flip and cook briefly, then set aside.
- Add sliced Italian sausage to the same pan and cook until browned. Remove and keep with the chicken.
- In the remaining drippings, sauté onions and bell peppers until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly to release its aroma.
- Stir in peperoncini or pickled peppers. Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits for maximum flavor.
- Add chicken broth, white wine vinegar, and rosemary. Return the chicken and sausage to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. Spoon the vibrant sauce over the chicken for a complete presentation.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people comfortably. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. The flavors deepen over time, making this a delicious next-day meal.
Variations and Customizations
Lemon-Scarpariello Twist
Add fresh lemon juice and zest to brighten the sauce even more.
Creamy Version
Stir in a splash of cream at the end for a richer, velvety finish.
Mild and Sweet Variation
Use sweet Italian sausage and extra bell peppers for a gentler heat profile.
Extra-Spicy Recipe
Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or hot cherry peppers for intense heat.
Potato-Skillet Scarpariello
Add small potatoes to the pan and cook until tender for a heartier dish.
Herb-Heavy Style
Mix in thyme, oregano, or parsley to enhance the Italian-American flavor.
Wine-Free Option
Use extra chicken broth in place of wine for a deeper, non-alcoholic version.
Balsamic Accent
Replace part of the white wine vinegar with balsamic for richer sweetness.
Roasted Version
Finish the dish in the oven to intensify caramelization and deepen flavor.
Vegetable-Loaded Option
Add mushrooms or zucchini to bulk up the vegetable content without altering the classic flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful during simmering.
2. Is it necessary to include sausage?
No, but sausage contributes richness and is traditional in many versions.
3. Can I make this dish less spicy?
Use sweet peppers and mild sausage, omitting hot peppers if desired.
4. Can I substitute the wine?
Chicken broth works well as an alternative.
5. How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer uncovered for a few additional minutes until reduced.
6. Can it be made ahead?
Yes, it reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day.
7. What sides pair well?
Crusty bread, roasted potatoes, rice, or sautéed greens complement it nicely.
8. Can I use bone-in sausage links?
Absolutely — slice them after browning for rustic appeal.
9. Does the vinegar make the dish too sharp?
No; it mellows during simmering and balances the sweetness of the peppers.
10. Can this be frozen?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to two months.
Conclusion
Chicken Scarpariello is a flavorful union of tangy, savory, and slightly spicy elements that turns simple ingredients into a vibrant, comforting meal. With its combination of chicken, sausage, peppers, and herbs, this dish offers a lively mix of textures and aromas that appeal to a wide range of tastes. Whether served for a family dinner or included as a centerpiece in a weekend gathering, it delivers a robust, memorable experience that keeps people returning for more. If you enjoy dynamic, rustic dishes with character, Chicken Scarpariello is a recipe that deserves a place in your regular rotation.
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