Chicken Scarpariello is one of those rustic Italian-American dishes that feels both cozy and impressive at the same time. Juicy chicken, savory sausage, sweet peppers, garlic, and a tangy pan sauce all come together in one skillet for a meal that tastes like it came straight from a neighborhood trattoria.
The best part? This easy chicken scarpariello recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but bold and flavorful enough to serve when company comes over.
What Is Chicken Scarpariello?
Chicken Scarpariello, which loosely translates to “shoemaker’s chicken,” is a classic Italian-American dish made with pan-seared chicken, Italian sausage, peppers, garlic, white wine, and vinegar. The sauce is savory, tangy, slightly garlicky, and perfect for spooning over crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan meal with minimal cleanup
- Bold, restaurant-style flavor at home
- Easy ingredients you can find anywhere
- Perfect for weeknights or entertaining
Ingredients
- 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 oz Italian sausage (sweet or hot), sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional but delicious)
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Easy Chicken Scarpariello
1. Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down and cook until deeply golden and crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Brown the Sausage
In the same skillet, add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
3. Cook the Vegetables
Add peppers and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until softened and lightly caramelized, scraping up the browned bits from the pan. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
4. Deglaze & Build the Sauce
Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Add chicken broth, vinegar, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer
Return the chicken and sausage to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
6. Finish & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or vinegar if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
What to Serve with Chicken Scarpariello
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Crusty Italian bread
- Roasted potatoes or polenta
- Simple green salad
Tips for the Best Scarpariello
- Bone-in chicken gives the best flavor and stays juicy
- Don’t rush the sear—those crispy bits add major flavor
- Adjust the vinegar to taste for more or less tang
- Hot Italian sausage adds a great kick, but sweet works too
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Easy Chicken Scarpariello
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4–6 SERVINGS 1x
Description
This easy Chicken Scarpariello is a classic Italian-American one-pan dinner made with crispy chicken thighs, Italian sausage, peppers, garlic, white wine, and a tangy pan sauce. Bold, comforting, and perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
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6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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12 ounces Italian sausage (sweet or hot), sliced
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
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8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
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5 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup dry white wine
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½ cup chicken broth
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2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Sear the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down until deeply golden and crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Flip and cook 3–4 minutes more. Remove and set aside. -
Brown the Sausage
In the same skillet, add sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside with the chicken. -
Cook the Vegetables
Add bell peppers and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until softened and lightly caramelized, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. -
Build the Sauce
Pour in white wine and simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Add chicken broth, vinegar, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine. -
Simmer
Return chicken and sausage to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender. -
Finish & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
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Bone-in chicken gives the best flavor and juiciness.
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Use hot Italian sausage or cherry peppers for extra heat.
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Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or polenta to soak up the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 35-40 MINUTES
- Category: Dinner
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: ITALIAN INSPIRED
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Scarpariello?
Chicken Scarpariello is a classic Italian-American dish made with seared chicken, Italian sausage, peppers, garlic, white wine, and vinegar. It’s known for its bold, tangy pan sauce and rustic, comforting flavor.
What cut of chicken is best for Chicken Scarpariello?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are best because they stay juicy and develop crispy skin when seared. Drumsticks also work well. Boneless chicken can be used, but the flavor won’t be as rich.
Is Chicken Scarpariello spicy?
It can be mild or spicy depending on the sausage and peppers you use. Sweet Italian sausage keeps it mild, while hot Italian sausage or cherry peppers add heat.
Can I make Chicken Scarpariello ahead of time?
Yes. Chicken Scarpariello tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
What does the vinegar do in Chicken Scarpariello?
The vinegar adds the signature tangy flavor that balances the richness of the chicken and sausage. White wine vinegar or red wine vinegar both work well.
Can I make Chicken Scarpariello without sausage?
Yes. The sausage adds extra flavor, but the dish is still delicious with just chicken, peppers, and the garlicky pan sauce.
What should I serve with Chicken Scarpariello?
Chicken Scarpariello pairs well with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, polenta, or egg noodles. A simple green salad also works nicely.
Can I freeze Chicken Scarpariello?
Yes. Let it cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly to keep the chicken tender.
Easy Chicken Scarpariello
This easy chicken scarpariello recipe is bold, comforting, and packed with classic Italian-American flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this one-pan dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
If you love cozy skillet dinners with big flavor, be sure to save this recipe and come back to it again and again.
