Are you looking for a dish that’s gonna blow your dinner guests away but won’t have you slaving in the kitchen all day? Chicken scarpariello might just be your new best friend. This Italian-American favorite combines juicy chicken, zesty sausage, and a tangy-sweet sauce that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. As someone who’s cooked this dish countless times, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about this weeknight showstopper.
The Origins of Chicken Scarpariello
Chicken scarpariello is a classic Italian-American creation that has an interesting name – “scarpariello” literally translates to “shoemaker’s style” There’s some debate about why it’s called this, but many food historians believe it was originally a simple, affordable meal that Italian shoemakers could throw together after a long day of work.
The dish likely originated in the Little Italy neighborhoods of major U.S. cities like New York, where Italian immigrants adapted their traditional recipes using ingredients available in America. It’s a perfect example of how Italian cuisine evolved once it crossed the Atlantic, becoming something new while maintaining its roots.
What Makes Chicken Scarpariello Special?
At its heart. chicken scarpariello is a rustic flavorful dish that combines
- Bone-in chicken pieces (usually thighs)
- Italian sausage (sweet, hot, or both)
- Peppers (a mix of sweet and hot varieties)
- Onions
- A tangy sauce made with wine, vinegar, and herbs
The magic happens when these ingredients come together during the braising process. The chicken becomes tender, the sausage adds richness, and the sauce develops a complex flavor profile that’s simultaneously tangy, sweet, and savory.
Key Ingredients for Authentic Chicken Scarpariello
The Chicken
For the most authentic version, you’ll want to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs The bones add flavor to the sauce, and the skin crisps up beautifully during browning While you could use boneless chicken for convenience, it won’t deliver the same depth of flavor, and the meat won’t be as juicy.
Rick Martinez, who developed a popular chicken scarpariello recipe for Bon Appétit, emphasizes that “skin-on chicken thighs are essential—they deliver flavor and won’t dry out; don’t try swapping them for boneless, skinless chicken breasts.”
The Sausage
Traditional chicken scarpariello calls for Italian sausage. You can use sweet Italian sausage, hot Italian sausage, or a combination of both for balanced flavor. If using links, you’ll want to remove the casings before cooking.
The Peppers
A mixture of sweet and hot peppers gives chicken scarpariello its distinctive flavor profile:
- Sweet bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) provide sweetness and vibrant color
- Hot peppers like cherry peppers, Peppadew peppers, or pepperoncini add that signature kick
The ratio of sweet to hot can be adjusted based on your heat preference. For a milder version, focus more on sweet peppers; for extra heat, add more hot varieties.
The Sauce
The sauce is where chicken scarpariello really shines. It typically includes:
- Dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Vermentino)
- Vinegar for tanginess
- Herbs like rosemary, oregano, and thyme
- Garlic for depth of flavor
Some recipes also include a small amount of chicken stock or even a touch of tomato paste for richness.
How to Make Chicken Scarpariello
One of the best things about chicken scarpariello is that it’s relatively simple to prepare, even for weeknight cooking. Here’s a basic breakdown of the cooking process:
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Brown the chicken: Start by browning the chicken pieces in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven. This builds flavor and crisps the skin.
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Brown the sausage: Remove the chicken and brown the sausage in the same pan, allowing it to render its fat and develop flavor.
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Sauté the aromatics: Cook onions, garlic, and peppers in the rendered fat until softened.
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Deglaze: Add wine to the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom (these contain tons of flavor!).
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Braise: Return the chicken and sausage to the pan, add remaining ingredients for the sauce, and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender, usually about 30-45 minutes.
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Finish: Adjust seasonings, add fresh herbs, and serve!
The beauty of this dish is that it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup and more concentrated flavors as everything cooks together.
Regional and Personal Variations
Like many beloved recipes, chicken scarpariello has evolved over time, with variations depending on the region and the cook. Some common variations include:
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Adding potatoes: Some versions include potatoes in the braise, while others prefer to serve roasted potatoes on the side (to maintain their crispiness).
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Mushroom addition: Some cooks add mushrooms for an earthy flavor component.
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Sauce thickness: The sauce can range from quite brothy to more reduced and concentrated.
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Heat level: The dish can be made mild or spicy depending on the peppers used.
My personal favorite version includes a mix of sweet and hot cherry peppers, roasted potatoes on the side, and a sauce that’s reduced just enough to coat everything without being too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Scarpariello
Can I make chicken scarpariello ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, like many braised dishes, chicken scarpariello often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Prepare the dish as directed, let it cool completely, then store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven before serving.
What should I serve with chicken scarpariello?
Crusty bread is a must for soaking up the delicious sauce! Other good accompaniments include:
- Roasted potatoes
- Polenta
- Rice
- A simple green salad
Can I make chicken scarpariello in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the chicken and sausage as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Can I make a vegetarian version?
While traditionally meat-heavy, you can adapt chicken scarpariello for vegetarians by substituting the chicken and sausage with firm tofu (pressed to remove excess moisture and browned) and Italian-style vegetarian sausage. The remaining ingredients and cooking method stay the same.
What kind of wine pairs well with chicken scarpariello?
Since the dish already includes white wine in the sauce, a medium-bodied Italian white like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino would pair nicely. If you prefer red, a light to medium-bodied option like Chianti works well with the tangy-sweet flavors.
My Personal Take on Chicken Scarpariello
I’ve been making chicken scarpariello for years, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way:
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Don’t rush the browning process – properly browned chicken and sausage make all the difference in the final flavor.
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Be generous with the peppers – they add color, texture, and flavor that makes this dish special.
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Let the sauce reduce enough to concentrate the flavors but not so much that it disappears – you want enough to spoon over everything.
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Always have good bread on hand to soak up that amazing sauce!
What I love most about chicken scarpariello is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that feels special enough for company but doable for a weeknight dinner. It’s the kind of dish that makes people think you’re a culinary genius when really, the magic is in the combination of ingredients and technique.
Final Thoughts
Chicken scarpariello is the perfect example of Italian-American cooking at its finest – practical, flavorful, and adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a Tuesday night or hosting friends for a weekend dinner, this rustic dish is sure to impress.
So next time you’re stuck in a chicken dinner rut, remember this delicious option that combines the best of Italian flavors with American practicality. Your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you!
Have you tried making chicken scarpariello? What’s your favorite variation? I’d love to hear your experiences with this amazing dish!
Ingredients for Chicken Scarpariello Recipe with Sausage
My chicken scarpariello recipe is full of umami which makes this skillet dinner an amazing meal that will quickly become a family favorite. Seasonings vary from recipe to recipe. Ive spied rosemary in some, but I used oregano in mine.
Pounded boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs or bone-in chicken parts of your choice
Flour and seasonings like oregano and garlic powder, salt and pepper- Lightly dredging in flour helps keep the chicken moist and gives a beautiful golden color
Butter and Olive oil- Butter adds extra flavor and olive oil helps increase the smoke-point of the two.
Chopped Garlic- Cant have an Italian dish without garlic!
Mushrooms and Diced Peppers- Though many chicken scarpariello recipes use potatoes, I love the flavor and meatiness of the mushrooms.
Italian Sausages- 1 per person. I prefer Boulder spicy Italian sausage if you can find it.
Pepperoncini and capers-Many chicken scarpariello recipes use hot cherry peppers or peppadews. I always have pepperoncini on hand so thats what I use. Capers add an extra dimension but are optional.
White wine and chicken stock, tomato paste- These make a great sauce and add flavor to the chicken. Red wine is allowable, too. Dont forget to add some oregano and red pepper flakes to taste. Many chicken scarpariello recipes use rosemary instead of oregano.
How To Make this Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
In just a few simple steps this cicken scarpariello recipe is yours!
Begin by dredging the chicken of your choice in flour and seasonings.
Brown the chicken in the combination of olive oil and butter. Do not worry about cooking all the way through as it will finish baking in the oven. Remove from skillet and add sausages to brown also.
Saute the mushrooms and peppers, adding more oil if necessary. Remove and set aside.
Add the tomato paste and cook briefly until it is dark red. Add the broth and wine and deglaze the skillet. Add the pepperoncini and capers.
Now add back the chicken and sausage and mushrooms and peppers. Spoon a bit of sauce over the top and then place in preheated oven to finish baking.
Ive been making a lot of chicken lately and can assure you this dish is a keeper. This chicken scarpariello recipe is loaded with a garlic, peppery taste. Not black pepper but more a tangy vinegar wine like taste from the pepperoncinis and the wine.