Chicken Scarpariello
A vibrant Italian-American classic featuring tender chicken and savory sausage braised with sweet bell peppers and tangy-hot cherry peppers. This one-pan wonder is bursting with bold, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, perfect for a hearty dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sear the Chicken and Sausage
- b.Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels and season generously on all sides with salt and pepper.
- c.Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- d.Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear without moving for 6-8 minutes, until the skin is deeply golden brown and crisp. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- e.Add the sausage links to the same skillet. Cook, turning occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Aromatics
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. If there is excessive fat in the pan, pour off all but 2 tablespoons.
- c.Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until the onions are translucent and the peppers have softened.
- d.Add the minced garlic and dried oregano, and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Deglaze and Build the Sauce
- b.Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom.
- c.Increase the heat and let the wine bubble and reduce by about half, which should take 2-3 minutes.
- d.Stir in the chicken broth, sliced cherry peppers, and the cherry pepper brine. Add the fresh rosemary sprig and bring the entire mixture to a steady simmer.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Braise to Perfection
- b.Return the seared chicken thighs (skin-side up) and the browned sausage to the skillet, nestling them among the peppers and sauce.
- c.Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes.
- d.The dish is ready when the chicken is cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
- e.For the last 5 minutes of cooking, you can remove the lid to allow the sauce to thicken slightly if desired.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Remove the skillet from the heat. Discard the rosemary sprig.
- c.Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- d.Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley.
- e.Serve hot, spooning the peppers, onions, and sauce over the chicken and sausage.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest skin, ensure your chicken thighs are completely dry before seasoning and searing.
- 2The browned bits (fond) at the bottom of the pan after searing are packed with flavor. Make sure to scrape them all up when you deglaze with wine.
- 3The brine from the pickled pepper jar is a non-negotiable secret ingredient; it provides the signature tangy flavor of the dish.
- 4Keep the chicken skin above the liquid level when braising to help it stay crisp.
- 5This dish is even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Potatoes
For a heartier, all-in-one meal, add 1 lb of cubed Yukon Gold potatoes to the pan along with the peppers and onions. You may need to add a splash more chicken broth.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Use hot Italian sausage, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the garlic, and use only hot cherry peppers for a significant heat boost.
Sausage FreeSausage-Free
To lighten the dish, you can omit the sausage entirely. Consider adding more chicken or a greater variety of bell peppers to compensate.
With OlivesWith Olives
Add 1/2 cup of pitted Kalamata or Castelvetrano olives along with the chicken broth for an extra briny, savory layer of flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein Powerhouse
Chicken and sausage provide high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Vitamins
Bell peppers are an excellent source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts the immune system, and Vitamin A, which is important for vision and skin health.
Contains Healthy Fats
The use of olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to lower 'bad' LDL cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Chicken Scarpariello contains approximately 750-850 calories. The exact number can vary based on the fat content of the sausage and the size of the chicken thighs used.