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Chicken Scarpariello

Chicken Scarpariello
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Chicken Scarpariello is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces simmered with tangy white vinegar, savory Italian sausage, garlic, hot cherry peppers, and fresh herbs. This vibrant recipe balances bold, zesty flavors with rustic charm, offering a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Easy to prepare with straightforward ingredients, it pairs beautifully with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread and deepens in flavor when enjoyed as leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sausage

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
  • 8 oz Italian sausage, sliced

Aromatics and Spices

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6–8 hot cherry peppers, sliced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Liquids

  • 1/3 cup white vinegar
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Oils and Herbs

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels, then season them generously with salt and pepper. This step helps ensure crispy skin and flavorful meat after cooking.
  2. Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken pieces skin-side down and cook until the skin turns golden and crisp. Flip and cook the other side briefly. Remove the browned chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Cook the sausage and aromatics: In the same skillet, add the sliced Italian sausage, minced garlic, and sliced hot cherry peppers. Sauté until the sausage is browned and the garlic becomes fragrant, melding the flavors together.
  4. Deglaze and simmer: Pour in the white vinegar and chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Return the browned chicken to the skillet, add fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs, then cover and simmer gently until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, about 25-30 minutes.
  5. Finish and serve: Remove the lid and increase the heat slightly to reduce the sauce until it thickens and becomes flavorful. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with your preferred sides like creamy polenta, roasted potatoes, or pasta.

Notes

  • Dry the chicken well: Removing moisture before browning helps achieve crispier skin.
  • Don’t rush the browning: Proper caramelization adds crucial depth to the flavor.
  • Use bone-in pieces: They provide more juicy flavor compared to boneless cuts.
  • Balance acidity: Taste as you add vinegar to maintain the perfect zing without overpowering.
  • Let it rest: After cooking, resting the dish lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Scarpariello, Italian chicken recipe, Italian sausage, hot cherry peppers, tangy chicken dish, rustic Italian dinner, easy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/chicken-scarpariello/