Chicken Scarpariello: A Sweet and Sour Italian Classic

Chicken Scarpariello, a dish with roots deep in the Italian-American culinary tradition, is a delightful explosion of flavors. Its name, loosely translating to “shoemaker’s style” or “cobbler’s chicken,” hints at its humble origins – a resourceful combination of pantry staples whipped up by Italian immigrants. While the exact story behind the name remains shrouded in mystery, the deliciousness of this sweet and sour chicken dish is undeniable.

This recipe captures the essence of classic Chicken Scarpariello, focusing on achieving the perfect balance between savory, sweet, and tangy. The combination of chicken, sausage, peppers, onions, and a vibrant sauce made with vinegar, sugar, and herbs creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe offers a relatively easy way to bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen.

## What Makes Chicken Scarpariello So Special?

Several factors contribute to the unique appeal of Chicken Scarpariello:

* **The Sweet and Sour Sauce:** The hallmark of this dish is its distinct sweet and sour sauce. Vinegar (usually red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar) provides the tang, while sugar (or sometimes honey) offers the sweetness. This combination creates a delightful contrast that elevates the entire dish.
* **The Combination of Ingredients:** The interplay of chicken, sausage, peppers, and onions creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The sausage adds a savory depth, while the peppers and onions contribute sweetness and a slight vegetal bite.
* **Versatility:** Chicken Scarpariello is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the level of sweetness and sourness to your liking. You can also add other vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to customize the dish to your preferences.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it a dish that everyone will enjoy.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients. This will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.

* **Chicken:** 2-3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (such as thighs and drumsticks). Bone-in chicken provides more flavor and helps keep the chicken moist.
* **Sausage:** 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot, or a combination), cut into 1-inch pieces. Italian sausage adds a savory and slightly spicy element to the dish.
* **Peppers:** 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced. Bell peppers contribute sweetness and color to the dish. A mix of colors adds visual appeal.
* **Onion:** 1 large onion, sliced. Onion provides a foundational flavor base for the sauce.
* **Garlic:** 4-6 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **Red Wine Vinegar:** 1/2 cup. Red wine vinegar provides the essential tanginess for the sweet and sour sauce.
* **Sugar:** 1/4 cup (or adjust to taste). Sugar balances the acidity of the vinegar and creates the signature sweet and sour flavor.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup. Chicken broth adds moisture and depth of flavor to the sauce.
* **Dried Oregano:** 1 teaspoon. Oregano is a classic Italian herb that adds a savory note.
* **Dried Basil:** 1 teaspoon. Basil complements the oregano and adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (or adjust to taste). Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the dish.
* **Olive Oil:** 3 tablespoons. Olive oil is used for sautéing the ingredients.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the dish.
* **Fresh Parsley:** Chopped, for garnish (optional). Fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and color.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create a delicious Chicken Scarpariello:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This will help them brown properly.
2. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper.

**Step 2: Brown the Chicken and Sausage**

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer, skin-side down. Brown the chicken on all sides until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the sausage pieces to the skillet and brown on all sides until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**

1. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced peppers and onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

**Step 4: Make the Sauce**

1. Pour in the red wine vinegar and scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze, removing any browned bits. This adds flavor to the sauce.
2. Stir in the sugar, chicken broth, dried oregano, and dried basil.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer.

**Step 5: Combine and Simmer**

1. Return the chicken and sausage to the skillet.
2. Bring the sauce back to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

**Step 6: Serve**

1. Remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
3. Serve the Chicken Scarpariello hot, over pasta, rice, or polenta. Crusty bread is also a great accompaniment for soaking up the delicious sauce.

## Tips for the Perfect Chicken Scarpariello

* **Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken:** Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces, such as thighs and drumsticks, provide more flavor and help keep the chicken moist during cooking. The skin also crisps up nicely when browned.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** When browning the chicken and sausage, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the skillet and prevent the meat from browning properly. Work in batches if necessary.
* **Adjust the Sweetness and Sourness:** The level of sweetness and sourness in Chicken Scarpariello is a matter of personal preference. Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. You can also use different types of vinegar, such as balsamic vinegar, for a different flavor profile.
* **Simmer Gently:** Simmering the chicken in the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become incredibly tender. Be sure to simmer the dish over low heat to prevent the sauce from burning.
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the Chicken Scarpariello to rest for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to further develop and the sauce to thicken slightly.

## Variations and Additions

Chicken Scarpariello is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking. Here are a few variations and additions to consider:

* **Add Mushrooms:** Sliced mushrooms add a savory and earthy flavor to the dish. Sauté the mushrooms with the peppers and onions.
* **Add Zucchini:** Diced zucchini adds a fresh and slightly sweet flavor. Sauté the zucchini with the peppers and onions.
* **Use Different Types of Sausage:** Experiment with different types of Italian sausage, such as sweet, hot, or fennel sausage. You can also use other types of sausage, such as chorizo or Andouille sausage, for a different flavor profile.
* **Add Potatoes:** Diced potatoes add a hearty and comforting element to the dish. Add the potatoes to the skillet along with the chicken and sausage.
* **Add Cherry Peppers:** For an extra kick of heat, add sliced cherry peppers to the dish. Add the cherry peppers to the skillet along with the peppers and onions.
* **Make it Spicy:** Increase the amount of red pepper flakes to make the dish spicier.
* **Use Honey Instead of Sugar:** Use honey instead of sugar for a more natural sweetness.
* **Add a Splash of White Wine:** Add a splash of dry white wine to the skillet after deglazing with the vinegar for added depth of flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

Chicken Scarpariello is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a variety of sides.

* **Pasta:** Serve the Chicken Scarpariello over your favorite type of pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni.
* **Rice:** Serve the Chicken Scarpariello over white rice or brown rice.
* **Polenta:** Serve the Chicken Scarpariello over creamy polenta.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve the Chicken Scarpariello with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Salad:** Serve the Chicken Scarpariello with a simple green salad.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve the Chicken Scarpariello with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots.

## Storage and Reheating

**Storage:**

* Allow the Chicken Scarpariello to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

**Reheating:**

* Reheat the Chicken Scarpariello in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a little chicken broth or water to the skillet to prevent the sauce from drying out.
* You can also reheat the Chicken Scarpariello in the microwave. Heat it in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

## Conclusion

Chicken Scarpariello is a classic Italian-American dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Its sweet and sour sauce, combined with chicken, sausage, peppers, and onions, creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to your liking. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, Chicken Scarpariello is a dish that everyone will enjoy. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of this Italian classic! Enjoy!

## Recipe Card

**Chicken Scarpariello**

A delightful Italian-American dish featuring chicken, sausage, peppers, and a sweet and sour sauce.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 45 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour
**Servings:** 6

**Ingredients:**

* 2-3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)
* 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot), cut into 1-inch pieces
* 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
* 1 large onion, sliced
* 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
* 1/4 cup sugar (or to taste)
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
* 3 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Brown chicken and sausage in olive oil in a large skillet. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté peppers and onion in the skillet until softened. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cook for 1 minute.
4. Deglaze the skillet with red wine vinegar, scraping up browned bits.
5. Stir in sugar, chicken broth, oregano, and basil. Bring to a simmer.
6. Return chicken and sausage to the skillet. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve over pasta, rice, or polenta.