Cozy Italian Delight: Barefoot Contessa’s Chicken Scarpariello Recipe

Zesty aromas waft through the kitchen as you tackle this mouthwatering Barefoot Contessa chicken scarpariello recipe that promises bold Italian-inspired flavors.

Tender chicken pieces sizzle in a rich sauce, creating a symphony of tangy and savory notes.

The dish celebrates rustic cooking with its simple yet sophisticated approach.

Juicy chicken thighs absorb layers of robust seasonings, promising a meal that delights every palate.

Weeknight dinners demand something extraordinary, and this recipe delivers exceptional taste with minimal effort.

Each bite transports you to a charming trattoria in southern Italy.

Dive into this culinary adventure and let your taste buds dance with pure deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients to Make Chicken Scarpariello from Barefoot Contessa

• Chicken Thighs: Succulent and tender meat that provides rich flavor and absorbs delicious pan juices perfectly; choose bone-in, skin-on for maximum taste and moisture.
• Italian Sausage: Adds deep, spicy complexity to the dish; select fresh, high-quality sausage with robust seasoning for authentic flavor profile.

• Onions, Garlic: Create foundational savory base that builds depth; pick firm, fragrant onions and fresh garlic cloves for maximum taste intensity.
• Cherry Peppers: Delivers tangy, vibrant heat and bright color; select jarred peppers with balanced spiciness and crisp texture.
• Cherry Pepper Juice: Amplifies overall zestiness and provides additional liquid for pan sauce; choose jarred pepper liquid with good balance of acidity.

• White Wine: Deglazes pan and adds sophisticated acidic undertone; select dry white wine like pinot grigio for clean, crisp flavor.
• Chicken Stock: Creates silky, rich cooking liquid; opt for low-sodium stock to control salt levels during reduction.
• Olive Oil: Essential for initial sautéing and creating golden-brown surfaces; choose extra virgin for best flavor complexity.
• Oregano: Introduces classic Mediterranean herb note; use fresh or high-quality dried herbs for authentic taste.
• Salt: Crucial for seasoning and bringing out natural ingredient flavors; adjust gradually during cooking process.

Equipment List for Scarpariello Chicken Done Right

• Large, wide pan: Essential for searing and cooking sausage and chicken.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing sausage and chicken without excess oil.
• Sharp knife: Great for cutting and preparing ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps add the right amount of salt and seasonings.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Useful for stirring and scraping pan bottom.
• Lid: Needed to partially cover pan during simmering.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for ingredient preparation.

Cooking Directions for Barefoot Contessa Scarpariello

• Savory Sausage Sizzle

Brown sausage in a wide pan with olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving behind delicious drippings.

• Chicken Golden Perfection

Season chicken generously and cook in the same pan until sides turn golden and crispy. Remove and reserve chicken for later.

• Aromatic Onion Base

Drain excess oil, then add fresh olive oil. Sauté onions until translucent and fragrant, about 6-7 minutes. Introduce garlic and let it dance with the onions.

• Wine and Pepper Magic

Splash wine into the pan, scraping up flavorful brown bits. Return chicken and sausage to the pan. Add cherry peppers, their juice, chicken stock, and oregano. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer with a partially covered lid for 15 minutes.

• Final Flavor Fusion

Remove lid and let the dish cook for an additional 5 minutes. Check liquid levels, adding more stock if needed. Taste and adjust seasonings for a perfectly balanced, slightly spicy meal.

Flavor Enhancements for Scarpariello Chicken

• Replace traditional Italian sausage with chorizo or andouille for a spicier, more complex flavor profile that adds exciting depth to the dish.
• Adjust heat by using mild or hot cherry peppers, or mix both types to create a personalized spiciness that matches your taste preferences.
• Choose a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan to ensure even heat distribution and help develop rich, caramelized flavors during cooking.
• Substitute chicken thighs for breasts to guarantee more tender, juicy meat that stays moist throughout the cooking process.
• Select dry white wines like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to enhance the sauce's complexity without overpowering the other ingredients' delicate flavors.

Tips on Serving Chicken Scarpariello Just Right

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve this hearty chicken scarpariello alongside warm, crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious, spicy sauce and capture every last drop of flavor.
• Create a Colorful Side Salad: Complement the rich dish with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the meal's robust and spicy profile.
• Serve Over Creamy Polenta: Ladle the chicken and sausage mixture over smooth, creamy polenta for a comforting and satisfying base that catches all the amazing pan juices.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top just before serving to add a bright, fresh note and beautiful pop of color to the dish.

How to Store and Reheat the Chicken Dish

• Refrigerate Quickly: Store leftover chicken scarpariello in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain food safety and freshness.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying out and keep the meat tender and juicy.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Pack cooled dish in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Keeps well for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze.
• Maximize Flavor Potential: Enjoy best within 3-4 days when refrigerated, as the combination of chicken, sausage, and peppers continues to develop rich, hearty flavors over time.