Chicken Scarpariello

Chicken Scarpariello is hands-down one of my favorite Italian-American dishes when I want bold, unapologetic flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of juicy chicken thighs, spicy sausage, and tangy vinegar creates this incredible sweet-savory-spicy balance that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

I first tasted Chicken Scarpariello at a tiny Italian restaurant in Brooklyn, and I knew immediately I had to recreate it at home. The name means “shoemaker’s chicken” in Italian, supposedly because it’s rustic and straightforward, the kind of meal a working person could throw together after a long day. What makes this dish so special is how the cherry peppers and vinegar cut through the richness of the chicken and sausage, while sweet bell peppers add color and subtle sweetness. This one-pan Italian chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners that feel special.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Scarpariello

I always use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for this recipe because they stay incredibly juicy and develop the most flavorful crispy skin. Pro tip: don’t skip the cherry pepper vinegar from the jar, as it adds authentic tangy heat that makes Chicken Scarpariello truly shine.

• 2 pounds chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on preferred)
• ½ pound Italian sausage, sliced into rounds
• 2 bell peppers, sliced (red, yellow, or orange for sweetness)
• ½ cup hot cherry peppers, drained
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons cherry pepper vinegar (from the jar)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

I recommend patting the chicken completely dry with paper towels before seasoning, as this helps achieve that gorgeous golden-brown sear on the skin.

Step 1: Season chicken thighs generously on both sides with salt and black pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while you prep other ingredients.

Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Don’t move them around. Let them sear undisturbed for 6 to 7 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and releases easily from the pan. Flip and cook another 5 minutes. The chicken won’t be fully cooked yet. Remove to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet with the flavorful drippings, add sliced Italian sausage. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until browned on both sides and cooked through. If the sausage releases a lot of grease, drain all but 2 tablespoons.

Step 4: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn.

Step 5: Toss in sliced bell peppers and drained cherry peppers. Stir and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the bell peppers start to soften and develop some color.

Step 6: Pour in white wine to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine bubble and reduce by half, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 7: Add chicken broth, cherry pepper vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and dried oregano. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.

Step 8: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon some of the sauce and peppers over the top. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover partially, and let everything simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce should thicken slightly. Pro tip: if your sauce seems too thin, uncover for the last 5 minutes to let it reduce.

Step 9: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon if needed. Serve hot with plenty of sauce and peppers spooned over each piece of chicken.

What to Serve with Chicken Scarpariello

This bold Italian-American dish pairs beautifully with sides that soak up the tangy, flavorful sauce.

Creamy Polenta: The smooth, mild polenta provides the perfect canvas for the spicy, tangy sauce and balances the heat from the cherry peppers.

Crusty Italian Bread: Essential for mopping up every drop of that incredible vinegar-based sauce. Garlic bread works wonderfully too.

Simple Pasta: Serve Chicken Scarpariello over linguine, fettuccine, or rigatoni tossed with a bit of the pan sauce for a complete Italian-style meal.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus add freshness and nutrition while complementing the rich chicken and sausage.

More Italian-Inspired Chicken Dinners

Chicken Scarpariello pairs wonderfully with other Italian-influenced chicken dishes that deliver bold flavors in simple preparations. For another rustic Italian option, the Creamy Tuscan Chicken offers sun-dried tomatoes and spinach in a luscious cream sauce that complements the tangy notes in this recipe. The Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce provides similar comfort with a crispy coating and rich sauce.

When planning Italian-themed dinners, consider serving this alongside Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a complete meal, or try the Chicken Scampi with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice which shares the bright, garlicky profile that makes Italian chicken recipes so irresistible. These recipes all celebrate bold flavors with straightforward cooking methods perfect for busy weeknights.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover Chicken Scarpariello in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as everything marinates together, making leftovers even more delicious.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered, in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

Pro tip: this dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Freeze in portion-sized containers, thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat on the stovetop for best results. The chicken stays tender and the sauce maintains its bold flavor beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

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