Chicken Scarpariello Recipe

This incredible Chicken Scarpariello is a game-changer for your dinner rotation! With succulent chicken thighs, savory Italian sausage, and a tangy sauce that brings everything together, this one-pot wonder delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. The combination of tender meat, perfectly cooked potatoes, and sweet-sour pickled peppers creates a truly memorable meal that’s ready in just over an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in a single Dutch oven or braiser, meaning less cleanup and more flavors melding together beautifully.
• Bold Flavors: The combination of tangy pickled peppers, aromatic rosemary, and rich meats creates a dish that’s incredibly satisfying without being complicated.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish actually tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or when you need something special but don’t have time to cook.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The mix of chicken and sausage ensures everyone at your table finds something to love, and the sauce is absolutely divine when sopped up with crusty bread.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide incredible flavor and stay juicy throughout cooking. The crispy skin adds wonderful texture.
• Italian Sausages: Choose sweet or hot depending on your preference. They add a wonderful depth of flavor and heartiness to the dish.
• Onion and Bell Peppers: These vegetables break down slightly during cooking, absorbing all the delicious flavors while adding sweetness.
• Garlic: Thinly sliced garlic infuses the entire dish with aromatic goodness without becoming overwhelming.
• Rosemary: Fresh rosemary adds an earthy, aromatic quality that elevates this dish beyond the ordinary.
• Chicken Broth: Creates the base for our flavorful sauce while helping to tenderize the meat.
• White Wine: Adds acidity and depth to the sauce. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind complex flavor.
• Pickled Peppers and Brine: The secret weapon of this dish! The tangy brine and sweet-spicy peppers create that distinctive Scarpariello flavor.
• Potatoes: Gold potatoes hold their shape while becoming creamy inside, making them perfect for absorbing the delicious sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the meat and developing those crucial brown bits of flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that let the other flavors shine.

Variations

Change Up The Meat

Use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer, just reduce cooking time by about 10-15 minutes. You could also substitute chicken breasts, but watch carefully to avoid overcooking.

Veggie Additions

Add mushrooms along with the onions and peppers for an earthier flavor profile. Cherry tomatoes added during the last 15 minutes of cooking add a sweet burst.

Spice Level

Control the heat by choosing hot Italian sausage and spicier pickled peppers like pepperoncini, or keep it mild with sweet sausage and cherry peppers.

Wine Alternatives

No wine? Substitute with additional chicken broth plus a tablespoon of lemon juice or white wine vinegar to maintain the acidity.

How to Make Chicken Scarpariello

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Place chicken skin-side down and sear undisturbed until golden and crispy (6-8 minutes). Flip and cook 3 more minutes, then transfer to a plate.

Step 2: Brown the Sausages

Add Italian sausages to the pot with the rendered chicken fat and oil. Sear for about 1 minute per side until nicely browned. Transfer to the plate with chicken.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add onion, bell peppers, garlic, and rosemary to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until onions begin to soften and become translucent, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Base

Pour in chicken broth, white wine, and pepper brine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Return chicken (skin side up) and sausages to the pot, nestling them among the vegetables. Add potatoes and pickled peppers, spooning some cooking liquid over the potatoes. Cover and transfer to a 350°F oven for approximately 45 minutes.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Check that chicken and potatoes are tender. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve with crusty bread or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Rush the Sear: A proper sear on the chicken skin creates flavor and keeps the meat juicy. Wait until it releases naturally from the pan before flipping.
• Layer the Flavors: Each step builds flavor – from the meat sear to scraping up those browned bits when adding liquids. Don’t skip these crucial steps!
• Check Doneness: Chicken thighs are forgiving but should reach 165°F. Potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork.
• Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the meat and vegetables after baking and simmer the liquid on the stovetop for 5-10 minutes to reduce.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the dish rest uncovered for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and sauce to thicken slightly.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve with crusty Italian bread or over pasta (linguine or pappardelle work beautifully) to soak up every drop of the incredible sauce.

Side Dishes

A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh counterpoint to the rich flavors. Roasted broccoli or sautéed greens also make excellent accompaniments.

Presentation

For a beautiful presentation, transfer everything to a large serving platter, arranging the chicken and sausage on top of the vegetables and potatoes, then spoon the sauce over everything.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they continue to meld.

Freezing

This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. The potatoes might change texture slightly but will still be delicious.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat gently in a covered pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to refresh the sauce. Alternatively, reheat covered in a 325°F oven until warmed through (about 20-25 minutes).

FAQs

What does “Scarpariello” mean?
Scarpariello translates to “shoemaker-style” in Italian, referring to a rustic, simple dish that supposedly was popular among shoemakers. The combination of meat and pickled peppers in a tangy sauce is the signature of this classic Italian-American dish.

Can I make this dish without wine?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the wine with additional chicken broth and add a tablespoon of lemon juice or white wine vinegar to maintain the brightness. The dish will have a slightly different flavor profile but will still be delicious.

What type of pickled peppers work best?
This recipe is versatile – cherry peppers offer sweetness with mild heat, peppadews give sweetness with minimal heat, while pepperoncini or banana peppers provide more tanginess. Choose based on your heat preference, or use a combination!

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, though you’ll miss some of the caramelization flavors. Still sear the meats and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the pickled peppers during the last hour of cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Scarpariello recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that feels special enough for company yet easy enough for weeknights. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful sausage, and that incredible tangy-sweet sauce will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to when you want to impress without stress. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!

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