Chicken Scarpariello

If you’re in the mood for a flavorful, zesty dish that brings all the comforting vibes, Chicken Scarpariello is exactly what you need. This Italian-American classic is loaded with juicy chicken, tangy vinegar, and a burst of garlic and herbs that create a mouthwatering sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything. It’s bold, it’s savory, and it’s one of those dishes that makes your kitchen smell amazing. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Scarpariello

This recipe is all about bold flavors and simple ingredients coming together in a truly satisfying way. Whether you’re feeding the family or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to shine. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Chicken Scarpariello pairs perfectly with almost anything. Serve it over pasta, rice, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.

Budget-Friendly: Chicken thighs and a few pantry staples come together to make a delicious, hearty dish that won’t break the bank.

Quick and Easy: You won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to get that deep, rich flavor. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s ready in under an hour.

Customizable: Want to add a little extra heat? Throw in some red pepper flakes or toss in some olives for an added burst of flavor.

Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It has that perfect balance of savory, tangy, and spicy that will have everyone at the table asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish. The ingredients are simple, but they come together to create something extraordinary:

Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs give this dish its rich, juicy flavor. The skin crisps up nicely, while the meat stays tender.

Vinegar: A key ingredient that adds that tangy kick to the sauce. White wine vinegar works best, but feel free to use apple cider vinegar if that’s what you have on hand.

Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the sauce its aromatic, savory base. You’ll sauté it to release all that wonderful flavor.

Bell Peppers: Sweet bell peppers add color, crunch, and a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy vinegar.

Olive Oil: You’ll use this to brown the chicken and create a flavorful base for the sauce.

Herbs and Seasonings: Fresh rosemary and thyme add earthy, fragrant notes, while salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes bring depth and heat to the dish.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering dish:

Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. This is where all the magic happens, so make sure it’s nice and hot.

Combine Ingredients: Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Add olive oil to the hot pan, then brown the chicken thighs, skin-side down, for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: In the same pan, add the garlic and bell peppers. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, just until the garlic is fragrant and the peppers start to soften.

Assemble the Dish: Return the chicken to the pan and add the vinegar, rosemary, and thyme. Stir everything together and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan (that’s all flavor, my friend). Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Cook to Perfection: Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The skin should be crispy, and the sauce should be tangy and flavorful.

Finishing Touches: Once done, remove from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps all the flavors settle and intensify.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Chicken Scarpariello hot, with the sauce spooned over the chicken and bell peppers. Pair it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, pasta, or a simple green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 400

(Note: Nutritional facts are estimates based on the ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Scarpariello

This dish is super versatile when it comes to pairing with sides. Here are a few options to elevate your meal:

• Serve it with pasta (spaghetti or penne work great) to soak up that flavorful sauce.
• Pair with mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes to complement the rich, savory flavors.
• Add a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the chicken.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• If you like it spicy, don’t hesitate to add more red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the sauce.
• For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the vinegar and herbs for an hour before cooking.
• Want to make it even more indulgent? Add a little cream to the sauce for a rich, velvety finish.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts, but bone-in chicken gives more flavor.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This dish reheats really well. Just store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop.

3. What’s the best vinegar to use?
White wine vinegar is ideal, but you can substitute with apple cider vinegar if needed.

4. Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, onions, or zucchini would all make great additions.

5. How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a little longer to reduce. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.

6. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts cook faster, so be mindful of the cooking time to avoid drying them out.

7. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use about 1/3 of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

8. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free.

10. Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Add extra red pepper flakes or even a bit of cayenne for more heat.

Conclusion

Chicken Scarpariello is the perfect dish when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. With its balance of tangy, savory, and spicy flavors, it’s a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s super customizable, so feel free to add your own twist. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become a family favorite.

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