Chicken Scarpariello, also known as “Shoemaker’s Chicken,” is a vibrant Italian-American dish that combines juicy, pan-seared chicken with a tangy and slightly spicy sauce. This rustic and flavorful meal features chicken pieces, typically thighs and drumsticks, sautéed until golden and then simmered in a zesty sauce made with lemon, white wine, garlic, and red chili flakes. The addition of sweet Italian sausage and tangy pickled peppers, such as cherry peppers, enhances the complexity of the dish, providing a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy elements. Chicken Scarpariello is hearty and satisfying, often served with roasted potatoes or over creamy polenta to soak up the delicious sauce, making it a beloved family meal for its robust flavors and comforting nature.
Recipe: Chicken Scarpariello
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs and 4 drumsticks, bone-in and skin-on
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped pickled cherry peppers
- 1 tablespoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Brown the Chicken and Sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sausage pieces and cook until browned. Remove sausage and set aside with the chicken.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the remaining oil, sauté the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze and Simmer:
- Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Reduce the wine by half, then add the chicken broth, lemon juice, cherry peppers, red chili flakes, and oregano.
- Cook the Chicken and Sausage:
- Return the chicken and sausage to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Chicken Scarpariello is a wonderfully aromatic and flavorful dish that brings a taste of Italy to your dining table, perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests. Its combination of spicy, sour, and savory flavors makes it a surefire hit for anyone who enjoys hearty Italian meals.
