If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and a rustic Italian charm, look no further than this Chicken Scarpariello Recipe. This classic Italian-American favorite combines crispy, golden chicken with a tangy, spicy medley of peppers and a luscious pan sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. With each bite, you’ll experience a perfect balance of heat, acidity, and savory goodness that is sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings while adding a vibrant twist to your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Scarpariello Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the crispy chicken skin to the bright bell peppers and sharp kick of cherry peppers, every element counts.
- 2 pounds bone-in skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks: The best choice for juicy, tender meat with irresistibly crispy skin when seared.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the dish, complementing the spicy accents.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Creates a light crust on the chicken that crisps up beautifully when cooked.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection without sticking or burning.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps carry the garlic and peppers’ flavors.
- 6 cloves garlic smashed: Brings aromatic warmth and a subtle pungency that infuses the entire dish.
- 1 red bell pepper sliced: Offers sweetness and vibrant color to the skillet.
- 1 green bell pepper sliced: Provides fresh, crisp texture and balances the sweetness with a bit of earthiness.
- 1/2 cup pickled cherry peppers sliced: The star of the recipe, delivering that signature tangy heat that elevates the dish.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine: De-glazes the pan and adds a bright, acidic note that lifts the flavors.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Creates a savory base for the sauce, ensuring every bite is juicy.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Infuses freshness and brightens the whole dish to keep it lively.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds classic Italian herbaceousness that ties all the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: A subtle, lingering heat that enhances without overpowering.
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnish: Provides a fresh, herbal finish and lovely splash of color.
How to Make Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
Step 1: Season and Dredge the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs and drumsticks liberally with salt and black pepper. Then, lightly coat them in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. This step is key to achieving that golden, crispy crust that makes Chicken Scarpariello so addictively delicious.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down and let it cook undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms. This will lock in all the juices while building a beautifully textured exterior. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Peppers
Lower the heat to medium, then add the butter and smashed garlic to the same pan. Stir gently until the garlic releases its fragrant aroma but doesn’t brown. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the pickled cherry peppers. Sauté everything for about 3 to 4 minutes until the peppers soften just a touch—this adds vibrant color and a sweet-savory contrast to the dish.
Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour in the dry white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any caramelized bits stuck to the pan. These browned bits are flavor gold and add incredible depth. Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce and peppers.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes. This slow cooking tenderizes the chicken while allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to marry beautifully. The end result is a dish with juicy meat, tangy spicy sauce, and peppery sweetness that simply melts in your mouth.
How to Serve Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle a generous handful of fresh chopped parsley over the top. It adds a bright green pop that enhances the dish’s presentation and a fresh herbal aroma that balances the rich flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Scarpariello Recipe is wonderfully versatile when it comes to sides. Crusty Italian bread is perfect for mopping up that tangy sauce, while creamy polenta or roasted potatoes provide a comforting, hearty base that pairs beautifully with the spicy tang.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the chicken in a rustic cast-iron skillet right at the table, letting everyone help themselves to the peppers and sauce. Alternatively, plating the chicken over a bed of creamy risotto or buttered pasta elevates the dish for a more formal dinner without losing the homey feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Scarpariello keeps very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this dish freezes nicely. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, covered, to keep the chicken tender and avoid drying out the sauce. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this Chicken Scarpariello Recipe?
While bone-in chicken gives the best flavor and juiciness, you can absolutely use boneless thighs or breasts if you prefer a quicker cooking time. Just adjust the simmering accordingly to avoid overcooking.
What if I don’t have pickled cherry peppers?
If you can’t find pickled cherry peppers, banana peppers are a milder alternative though they won’t have the same tangy kick. You can also add a splash of vinegar to mimic the acidity. Fresh jalapeños can add heat but lack the pickled flavor.
Is this Chicken Scarpariello Recipe spicy?
It has a pleasant, moderate heat from the crushed red pepper flakes and chili in the cherry peppers, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply omit the flour or substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend for dredging the chicken. The recipe’s naturally gluten-free ingredients make this swap easy without sacrificing flavor.
What wine pairs well with Chicken Scarpariello?
A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with this dish, complementing the acidity and spice. If you prefer red, a light Chianti is a nice choice that won’t overpower the flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Scarpariello Recipe is a must-try if you love bold, comforting Italian flavors that come together quickly with simple pantry ingredients. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day and dazzles guests with its delicious complexity. Once you make it a few times, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
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Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Scarpariello is a flavorful Italian-American dish featuring crispy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks simmered with a medley of bell peppers, tangy pickled cherry peppers, garlic, and a bright white wine sauce. This rustic skillet meal combines a perfect balance of heat, acidity, and herbs, resulting in juicy, tender chicken infused with bold, vibrant flavors. Serve this classic main course with crusty bread or roasted potatoes for a satisfying and hearty dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pounds bone-in skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
Cooking Fats
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup pickled cherry peppers, sliced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season and Dredge the Chicken: Season the chicken all over with salt and black pepper. Lightly dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess flour for an even coating that will help form a crispy crust when cooked.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken pieces skin-side down in the hot oil and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Remove the browned chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics and Peppers: Reduce the heat to medium, then add butter and smashed garlic to the pan. Cook until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the pickled cherry peppers, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.
- Deglaze and Create Sauce: Pour in the dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits for added flavor. Stir in chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes, mixing well to combine the sauce ingredients.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the browned chicken pieces to the pan, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender, soaking up the flavors of the sauce and peppers.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Pair with crusty bread, polenta, or roasted potatoes to complete the meal.
Notes
- Pickled cherry peppers are key to the dish’s signature tangy heat, but you can substitute banana peppers for a milder flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour or omit the flour dredging step altogether.
- Serve Chicken Scarpariello with crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce or alongside creamy polenta or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
