Zesty Chicken Scarpariello: A Culinary Adventure

Picture this: tender chicken thighs seared to golden perfection, mingling with savory sausages, bell peppers, and tangy pickled peppers. Infused with a rich, herbaceous sauce, Chicken Scarpariello is a tantalizing dish that promises to delight your taste buds and become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Equipment Needed

• Large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
• Tongs
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon
• Instant Read Thermometer
• Serving platter

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 lb Italian sausages, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 bell peppers (one red, one yellow), sliced into strips
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup pickled cherry peppers, sliced
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary, finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the Chicken:
   Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the thighs and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Brown the Sausages:
   In the same skillet, add the sausage pieces. Cook until browned on all sides, approximately 5 minutes. Remove the sausages and set them aside with the chicken.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
   Add the sliced bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and beginning to caramelize, around 5-7 minutes.
5. Deglaze the Skillet:
   Pour in the white wine vinegar to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the vinegar reduce slightly, about 2 minutes.
6. Combine Ingredients:
   Return the chicken and sausages to the skillet. Add the cherry tomatoes, pickled cherry peppers, chicken broth, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Stir to combine all ingredients.
7. Simmer:
   Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 25-30 minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender using an instant read thermometer.
8. Final Touches:
   Remove the cover and let the sauce reduce slightly for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
9. Serve:
   Transfer the Chicken Scarpariello to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Perfect Pairings

Serve Chicken Scarpariello alongside creamy polenta or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the luscious sauce. A side of roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad will add a refreshing contrast to the robust flavors of the main dish. And don’t forget a crusty baguette to mop up every last drop of the delectable sauce.

Cooking Chicken Scarpariello is not just about preparing a meal; it’s an experience that engages your senses and brings a touch of Italian flair to your dining table. Enjoy the process, and relish the moment when you present this vibrant, hearty dish to your family and friends.