Chicken Scarpariello

Chicken Scarpariello is a cozy Italian-American classic made with golden, crispy chicken, rustic sausage, sweet peppers, and a tangy, savory sauce that’s both comforting and bold.

The aroma of this dish fills my kitchen like a big, warm hug: vinegar’s bright zing, roasted peppers’ sweetness, and simmering herbs coax you to the table. Whenever I make it, I’m taken straight back to my mother’s stove in Brooklyn hearing laughter, dishes clinking, and feeling that sense of home.

What makes this recipe extra special is how quickly it comes together, layering deep, nostalgic flavors without any fuss or fancy steps just real, heartfelt cooking. You’re only a few steps away from the kind of meal that brings everyone back for seconds let’s dive in together.

Why This Cozy Italian Classic Feels Like Home

• Bold tang and savory comfort: Every forkful delivers a warm hug, thanks to that signature combo of tangy vinegar, sweet peppers, and just a tickle of heat from cherry peppers.
• Feels like Sunday supper: Chicken Scarpariello smells like togetherness imagine a bustling kitchen, laughter swirling, and a big pot simmering away as family drifts into the room.
• Layers of craveable texture: Bite into golden, crispy chicken, rustic sausage, and silk-soft peppers all tangled together each brings its own melody to the dish’s harmony.
• True food nostalgia: It’s the kind of meal that transports you to simpler times, filling both heart and belly with soul-warming goodness in every comforting spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – The heart of Chicken Scarpariello, delivering juicy bites and irresistibly golden, crisped skin.
• Beef sausage – Choose a rustic, flavorful sausage for richness. Mild or spicy both work, or swap with Italian sausage if preferred.
• Bell peppers (red and yellow) – Their sweet aroma and vibrant color add sunshine and depth to every forkful.
• Hot cherry peppers and brine – For that signature tangy heat. You can use pepperoncini or mild pickled peppers for less spice.
• Red onion and fresh garlic – They melt into the sauce, giving it warmth and a savory backbone that fills the whole kitchen.
• Olive oil – The starting point for browning, helping everything develop its comforting, golden edges.
• Apple cider vinegar – It brings the zippy, slightly sweet brightness that makes the sauce crave-worthy.
• Honey – Just enough to soften the vinegar’s sharpness and layer in cozy sweetness.
• Chicken broth – Creates the luscious sauce that soaks into potatoes, bread, or polenta.
• Fresh rosemary and oregano – Their earthy, woodsy aroma says “Italian comfort food” in every bite.

How to Make Chicken Scarpariello

1. Crisp up the chicken: Start by patting the chicken thighs dry and seasoning them with salt and pepper. Lay them skin-side down in hot olive oil listen for that welcoming sizzle until the skin turns a deep golden and smells irresistible. Set them aside, imagining that crispy bite.
2. Brown the sausage: Drop sausage pieces into the same pan, letting them caramelize just enough to add richness and depth. Their savory aroma mingles with memories of family Sunday dinners.
3. Sauté aromatics and peppers: Lower the heat; add smashed garlic and breathe in as it perfumes the kitchen. Next, toss in red onion and sweet bell peppers, sautéing until everything softens and their edges catch a bit of color.
4. Add the signature zip: Slide in hot cherry peppers and a splash of their brine, then pour in apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, and a drizzle of honey. Scrape up any browned bits these are flavor gold.
5. Simmer to tender perfection: Return the chicken and sausage, sprinkle in rosemary and oregano, and let everything gently simmer under a partially covered lid until meltingly tender. If you love cozy, home-style chicken, you might also try Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders for another easy favorite.
6. Finish and serve up comfort: Uncover, let the sauce thicken slightly, taste for seasoning, and serve piping hot over something perfect for soaking up the tangy sauce.
   

Success Tips for Rich, Flavorful Results

• Reach for a heavy-bottomed pan: A sturdy skillet or Dutch oven lets your chicken and sausage brown beautifully, creating those crave-worthy crispy bits that add so much flavor.
• Take your time with the simmer: Letting everything mingle on low heat isn’t just comforting it’s essential. That slow bubble draws out the juices, melds the tangy vinegar and sweet honey with the savory meats, and makes every bite feel like a hug.
• Balance the bold flavors: Don’t be shy taste the sauce before serving and adjust with a touch more honey for sweetness or an extra splash of vinegar for pop. Those hot cherry peppers bring gentle heat add more brine if you want a little extra kick!
• Rescue stuck bits for flavor: Always scrape up any browned bits from the pan when adding your liquid. It’s those golden pieces that give Chicken Scarpariello its soul, just like in my Creamy Garlic Chicken nothing wasted, just pure flavor.

Variations & Ingredient Swaps

Boneless Chicken for Easy Prep: Swap bone-in thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs if you want quicker cooking and easier eating, especially for weeknights.

Get Spicy: Try hot Italian or chorizo sausage for more heat and a smokier edge, or use milder sausage for a kid-friendly twist.

Veggie Boost: Go beyond bell peppers with extra veggies like sliced fennel, carrots, or mushrooms for sweetness and extra heartiness.

Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free. To make it gluten-free, just double-check that your sausage and broth don’t contain hidden gluten a tiny tweak for pure comfort.

Regional Spins & Personal Touches: Some cooks love a splash of white wine or marinated artichoke hearts. Toss in potatoes for an even cozier, stew-like meal.

For another take on comforting Italian flavors, you might love my One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, which brings the same cozy vibes to your table. Play, taste, and make it yours!

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Let leftovers cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Chicken Scarpariello stays juicy and flavorful for a few days and actually gets even cozier as the flavors meld.
• Freezer: You can freeze portions for later just make sure they’re sealed well to avoid freezer burn. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: For best results, gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep everything tender not dry. The microwave works in a pinch, but use low power so the chicken doesn’t toughen up.
• Make-Ahead: This dish is a true friend for busy nights; prep it fully and stash in the fridge, then just reheat when you’re ready for that dinnertime hug.
• Love cozy make-ahead meals? Try this Creamy Chicken Mushroom Soup for another soul-soothing option.

How to Serve This Comfort Food Favorite

• Crusty bread for soaking: Nothing beats tearing off a piece of good, rustic bread and dipping it into the tangy, golden sauce of Chicken Scarpariello. It’s pure, simple comfort.
• Creamy polenta or roasted potatoes: Serve the chicken and sausage over creamy polenta or alongside crispy roasted potatoes both capture every drop of savory sauce and add a cozy, hearty touch.
• Simple salads for balance: A crisp green salad, perhaps dressed with a splash of lemon, brightens up each rich, spicy bite and makes your plate feel complete.
• Pour a glass of Italian wine: Try a dry Chianti or Pinot Grigio for a true trattoria vibe and effortless pairing.
• Family-style gatherings: Present your Chicken Scarpariello in a large dish at the center of the table, letting everyone help themselves. For more crowd-pleasing mains, you might also try Marry Me Chicken family-style always turns dinner into a celebration!

Can I make Chicken Scarpariello less spicy?

Absolutely! If you love all the cozy flavors but not the heat, simply swap the hot cherry peppers for mild pickled peppers or even use just a hint of the brine. This keeps all that vinegary zip, with a gentler warmth that even the littlest family members will enjoy.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers so they stay juicy?

For the most tender, juicy chicken, I recommend gently reheating leftovers on the stovetop with a splash of broth. Warm slowly over low heat, letting the sauce bubble softly. This keeps everything moist and brings back those savory, comforting aromas just like fresh.

Can I use boneless chicken instead of thighs?

Yes, you can! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts make prep a snap and cook a bit faster. You’ll lose a little of that golden, crispy skin, but the flavors are still big and satisfying for busy weeknights when comfort is non-negotiable.

What sides go well with Chicken Scarpariello?

Try serving with crusty bread to soak up the tangy sauce, or nestle everything over creamy polenta or roasted potatoes for a next-level cozy meal. A simple green salad on the side rounds things out, bringing a fresh, bright contrast to all that homey richness.