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Chicken Scarpariello

This Chicken Scarpariello Recipe is a savory and flavorful Italian-American meal! Trust me, this recipe is a total game-changer for your weeknight dinners!

 

Main image of Chicken Scarpariello. Image is of chicken on a plate.

 

Ahh. Tender chicken, spicy sausage, and tangy Peppadews in one delightful pan. So good!

With fresh herbs, garlic, and a splash of white wine, this dish is packed with tons of flavor!

Chicken scarpariello with sausage and peppers is perfect for a cozy family dinner!

It’s even great a special occasion when you want something hearty and comforting!

The combo of chicken, Italian sausage, and vibrant Peppadews have a ton of flavor!

It uses everyday ingredients like chicken stock, red bell peppers, and white wine. So easy to put together!

This dish looks and tastes great! So it’s a great choice for dinner parties or special family meals!

Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze! Hallelujah for peppadew chicken!

Serve it with crusty bread, roasted potatoes, or a side of broccoli rabe for a complete, satisfying meal!

 

Chicken thighs cooking in a dutch oven.

 

What Is Chicken Scarpariello?

Chicken Scarpariello, also known as “shoemaker’s chicken,” is a classic Italian-American dish.

It’s usually pan-seared chicken, Italian sausage, and pickled peppers, all cooked together in a savory sauce.

It usually has prety bold flavors.

The name “scarpariello” comes from the Italian word for shoemaker.

So I guess that means this dish was a quick, hearty meal that could be made with whatever ingredients were on hand.

It’s a beloved dish in many Italian-American households.

And in New York it’s considered a true comfort food!

If you haven’t had it before you’ll understand once you eat it!

 

Sausage cooking in dutch oven.

 

What Ingredients Are in Chicken Scarpariello?

This chicken recipe is a great dish to make when company is coming over!

It’s so fancy and easy!

Here’s what you’ll need to grab from the grocery store:

  • Skinless, Boneless Chicken Thighs: Tender and juicy!
  • Sweet Italian Sausage: Adds a rich, savory flavor.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Sliced thin.
  • Onion: Sliced into rounds.
  • Garlic: Thinly sliced.
  • Fresh Sage and Rosemary: These herbs give the dish a fragrant, earthy flavor.
  • Peppadews and Pickling Juice: Add a tangy, slightly spicy kick to the sauce.
  • Lemon Juice: A bit of acidity!
  • Dry White Wine: Love this flavor!
  • Chicken Stock: The base of the sauce.

Pro Tips: 

  • You can use hot cherry peppers instead of Peppadews if you prefer more heat in your dish!
  • Green bell peppers would work too if that’s what you have.
  • Bone-in chicken thighs? Not the same! Use boneless.

 

Sausage cooked in Dutch oven.

 

How to Make This Chicken Scarpariello Recipe?

This classic Italian dish is the perfect dish! It’ll easily become one of your favorite recipes!

  1. Cover chicken with salt, pepper, and flour.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Brown the chicken on both sides, then transfer it to a plate.
  4. Brown the sweet Italian sausage on both sides. Remove and slice into rounds.
  5. Add the sliced onion and red bell pepper to the pan.
  6. Stir in the garlic, fresh sage, and rosemary.
  7. Add the Peppadews, Peppadew pickling juice, and dry white wine.
  8. Pour in the chicken stock and lemon juice, then return the chicken and sausage to the pan.
  9. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake.
  10. Enjoy!

Pro Tips: 

  • Make sure to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan for maximum flavor. 
  • Also, don’t skip the fresh herbs—they make it taste so good!
  • You want a good golden brown color when it comes out!
  • Check internal temp of the chicken with a meat thermometer.

 

Onions and Bell Peppers in dutch oven ready to cook.

 

Is Chicken Scarpariello Healthy?

Chicken scarpariello sauce is a hearty dish and it’s packed with protein and flavor.

Chicken thighs and sausage give you all that protein!

And the fresh herbs and vegetables give you nutrients.

It’s actually relatively low in carbohydrates.

And it’s also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

You could opt for low-sodium chicken stock and reduce the amount of added salt if you’re worried about that.

But honestly, this is a pretty good dish!

 

Garlic, sage and rosemary added to peppers and onions.

 

Is Chicken Scarpariello Keto Friendly?

Chicken Scarpariello can be keto-friendly!

You would probably want to use cornstarch or almond flour instead of regular flour for dusting the chicken.

But it’s pretty low in carbs and high in protein.

So it’s a great option for those following a ketogenic diet.

Just pick the type of sausage you use carefully.

Some varieties may contain added sugars or fillers.

That could increase your carb count.

Serve it with a side of sautéed greens or a salad to keep the meal keto-compliant.

Can I Make Chicken Scarpariello Ahead of Time?

Yes, this Italian classic can be made ahead of time!

You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance.

Then store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

This is a great option for entertaining!

Then you can focus on your guests instead of spending time in the kitchen.

 

Cooked peppers and onions in Dutch oven.

 

What to Serve with Chicken Scarpariello?

This Italian American dish goes great with a variety of sides.

A loaf of crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Roasted potatoes or polenta are also great.

For a lighter option, serve it with steamed broccoli rabe or a simple green salad.

If you’re looking for something more filling, consider pairing it with pasta or rice.

Here are some great ideas to get you started:

 

Peppadews, and wine added to chicken and sausage mixture

 

How to Store Leftover Chicken Scarpariello?

To store leftover Chicken Scarpariello, first let it cool completely.

Then place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it.

It will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Make sure to cool the dish completely before storing it to maintain its flavor and texture.

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Leftovers are just as delicious as the day you made them.

So this dish a great option for meal prep!

Can I Freeze Chicken Scarpariello?

Yes, you can freeze pollo scarpariello!

Allow the dish to cool completely.

Then transfer it to a freezer-safe container.

It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

Then reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Freezing is a great way to save leftovers or prepare meals ahead of time!

 

Cooked chicken and sausage in Dutch oven. Ready to serve.

 

How to Reheat Chicken Scarpariello?

It’s easy to reheat scarpariello chicken and can be done in a few different ways.

The best method is to reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

You can also reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat.

Stir occasionally so you get even heating.

If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual portions.

I don’t love this option. I like the chicken skin to be crispy when I eat it.

To keep the best flavor and texture, careful not to overcook.

Dry chicken is such a bummer!

Is Chicken Scarpariello Gluten Free?

Chicken scarpariello with sausage and peppers can be made gluten-free so easily!

Just use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to dust the chicken instead of all-purpose flour.

And boom! Now anyone with gluten sensitivities or those following a gluten-free diet can eat it.

All other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free.

So with this simple swap, you can enjoy a delicious and safe meal!

BUT I should add that you should check labels on all your ingredients.

Sometimes chicken stock or even sausage can hide gluten!

So just double check.

 

zoomed in image of Chicken Scarpariello on a plate.

 

This chicken scarpariello recipe is perfect for any weeknight family dinner! It’s hearty and filling and delicious! Enjoy!

 

Cooked chicken and sausage in Dutch oven. Ready to serve.

Chicken Scarpariello {Sweet and Sour Chicken}

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Savory, tangy, and full of bold flavor, this Chicken Scarpariello is a classic Italian-American dish that’s perfect for a hearty dinner.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. I like to use a cast iron pan with enamel coating that I can put right into the oven to finish the dish.
  4. Dust chicken with flour (or cornstarch, for gluten free).
  5. Brown chicken on both sides; transfer to a plate.
  6. Add sausage to same pan the chicken was cooked in, and brown on both sides.
  7. Remove sausage and drain on paper towels, then cut into slices.
  8. Return pan to heat, and add onions and bell pepper. Scrape browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon while the onions and bell pepper are cooking. Once they start to soften, add the garlic, sage, and rosemary, stirring to combine. Cook for about a minute.
  9. Add the Peppadews, Peppadew liquid and white wine. Continue to stir and cook until the liquid is reduced by about half, about 2 minutes.
  10. Add the chicken stock and fresh lemon juice, stir to combine. Return sausage and chicken to pan.
  11. Transfer pan to oven and cook for 30 minutes, until chicken is tender. Serve immediately.

Notes

I like to serve over cooked rice to soak up all that delicious sauce, but it's optional for this recipe...just my personal preference.

We are a family of 5, but I like to cook enough for leftovers. If you decide to half the recipe, I would simply half the chicken, and not the rest of the recipe. You'll just end up with more wonderful sauce!

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: approx .25 lbs of chicken per person
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 162Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 446mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 11g

 

Originally Posted: March 9, 2017

Photos and Text Updated: March 18, 2026

Chicken Scarpariello...a flavor packed sweet and sour chicken and sausage dish with Peppadews and red bell peppers!

 

 

Sharing is caring!

Tim

Thursday 23rd of July 2020

I cooked this tonight, and it is absolutely delicious! I didn’t change a thing. I had never heard of a Peppadew pepper before this. Now I have them in my pantry, and they will be a staple. Yum!

Bonnie

Saturday 8th of April 2017

Looks delish! Some in my family only like white meat. Would using some white meat along with the thighs be good, or would they be too dry?

Michelle Nahom

Saturday 8th of April 2017

Definitely feel free to use chicken breasts instead. When I have done that, I have cut the meat into large chunks, but I am sure you could do it either way. I just happen to prefer thighs. Enjoy!

Kriska Marie

Friday 24th of March 2017

Looks gorgeous and I bet it's delicious too! Thanks for sharing it over at Food Friday. Excited to see what you'll be sharing next! :)

carolinescookingblog

Tuesday 21st of March 2017

Looks delicious, and I love that it has peppadews in it. And enjoy the trip, you deserve an escape from the cold!

Miz Helen

Tuesday 21st of March 2017

Hi Michelle, Your Chicken Scarpariello Sweet and Sour Chicken looks fabulous! Hope you are having a great week and thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday! Miz Helen

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