Chicken Scarpariello Recipe: A Delicious Italian Dish Worth Trying

Introduction

When it comes to Italian and American cuisine, there are few dishes as delectable and comforting as Chicken Scarpariello. This mouthwatering combination of tender chicken, zesty peppers, and savory sausage comes together to create a flavor explosion that will leave you craving for more. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of Chicken Scarpariello, provide you with a step-by-step recipe, and even offer some pro tips to make sure your dish turns out perfectly.

The History of Chicken Scarpariello

A Taste of Italy in Every Bite

Chicken Scarpariello, also known as “Shoemaker’s Chicken,” has its roots in Southern Italian cuisine. The name “Scarpariello” is derived from the Italian word “scarpa,” meaning shoe. The story behind this dish’s unique name is as charming as the flavors it offers.

Legend has it that Italian shoemakers would gather for communal meals, and each would contribute something to the feast. Chicken Scarpariello was often on the menu, showcasing the simple yet rich flavors of the region. Over time, it gained popularity and made its way to the menus of Italian-American restaurants in the United States.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather Your Culinary Arsenal

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s go over the essential ingredients you’ll need to prepare Chicken Scarpariello:

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage, sliced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges

Cooking Instructions

Let’s Get Cooking!

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start cooking Chicken Scarpariello.

Step 1: Season and Brown the Chicken

• Start by seasoning the chicken thighs and drumsticks generously with salt and black pepper.
• In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Place the chicken pieces in the skillet, skin side down, and cook until they are golden brown. This should take about 5 minutes per side. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 2: Sear the Sausage and Prepare the Sauce

• In the same skillet, add the sliced Italian sausage. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through.
• Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the sliced bell peppers and onions, cooking until they are softened and slightly caramelized.
• Pour in the white wine and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
• Return the browned chicken to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices.
• Sprinkle the fresh rosemary and parsley over the top.

Step 3: Simmer and Serve

• Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors meld together.
• Garnish your Chicken Scarpariello with chopped fresh parsley and serve it hot, accompanied by lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Dish

Elevate Your Culinary Skills

• Use a cast-iron skillet for even cooking and better flavor absorption.
• Marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking for enhanced flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or even some sliced cherry peppers.
• Serve the Chicken Scarpariello with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Conclusion

Chicken Scarpariello is a true Italian-American classic that brings together the warmth of tradition and the excitement of bold flavors. With its rich history and irresistible taste, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow our step-by-step instructions, and enjoy a taste of Italy in the comfort of your own home.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but using bone-in, skin-on chicken adds more flavor to the dish.
2. What wine pairs best with Chicken Scarpariello? A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors of this dish beautifully.
3. Is Chicken Scarpariello very spicy? The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your liking by varying the amount of red pepper flakes you use.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat it before serving. The flavors often deepen when reheated.
5. What side dishes go well with Chicken Scarpariello? You can serve it with pasta, rice, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to don your apron and embark on a culinary adventure with Chicken Scarpariello!

Source: chilipeppermadness.com

Yield: 6

Chicken Parmesan Parmigiana Recipe

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Chicken Parmesan Parmigiana is a classic Italian-American dish that combines breaded and fried chicken cutlets with marinara sauce and melted cheese. It's a comforting and delicious meal that's perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With its crispy chicken and gooey cheese, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken
• 3 chicken breasts, sliced in half length-wise to create 6 cutlets
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour can also use gluten-free flour blend or white whole wheat
• 3 eggs, whisked
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• Breadcrumbs
• 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1/2 tsp (each) salt & pepper
• 2 tsp Italian herb blend (thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• For the Topping
• 6 slices Mozzarella
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 425F
• Tenderize chicken: place chicken cutlets/breasts in a large ziplock bag or between two sheets of parchment paper. Firmly pound with a rolling pin or the smooth side of a meat hammer (chicken thickness should be 1/2 inch). Remove cutlets from the bag and pat dry with paper towels.
• Breadcrumbs: In a shallow dish, mix all of breadcrumb ingredients together.
• Assembly line: Set up a line of shallow bowls/dishes with flour, whisked eggs, and breadcrumbs. 
• Bread the chicken: First, coat the chicken in flour on both sides, then shake off the excess flour that isn't sticking. Transfer to whisked eggs, then dip into the breadcrumbs. Use your hands to gently pack the breadcrumbs onto each side of the chicken. Repeat until all the cutlets have been breaded.
• Brown the chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of oil at a time in a cast iron skillet or pan on LOW to MEDIUM heat. Brown chicken for 2-3 minutes on both sides until the breading is golden.
• Layer and bake: arrange browned chicken in a large baking dish or pan. Layer first with mozzarella slices then tomato sauce over top. Bake uncovered in the oven for 14 minutes – remove from oven then sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese. Then broil on HIGH for 1 minute until the cheese is melted and browned. Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve!

Instructions for Baked Chicken Parmesan

• If you would like to use less oil, use this baking method instead! I love making chicken parmesan this way and the results are almost identical to pan-frying.Baked method: preheat oven to 450F. Follow steps 2-5 above, then after breading the chicken, lay the cutlets in a generously oiled baking pan. Spray the chicken with olive oil, or brush with 2 Tablespoons of olive oil. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove from oven and layer with mozzarella, sauce, and parmesan and bake for 5 additional minutes. Broil on HIGH for the last minute for the cheese to brown. Serve with fresh basil!