When it comes to Italian-American comfort food, few dishes bring the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors like Chicken Scarpariello. This classic dish features tender, juicy chicken simmered with colorful bell peppers, cherry peppers, and a bright splash of lemon juice, all in a savory broth that’s elevated with garlic, white wine, and aromatic spices. Every bite delivers a symphony of flavors—a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, tang from lemon, and a subtle sweetness from the peppers—making it a memorable main course for family dinners or special occasions.
I first tried Chicken Scarpariello at a cozy Italian restaurant, and I was instantly hooked by its bold flavors and the way it paired perfectly with crusty bread or roasted potatoes. Inspired by that experience, this recipe brings the same zesty, homey charm right to your kitchen, allowing you to recreate the restaurant-quality dish with minimal fuss. Best of all, it’s a one-pan wonder, combining simplicity with rich, layered flavor.
Whether you’re a longtime Italian cuisine enthusiast or simply craving a hearty, flavorful chicken dish, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Recipe Overview
Chicken Scarpariello is a rustic Italian-style chicken dish featuring bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks cooked with garlic, white wine, lemon juice, and a mix of bell and cherry peppers. Simmered to tender perfection with aromatic herbs and a touch of spice, it delivers a bright, flavorful, and comforting meal that pairs beautifully with sides like roasted potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread.
Ingredients & Instructions
Here’s what you’ll need for this flavorful dish and how to prepare it step by step:
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup cherry peppers, sliced (seeds removed)
- ¼ cup sweet bell peppers, sliced
- ¼ cup green bell peppers, sliced
- ¼ cup red bell peppers, sliced
- ¼ cup onion, sliced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs and drumsticks dry and season generously with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil until shimmering. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Tip: Searing the chicken locks in juices and adds rich, caramelized flavor to the dish.
2. Sauté Garlic and Deglaze
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Carefully pour in white wine, chicken broth, and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add incredible depth and richness to the sauce.
3. Add Peppers, Onion, and Spices
Stir in cherry peppers, sweet, green, and red bell peppers, sliced onion, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the vegetables.
Pro Tip: Adjust the red pepper flakes for your preferred spice level.
4. Simmer Until Tender
Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the chicken simmer gently for 25–30 minutes, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the peppers are tender.
5. Taste and Garnish
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired. Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestion: This dish shines with crusty bread, creamy polenta, roasted potatoes, or a simple side salad to balance the rich flavors.
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Chicken Choices
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken provides maximum flavor and moisture.
- For a quicker version, boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used, but simmering time may be shorter.
2. Pepper Variations
- Cherry peppers provide a slight heat, but you can adjust or omit based on your spice preference.
- Mix bell pepper colors for a vibrant presentation.
3. Wine and Broth
- Dry white wine adds acidity and depth; if you prefer, a splash of apple cider vinegar or extra broth can be substituted.
4. Make It Ahead
- Prepare the sauce and chicken up to a day in advance, then reheat gently to serve. Flavors will meld beautifully.
5. Optional Additions
- Add olives or capers for a tangy, briny twist.
- Include roasted garlic instead of raw garlic for a sweeter, milder garlic flavor.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Remove chicken from bones, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.
Serving Ideas
- Serve hot with roasted or mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Pair with polenta, cooked pasta, or a fresh side salad for a lighter option.
- Crusty Italian bread is perfect for mopping up the savory juices.
Chicken Scarpariello is a perfect marriage of bold flavors and comforting textures. From the crispy, golden chicken to the tender, flavorful peppers and aromatic sauce, every bite offers a taste of rustic Italian-American cooking. Quick enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for entertaining, this dish is versatile, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite. With just one skillet and fresh ingredients, you can create a meal that’s both vibrant and hearty, capturing the essence of Italian comfort cuisine.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless thighs or breasts work, but simmer time will be shorter. Bone-in provides more flavor and juiciness.
2. Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely. Increase the red pepper flakes or add extra cherry peppers for more heat.
3. What sides go well with Chicken Scarpariello?
Roasted potatoes, polenta, pasta, or a fresh salad are excellent complements.
4. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce in advance and reheat gently before serving.
5. Can I substitute the wine?
Yes, you can replace the white wine with extra chicken broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
Chicken Scarpariello is a zesty Italian-American chicken dish with garlic, lemon, white wine, and peppers. Juicy, flavorful, and ready in one skillet!
