If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors, tender chicken, and a spicy tang that will keep you coming back for more, the Chicken Scarpariello Recipe is an absolute must-try. This Italian-American classic blends crispy golden chicken with vibrant bell peppers, tangy pickled cherry peppers, and a zesty lemony broth that’s both comforting and lively. Every bite delivers a perfect harmony of heat, savoriness, and freshness that’s easy to love and even easier to prepare at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Scarpariello Recipe uses simple, straightforward ingredients, each chosen to enhance the dish’s rich texture and vibrant flavor. From the crispy skin on the chicken thighs to the punchy pickled cherry peppers, every item plays an essential role in creating a satisfying meal.
- 2 pounds bone-in skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks: Provides juicy, flavorful meat with crispy skin when cooked properly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the chicken and vegetables.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat that balances the dish’s tanginess.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Used for dredging to give the chicken a light, golden crust.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables with richness.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds a silky finish to the sauce and deepens flavor.
- 6 cloves garlic smashed: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and depth.
- 1 red bell pepper sliced: Brings a sweet, colorful crunch that balances the heat.
- 1 green bell pepper sliced: Adds freshness and vibrant color contrast.
- 1/2 cup pickled cherry peppers sliced: Delivers the signature tangy heat that makes this recipe unforgettable.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine: Lifts the sauce with acidity and complexity.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Creates a luscious base for simmering the chicken and melding flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the dish with a refreshing citrus zing.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses an herbaceous, slightly peppery note that ties the flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Gives the dish a subtle but thrilling spicy kick.
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnish: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
Step 1: Preparing and Seasoning the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken thighs and drumsticks evenly with salt and black pepper to bring out the natural flavors. Next, lightly dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a thin, crispy coating once cooked. This step sets the foundation for a delightful texture contrast between crispy skin and juicy meat.
Step 2: Browning the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the chicken skin-side down, allowing each piece to brown thoroughly for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. This renders the skin crispy and locks in juices. Remove the golden chicken and set it aside, reserving the flavorful oil in the pan.
Step 3: Sautéing Aromatics and Peppers
Lower the heat to medium and add butter and smashed garlic to the pan. Let the garlic cook until fragrant, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the tangy pickled cherry peppers. Sauté these for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften slightly while retaining some crunch, adding both texture and vibrant color to the dish.
Step 4: Building the Sauce
Pour in the dry white wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the pan bottom — these bits pack intense flavor. Stir in chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. This combination creates a bright, tangy sauce with just the right amount of heat and herbal complexity.
Step 5: Simmering the Chicken
Return the browned chicken pieces back to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce and peppers. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and let everything simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes. This slow cooking tenderizes the chicken, allowing it to soak up the intoxicating flavors of the sauce while staying juicy and moist.
How to Serve Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled atop adds a burst of vibrant green and an herbal brightness that elevates the dish visually and in flavor. It’s the simple finishing touch that makes the Chicken Scarpariello Recipe look and taste restaurant-quality.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up the tangy, spicy sauce or creamy polenta for a comforting, smooth contrast. Roasted potatoes are another hearty option, bringing a satisfying crispness to complement the tender chicken and peppers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Chicken Scarpariello Recipe over a bed of cauliflower rice or alongside sautéed greens for a lighter, low-carb meal. You can also plate it family-style in the skillet, encouraging everyone to dig in and enjoy the rustic charm of this lively Italian-American favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Scarpariello holds up well in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually meld and deepen a bit overnight, making it perfect for an easy next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to two months. Be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the chicken tender and to preserve the sauce’s vibrancy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as slower reheating better maintains the integrity of the dish.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in for this Chicken Scarpariello Recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used, but bone-in skin-on pieces add more flavor and juiciness. If using boneless, reduce simmering time slightly to avoid drying out the meat.
What can I substitute for pickled cherry peppers if I don’t have any?
Banana peppers make a great milder substitute. They provide tang and mild heat but won’t quite capture the distinctive kick that cherry peppers bring.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, skip the flour dredging or use a gluten-free flour alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add some sliced hot cherry peppers to boost the heat to your liking.
What wine pairs well with Chicken Scarpariello?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the dish’s acidity and spice wonderfully, whether enjoyed in the cooking or alongside the meal.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and vibrant about the Chicken Scarpariello Recipe, making it a staple that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Its combination of crispy chicken, tangy peppers, and zesty, garlicky sauce feels like a celebration on your plate. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to meals for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings. Give it a whirl, and prepare to fall in love with this unforgettable dish.
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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 classic Italian-American dish featuring crispy bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks simmered with garlic, bell peppers, pickled cherry peppers, white wine, and herbs. This vibrant skillet meal delivers a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors, making it a hearty and comforting main course.
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 Peppers
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup pickled cherry peppers, sliced
Liquids and Herbs
- 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
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Season and Dredge Chicken: Season the chicken thighs and drumsticks all over with salt and black pepper. Lightly coat each piece in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess flour to avoid clumping.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Peppers: Reduce heat to medium and add unsalted butter and smashed garlic to the pan. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add sliced red and green bell peppers along with the pickled cherry peppers, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Deglaze and Build Sauce: Pour in the dry white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Stir in chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes, combining thoroughly.
- Simmer Chicken: Return the browned chicken to the pan, nestling the pieces into the sauce and peppers. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and let simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the finished dish before serving. Enjoy Chicken Scarpariello hot, ideally with crusty bread, creamy polenta, or roasted potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- Pickled cherry peppers contribute the dish’s signature tangy heat; substitute banana peppers for a milder version.
- Serving suggestions include crusty bread, polenta, or roasted potatoes to complement the rich sauce.
- Use bone-in skin-on chicken for optimal flavor and texture; skin crisps wonderfully during browning.
- To keep it gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour when dredging the chicken.
