There’s something undeniably magical about Chicken Scarpariello. Picture this: tender, juicy chicken dancing in a savory sauce, kissed with the warmth of garlic and the zing of pepperoncini. The aromas wafting from your kitchen will have everyone asking, “What’s cooking?” You’re not just making dinner; you’re creating an experience that brings loved ones together around the table.
I still remember the first time I made Chicken Scarpariello for my friends. The moment they took their first bite, I could practically hear angels singing in harmony. That dish became a staple at our gatherings, a delicious reminder that food is meant to be shared and enjoyed with those we cherish.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Scarpariello recipe combines ease of preparation with an explosive flavor profile that will impress your guests
- Its vibrant colors and aroma create visual appeal that brings excitement to any meal
- This dish is versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions, making it a go-to favorite in your recipe collection
I once had a friend declare she’d marry me if I made this dish again! Talk about pressure in the kitchen!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs over breasts for juiciness and flavor; they hold up better during cooking.
Fresh Garlic: Go for firm cloves; fresh garlic elevates the dish with its irresistible aroma.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and depth to the sauce.
Peppers (Bell and Hot): Use a mix of sweet bell peppers and spicy chili peppers for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
White Wine: Choose a dry white wine to add acidity and complexity; it works wonders with chicken.
Pepperoncini: These tangy peppers bring a delightful zing; don’t skip them unless you want to miss out on flavor!
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while keeping everything moist.
Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Oregano): Fresh herbs brighten up the dish; use them generously for garnish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chicken Scarpariello
Start with prepping your ingredients: Gather all your ingredients before starting to cook—it’s like having your culinary soldiers ready for battle.
Preheat Your Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in olive oil until it shimmers invitingly.
Sear the Chicken: Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot skillet. Sear until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. The sizzle should be music to your ears!
Add Aromatics and Peppers: Toss in minced garlic, sliced bell peppers, and hot peppers. Stir everything around until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden—about 1-2 minutes should do it.
Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of your pan like a treasure hunter uncovering hidden gems. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.
Create the Sauce: Add chicken broth and pepperoncini along with their juices into the pan. Bring everything to a gentle simmer—this is where magic happens!
Finish Cooking: Return seared chicken thighs back into the skillet. Cover loosely with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and tender.
Serve this glorious Chicken Scarpariello over rice or pasta to soak up every last drop of that luscious sauce—it’s like giving your carbs a warm hug! Enjoy!
Now you’ve got all the steps laid out like a well-organized dance routine—easy peasy! Just remember that cooking should be fun; don’t stress if things aren’t perfect!
You Must Know
- The secret to great Chicken Scarpariello lies in the balance of flavors; the spice blends beautifully with the tender chicken
- Always use fresh herbs for a vibrant taste that elevates the dish
- Don’t skip the vinegar; it adds that perfect zing!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first until golden brown, then simmer with peppers and spices to infuse flavors while maintaining tenderness.
Add Your Touch
Experiment with different types of peppers or add olives for a Mediterranean twist, enhancing the flavor profile and personalizing your dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to preserve juiciness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always season your chicken well before cooking to enhance flavor
- Using bone-in chicken thighs provides more moisture
- Letting the dish rest before serving allows flavors to meld beautifully
Making Chicken Scarpariello always reminds me of my Aunt Maria’s Sunday dinners, where laughter and delicious food brought everyone together around her table.
FAQ
What is Chicken Scarpariello?
Chicken Scarpariello is a flavorful Italian-American dish made with chicken, spicy peppers, and vinegar.
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken will cook faster but may be less juicy than bone-in cuts.
What side dishes pair well with Chicken Scarpariello?
Serve it with crusty bread, rice, or pasta to soak up those delightful juices.
Chicken Scarpariello
Chicken Scarpariello is a delightful Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a savory sauce infused with garlic, vibrant peppers, and a zesty touch of pepperoncini. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also creates a warm and inviting meal that brings friends and family together. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, Chicken Scarpariello promises to impress with its aromatic flavors and colorful presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup mixed bell peppers (red, yellow), sliced
- 2 hot chili peppers, sliced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup pepperoncini, with juices
- Fresh parsley or oregano for garnish
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by gathering everything needed.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat; drizzle in olive oil until shimmering.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear them in the skillet until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Add minced garlic and sliced peppers to the pan; sauté until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
- Deglaze the skillet with white wine, scraping the bottom for flavor; let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in chicken broth and pepperoncini; return the chicken to the skillet.
- Cover loosely and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Serve over rice or pasta to enjoy every drop of the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Experiment with different types of peppers for varied heat levels. Use bone-in chicken thighs for added moisture and flavor. Let the dish rest before serving to enhance flavor melding.
