Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello Recipe

Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello Recipe brings together crispy, golden-browned chicken, savory Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and tangy hot cherry peppers in one delicious skillet. Every bite has a wonderful balance of rich, meaty flavor, gentle sweetness, and a little spicy kick.

Finished with a splash of dry white wine, the sauce picks up all the delicious browned bits from the chicken and sausage, making this a comforting Italian-American meal worth sharing.

What makes this dish especially appealing is how its ingredients come together without requiring complicated cooking techniques. The chicken and sausage are browned first, then cooked with peppers, onions, garlic, and rosemary to create a flavorful pan sauce.

Baking everything together allows the chicken to finish cooking while soaking up the savory juices. Serve it with crusty bread, roasted potatoes, or pasta for a hearty dinner that feels right at home on a family table.

What Is Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello?

Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello is an Italian-American-inspired chicken dish made with browned chicken, Italian sausage, peppers, garlic, herbs, and a flavorful pan sauce. Chicken Scarpariello is often called shoemaker-style chicken, and it is traditionally known for its combination of savory meat, sweet peppers, and tangy or spicy pickled peppers.

In this version, bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces are paired with both sweet and hot Italian sausage. Sweet bell peppers bring a mild sweetness, while hot cherry peppers add the signature tangy heat. Dry white wine helps loosen the browned bits from the skillet and creates a delicious sauce that brings everything together.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Scarpariello Recipe

• A wonderful balance of flavors: Sweet peppers, spicy cherry peppers, savory sausage, and tender chicken make every bite interesting.

• One-skillet convenience: Most of the cooking happens in the same oven-safe skillet, so cleanup is easier.

• Hearty and satisfying: Chicken and Italian sausage make this a filling dinner that works beautifully for family meals.

• A flavorful pan sauce: White wine, garlic, rosemary, and browned meat create a rich sauce without needing a long list of ingredients.

• Easy to customize: You can adjust the amount of hot cherry peppers or choose different combinations of sweet and hot sausage.

Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this barefoot contessa chicken scarpariello.

Ingredients and Helpful Notes

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (about 3–4 lb): Chicken thighs and drumsticks work particularly well because they stay juicy during cooking. Keeping the skin on helps develop a golden, flavorful exterior.

• 1 lb Italian sausage: Use ½ lb sweet Italian sausage and ½ lb hot Italian sausage. This combination adds savory flavor with a gentle spicy kick.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and sausage and adds a smooth, fruity flavor to the dish.

• 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the pan sauce.

• 2 sweet bell peppers, sliced: Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers bring color and a mild sweetness.

• 6 hot cherry peppers, chopped: These give Chicken Scarpariello its characteristic tangy heat. Adjust the amount depending on your spice preference.

• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor that works beautifully with the peppers and sausage.

• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped: Gives the sauce a fragrant, earthy flavor. Fresh rosemary is especially nice, but dried rosemary can work in a smaller amount.

• 1 cup dry white wine: Helps deglaze the skillet and creates a flavorful sauce. Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are good choices.

• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste: Seasons the chicken and brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.

• ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste: Adds mild warmth and balances the richness of the meat.

Kitchen Utensils and Equipment

You don’t need many special tools to prepare this Chicken Scarpariello recipe. A few basic kitchen essentials will make the process easier.

1. Large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron skillet

2. Sharp chef’s knife

3. Cutting board

4. Measuring cups and spoons

5. Tongs for turning the chicken and sausage

6. Wooden spoon for stirring and deglazing

7. Paper towels for drying the chicken

8. Meat thermometer for checking doneness

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, and Servings

Cooking time can vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and how thoroughly they brown. Always check the internal temperature rather than relying only on the clock.

How to Make Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello

Follow these simple steps to prepare juicy chicken, browned Italian sausage, and tender peppers in a delicious white wine sauce.

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the skin brown nicely in the skillet. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh rosemary. Set the chicken aside while you prepare the skillet.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the chicken pieces skin-side down and brown for about 4–5 minutes per side. Work in batches if necessary so the pan doesn’t become overcrowded.

Once both sides are nicely browned, transfer the chicken to a plate. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage because it will finish cooking in the oven.

Step 3: Brown the Italian Sausage

Add the sweet and hot Italian sausages to the same skillet. Pierce them lightly with a fork and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove them from the skillet and let them cool slightly before cutting into bite-sized pieces.

The browned sausage will add another layer of flavor to the vegetables and pan sauce.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, sliced sweet bell peppers, chopped hot cherry peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook for about 4–5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.

Scrape the bottom of the pan as you stir to loosen any flavorful browned bits left behind from the chicken and sausage.

Step 5: Deglaze with White Wine

Pour the dry white wine into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for 2–3 minutes so it reduces slightly and blends with the vegetable juices.

This quick step creates the foundation for the delicious Chicken Scarpariello sauce.

Step 6: Bake the Chicken and Sausage

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Return the browned chicken and sausage pieces to the skillet, arranging them among the peppers and onions. Spoon some of the vegetables and sauce around the chicken.

Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for approximately 14–20 minutes, or longer if needed, until the thickest part of each chicken piece reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), without touching the bone. Check that the sausage is also fully cooked; pork sausage should reach 160°F (71°C).

Bone-in chicken pieces can take longer depending on their size and how much they cooked during browning, so use a meat thermometer to check carefully.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest briefly. Spoon the cooked peppers, sausage, and pan sauce over and around the chicken.

Serve hot while the chicken skin is still deliciously browned and the sauce is warm. A piece of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every bit of the flavorful juices.

What Makes Chicken Scarpariello So Flavorful?

The secret to delicious Chicken Scarpariello is the combination of browned meat, peppers, and a tangy, savory sauce. Browning the chicken first creates a golden exterior and leaves flavorful bits in the skillet. Italian sausage adds richness, while sweet bell peppers and onions provide a gentle sweetness.

Hot cherry peppers are especially important because they bring a sharp, vinegary heat that balances the richness of the meat. Garlic and fresh rosemary add an aromatic touch, and dry white wine helps bring all those flavors together. Rather than overpowering the ingredients, the sauce lets the chicken, sausage, and peppers shine.

Tips, Tricks, and Substitutions for Chicken Scarpariello

A few simple cooking tips can make your Chicken Scarpariello even more delicious.

• Dry the chicken before browning: Patting the chicken dry helps the skin turn golden instead of steaming in the pan.

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Brown the chicken in batches to get a better crust.

• Use both sweet and hot sausage: This gives the dish a nice balance of savory flavor and spice. You can use all sweet sausage for a milder version.

• Adjust the cherry peppers: Start with fewer peppers if you prefer less heat. Remember that their vinegar adds tanginess as well as spice.

• Choose dry white wine: Avoid sweet wines because they can make the sauce taste overly sweet.

• Don’t skip deglazing: Those browned bits at the bottom of the skillet add plenty of flavor to the sauce.

• Use chicken thighs if preferred: Thighs are juicy and forgiving, making them a good choice for this recipe.

• Add a little chicken broth if needed: If the pan looks too dry, add a splash of chicken broth to keep the sauce from reducing too much.

What to Serve with Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello

Chicken Scarpariello is a hearty main dish, so it pairs beautifully with simple sides that can soak up its flavorful sauce.

• Crusty Italian bread: A warm loaf of Italian bread is perfect for dipping into the garlic, wine, and pepper sauce.

• Roasted potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes make a satisfying side and complement the savory sausage.

• Pasta: Serve the chicken and sausage over spaghetti, linguine, or penne to turn the dish into a filling Italian-style dinner.

• Creamy mashed potatoes: Soft mashed potatoes balance the tangy peppers and make a comforting combination.

• Roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or green beans add freshness and color.

• Simple green salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the chicken and sausage.

How Do You Store and Reheat Leftover Chicken Scarpariello

Refrigerator: Let the leftover Chicken Scarpariello cool, then place it in an airtight container with the peppers, sausage, and sauce. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

Freezer: Place the cooled chicken, sausage, and sauce in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Warm leftovers in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a small splash of chicken broth or water until heated through. You can also reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered, until hot. Make sure leftovers reach 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Common FAQs About Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello

When you give this Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. What does Chicken Scarpariello taste like?

Chicken Scarpariello has a rich, savory flavor with a combination of sweetness, tanginess, and mild heat. The chicken and sausage bring hearty flavors, while bell peppers, hot cherry peppers, garlic, and white wine create a delicious sauce.

2. Can I make Chicken Scarpariello without wine?

Yes! You can replace the white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth. Add a small splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice if you want to bring back some of the wine’s acidity.

3. Are hot cherry peppers necessary for Chicken Scarpariello?

Hot cherry peppers are a traditional ingredient that gives the dish its signature tangy and spicy flavor. You can use mild pickled cherry peppers or fewer hot peppers if you prefer a gentler taste.

4. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well. They usually cook faster than bone-in pieces, so adjust the oven time and check that the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Can I prepare Chicken Scarpariello ahead of time?

Yes. You can chop the vegetables, season the chicken, and brown the chicken and sausage ahead of time. Refrigerate the prepared ingredients separately, then assemble and finish cooking when you’re ready to serve.

6. What kind of sausage is best for Chicken Scarpariello?

A combination of sweet and hot Italian sausage works beautifully. Sweet sausage adds a mild, savory flavor, while hot sausage brings extra spice. You can adjust the combination to suit your taste.

7. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken without touching the bone. It should reach 165°F (74°C) before serving.

8. Can I make Chicken Scarpariello less spicy?

Absolutely! Use all sweet Italian sausage and reduce the number of hot cherry peppers. You can also remove the seeds from the peppers to make the dish milder.

Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello is a hearty, flavorful dinner that brings together golden-browned chicken, Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and tangy hot cherry peppers in a delicious white wine sauce. The combination of savory meat, aromatic garlic, and fresh rosemary makes every bite satisfying without requiring complicated ingredients or techniques.

Serve it with crusty bread, pasta, or roasted potatoes for a comforting meal the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re preparing a relaxed weekend dinner or cooking for guests, this Italian-American-inspired chicken dish is a wonderful addition to your dinner rotation. Give it a try, and don’t forget to save the recipe for your next homemade Italian-style meal!

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