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- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on - 4 chicken drumsticks - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 large onion, sliced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 green bell pepper, sliced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level) - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish In Chicken Scarpariello, the main star is the chicken. I love using chicken thighs and drumsticks for their flavor and juiciness. Bone-in and skin-on pieces keep the dish rich and hearty. Fresh vegetables like onions and bell peppers add sweetness and crunch. Each slice of onion adds a tasty base for the sauce. Garlic is a must in this recipe. Its aroma makes the dish even better. I use both red and green bell peppers to give color and flavor. For spice, I add red pepper flakes, but you can adjust this to your liking. The seasoning matters too. Olive oil helps to sear the chicken and adds depth. Chicken broth keeps things moist and tasty. A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors. Salt and pepper bring it all together. Finally, I like to top it with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This dish is all about layers of flavor. Each ingredient plays a role, making Chicken Scarpariello a delight to eat. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with the chicken. I use 4 chicken thighs and 4 drumsticks. Make sure they are bone-in and skin-on for the best flavor. Season them with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. When choosing chicken, look for meat that feels firm and has a fresh smell. Avoid any chicken that looks or smells off. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces skin-side down. Let them cook for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown. This step is key. The golden skin adds rich flavor. Afterward, flip the chicken and cook for another 5-7 minutes. This searing process renders the fat, making the chicken juicy and tasty. Now, it’s time for the vegetables. In the same skillet, add 1 large sliced onion, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 sliced green bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they soften. Then, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for some heat. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. This will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. After the vegetables are ready, it’s time to deglaze the pan. Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan. This lifts the browned bits that add flavor. Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Nestle it into the veggies and liquid. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 30-35 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). To make Chicken Scarpariello, frying and simmering are key. Start by searing the chicken in a heavy skillet. Use medium-high heat to get a nice golden brown. This step adds flavor. After that, let the chicken simmer in the sauce. It makes the meat tender and juicy. For utensils, a heavy skillet works best. It holds heat well and cooks evenly. A good spatula helps flip the chicken without breaking it. Use a wooden spoon to stir the veggies and sauce too. Want to spice things up? Try adding more red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount based on your taste. For a twist, add some smoked paprika. It brings a nice depth to the dish. Fresh herbs also boost flavor. Consider adding thyme or rosemary. A splash of balsamic vinegar can add brightness and depth. Just remember to balance the flavors. Garnishing makes your dish pop. Fresh parsley is perfect for this recipe. Chop it finely and sprinkle it on just before serving. It adds color and freshness. For serving, use a large, flat plate. Arrange the chicken and veggies nicely. Drizzle some sauce on top for a glossy finish. Pair it with crusty bread or rice to soak up the sauce. Enjoy your meal! Pro Tips Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken for maximum flavor and tenderness during cooking. Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance; you can also add fresh hot peppers for extra heat. Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking; this helps retain moisture and improves texture. Perfect Garnish: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's flavor; consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for brightness. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cuts of chicken in this dish. Bone-in pieces bring great flavor, but you can use boneless chicken too. Boneless chicken cooks faster. Just be careful not to overcook it. For vegetables, feel free to swap based on what is fresh or in season. Zucchini or mushrooms work well. You can also add spinach for more color and nutrients. Using seasonal veggies makes the dish even better. Chicken Scarpariello pairs nicely with rice or crusty bread. Both soak up the tasty sauce perfectly. You can also serve it with a light salad. A simple arugula salad adds a nice peppery kick. For a fun appetizer, try bruschetta. The fresh tomatoes and basil will complement the flavors. These variations and serving ideas can make your Chicken Scarpariello meal unique and fun! To store leftovers, place Chicken Scarpariello in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Make sure to let the dish cool before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, let the Chicken Scarpariello cool completely. Then, place it in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as you can. It will stay good for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to keep it juicy. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy your tasty meal! Chicken Scarpariello is a tasty dish from Southern Italy. It combines chicken with peppers, onions, and spices. This dish has roots in the Italian-American community. It brings bold flavors and warmth to your table. The name "Scarpariello" means "shoemaker" in Italian, hinting at its humble origins. Cooks made it with simple, local ingredients. Yes, you can use boneless chicken for this dish. Boneless thighs or breasts work well. They will cook faster and still taste great. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. You want the chicken to reach 165°F inside. This way, you ensure it is safe to eat. You can easily change the spice level in Chicken Scarpariello. Use less red pepper flakes for a milder taste. If you like heat, add more flakes. You can also try using fresh hot peppers. Just slice them and add them with the vegetables. Start small and taste as you go. This way, you can find your perfect balance. Chicken Scarpariello pairs well with many sides. Try serving it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A light salad with greens and lemon dressing is refreshing. You can also serve it over rice or pasta for a filling meal. For drinks, a chilled white wine complements the dish nicely. In this blog post, we covered the key ingredients for Chicken Scarpariello, including juicy chicken and fresh vegetables. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing, cooking, and enhancing the dish's flavor. You learned about tips for perfect cooking techniques and ways to store leftovers. Remember, experimenting with chicken cuts or spices can lead to new flavors. Whether you use boneless chicken or swap out veggies, enjoy creating this flavorful dish. With the right techniques, you can impress everyone at your table. Happy cooking!

Chicken Scarpariello

A flavorful Italian-American dish featuring chicken cooked with peppers and spices.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • 4 pieces chicken drumsticks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 piece green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • to garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Season the chicken thighs and drumsticks with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
  • In a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken pieces skin-side down and sear for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits.
  • Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the vegetables and liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and let cook for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Once done, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Adjust the red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
Keyword chicken, Italian, scarpariello, spicy