This Easy Chicken Scarpariello is packed with bold flavors! Juicy chicken pieces are cooked with tasty peppers and lots of garlic, making every bite exciting and yummy.
You can serve it over rice or with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again—it’s that good! 🍗❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness. If you prefer, you can use drumsticks or even boneless chicken breasts—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add sweetness and crunch. If they aren’t available, feel free to use yellow or orange peppers. For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or banana peppers.
White Wine: Dry white wine enhances the sauce’s depth. If you don’t have any, use chicken broth instead or a splash of vinegar. Non-alcoholic options include grape juice mixed with a bit of vinegar.
Italian Sausage: Adding sausage gives a delicious extra flavor. You can skip it for a lighter dish or substitute it with turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage if you’re looking for a healthier or vegetarian option.
How Do I Get the Chicken Skin Perfectly Crispy?
Getting that crispy skin on the chicken is key to a flavorful dish. Here’s how you can achieve it:
- Make sure your chicken thighs are patted dry thoroughly—this helps with browning.
- Heat the olive oil in your skillet until it’s hot before adding the chicken. This will help get that nice sear.
- Cook skin-side down first and resist the urge to move them around too much. Let them sit for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown before flipping.
Enjoy this technique—it makes all the difference for a delicious Chicken Scarpariello! Plus, the crispy skin pairs perfectly with the tender vegetables and bold sauce.
Easy Chicken Scarpariello Recipe with Bold Flavors
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or a mix of thighs and drumsticks)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Vegetables:
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup Italian sausage, sliced (optional for extra flavor)
- For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Scarpariello is easy to put together! You’ll need about 15 minutes to prep the ingredients and then about 30 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This helps to enhance the flavor and ensures a nice crust.
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken, skin side down. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-7 minutes on the other side until browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and the onion is softened. Then, add the sliced red and green bell peppers (and sausage if you’re using it). Cook for another 5 minutes until the peppers are softened.
4. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine reduce by half for about 3 minutes. Then, stir in the red wine vinegar, chicken broth, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme, and capers. Bring everything to a simmer.
5. Cook the Chicken:
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce and vegetables. Cover the skillet and lower the heat. Cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is completely cooked through and tender.
6. Final Touches:
If you want a thicker sauce, remove the lid and let it simmer for a few more minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Chicken Scarpariello hot with crusty bread or over a bed of cooked rice or pasta to enjoy all the bold flavors of the sauce!
This Chicken Scarpariello is sure to please with its hearty, savory goodness and bright, tangy notes. Enjoy your meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Instead?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless chicken thighs or breasts. Just be mindful that they will cook faster, so check for doneness around the 15-20 minute mark instead of 25 minutes.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have White Wine?
No problem! If you don’t have white wine on hand, you can replace it with extra chicken broth or use a splash of apple cider vinegar mixed with water to mimic the acidity of wine. Just be careful with the acid level—start with half the amount and adjust to taste.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat to keep the chicken moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! To add more heat, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add freshly diced hot peppers. Feel free to adjust according to your spice preference!
