This Easy Chicken Scarpariello features tender chicken baked to perfection, smothered in a tasty garlic and pepper sauce. It’s filling and packed with flavor!
If I could dive into this dish, I would! The mix of spicy peppers and juicy chicken just makes my taste buds dance. Pair it with some bread for a fun dinner!
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. Just cook, mix it all together, and you’re set for a cozy meal. It’s an easy way to impress your friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and moisture. If you want a leaner option, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used, but they might need a shorter cooking time. You won’t get as rich a flavor, though!
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a nice richness to your dish. If you need a substitute, avocado oil works well, as it has a similar smoke point and flavor profile.
White Wine: The wine adds depth to the sauce. If you’re not using wine, just double the amount of chicken broth. Some people prefer using apple cider vinegar for a different tangy flavor instead of red wine vinegar.
Red Pepper Flakes: These add a spicy kick! If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to adjust to your taste, or swap with sweet paprika for flavor without heat.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh is always best for sweetness, but canned diced tomatoes are a good emergency substitute. Just drain some liquid before adding.
How Do You Get the Chicken Crispy and Flavorful?
Getting that crispy skin on your chicken and locking in so much flavor takes a few key steps:
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a crispy skin when frying!
- Brown the chicken skin side down in hot oil for around 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step; it’s where the flavor begins!
- Once browned, allow the chicken to rest before putting it back into the sauce. This keeps it juicy.
Remember, cooking time may vary based on your oven and chicken size, so use a meat thermometer!
Easy Chicken Scarpariello Recipe with Flavorful Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 spicy Italian sausages, sliced (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine (or additional chicken broth)
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup green olives, pitted and sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Chicken Scarpariello recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and another 30 minutes for baking in the oven. Plus, you’ll want to set aside a few minutes for gathering your ingredients. So, in total, you can enjoy this delicious meal in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly when it’s ready to bake.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs and season them generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. This simple step adds flavor right from the start.
3. Brown the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown, then flip to brown the other side. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes or until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This will build an aromatic base for your sauce!
5. Add the Sausage (Optional):
If you’re using the optional spicy Italian sausage, now is the time to add it to the skillet. Cook until the sausage is browned and heated through.
6. Deglaze the Pan:
Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom. This adds rich flavor to your sauce!
7. Create the Sauce:
Add the chicken broth, red wine vinegar, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine, letting the sauce come together.
8. Return the Chicken:
Place the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet, making sure to nestle them into the sauce so they can soak up all those great flavors.
9. Add the Tomatoes and Olives:
Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced olives around the chicken in the skillet. This adds color and more delicious flavor!
10. Bake the Dish:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
11. Garnish and Serve:
Once done baking, remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. If you like, serve the dish with lemon wedges on the side.
12. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve the Chicken Scarpariello hot, alongside some crusty bread or over a bed of pasta to soak up all that flavorful sauce. Enjoy your delicious and easy dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on thighs provide the best flavor and moisture, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be mindful to reduce the cooking time to avoid drying them out. Alternatively, drumsticks work great too!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or omit them entirely. For added flavor without spice, you could use sweet paprika instead. If you love heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños!
Can I Make Chicken Scarpariello Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and brown the chicken a day in advance. Just store everything separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, combine the chicken with the sauce and bake until heated through. It makes for an easy weeknight dinner!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Enjoy!
