Classic Italian Chicken Scarpariello

 

Classic Italian Chicken Scarpariello

(A cozy, flavor-packed Italian favorite you’ll want on repeat)

When I first tried this recipe for Scarpariello Chicken, I was thinking about the similar recipe that my daughter-in-law makes for us, that is made with pork chops instead of chicken. 

That recipe is called cherry pepper pork chop, and is made famous by Mimi’s restaurant in NYC.

So when I first found this Scarpariello Chicken recipe, I got excited because I really wanted to try this with chicken! And with the additional flavor punch of sausage, this dish is definitely kicked up a notch!

I loved use my large Dutch oven or my brassiere pan to make this dish.

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There are certain meals that just feel like they belong at a big wooden table, with a glass of wine nearby and someone you love across from you… and this is one of them.

Chicken Scarpariello is one of those rustic, comforting Italian dishes that looks simple—but the flavor? So layered, so rich, so worth it. Juicy chicken, savory sausage, sweet and spicy peppers, and that golden, garlicky sauce that you’ll absolutely want to soak up with bread.

This is the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell incredible… and makes everyone wander in asking, “What are you making?” 🤍

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It feels elevated, but it’s actually very simple to make
• The flavors are bold, cozy, and a little bit spicy
• It’s perfect for family dinners or a “main character” night at home
• Leftovers (if you have any 😏) are even better the next day

The Flavor Vibe

Think:

Savory + slightly tangy + garlicky + a little heat + buttery richness

The combination of chicken and sausage gives it that deep, comforting flavor, while the peppers brighten everything up. And that sauce? It’s the kind you’ll want to drizzle over everything.

Cozy Cooking Tips (The Kind That Make It 

Better

)

✨ Brown everything properly

Don’t rush this step. Getting that golden color on the chicken and sausage = flavor.

✨ Use a mix of peppers

Sweet + spicy together is what makes this dish feel balanced and interesting.

✨ Don’t skip fresh herbs

A little parsley at the end makes everything pop and feel fresh.

✨ Let it simmer gently

This is where the magic happens. The sauce thickens, the flavors marry… it’s worth the wait.

✨ Serve with something to soak up the sauce

Crusty bread, pasta, or even roasted potatoes = chef’s kiss.

Make It Your Own

• Want it milder? Use only sweet peppers
• Want more heat? Add extra cherry peppers or red pepper flakes
• Want it extra cozy? Serve over creamy polenta
• Want it lighter? Use chicken breast instead of thighs

My Favorite Ways to Serve It

• With crusty artisan bread (honestly, a must)
• Over buttery pasta
• Alongside a simple salad with lemon dressing
• With a glass of white wine for that full Italian moment 🍷

Kitchen Staples That Make This Easier (and prettier 👀)

If you’re building your cozy kitchen setup, these are so worth it:

✨ A large enameled Dutch oven

Perfect for getting that beautiful sear and simmering everything in one pan

(Also looks stunning for serving)

✨ High-quality olive oil

This dish really shines when you use a good one

✨ Garlic press or microplane

Saves time and gives you that perfect fine garlic texture

✨ Wooden cooking utensils

Gentle on your cookware and just feels more “old world”

✨ Serving bowls

Makes the whole meal feel like an experience, not just dinner

✨ A good chef’s knife

For slicing peppers cleanly and quickly

A Little Moment 🤍

This is one of those recipes that reminds you that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special.

It’s simple ingredients… cooked with intention… turning into something that feels a little bit like magic.

And honestly, those are always the best meals.

Classic Italian Chicken Scarpariello

Rustic, cozy, and packed with savory Italian flavor

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Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 45 mins

Servings 4–6

Style Italian Comfort Food

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or a mix of thighs and drumsticks
• 1 pound Italian sausage, cut into large pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 cup jarred hot or sweet cherry peppers, sliced
• 4 to 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup cherry pepper brine
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Pat the chicken dry and season well with salt, pepper, and oregano.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Brown the chicken on both sides until golden, then transfer to a plate.
4. Add the sausage pieces and cook until browned. Transfer them to the plate with the chicken.
5. In the same pan, add the sliced bell peppers and cook until softened.
6. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
7. Pour in the white wine, chicken broth, and cherry pepper brine, scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
8. Return the chicken and sausage to the pan and spoon some of the liquid over the top.
9. Add the cherry peppers around the chicken, then reduce the heat to low.
10. Cover and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
11. Uncover for the last few minutes if you want the sauce to reduce slightly.
12. Finish with fresh parsley and serve warm with crusty bread, pasta, or roasted potatoes.

Tips

• For the best flavor, let the chicken and sausage get nicely golden before simmering.
• Use sweet cherry peppers for a milder version, or hot cherry peppers if you want more kick.
• This dish tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to settle together.
• Serve with warm bread to soak up every bit of the sauce.

A rustic Italian favorite with juicy chicken, savory sausage, peppers, and a rich golden sauce.