The Italian-American favorite Chicken Scarpariello (also known as Pollo alla Scarpariello) combines tender, juicy chicken with sweet peppers and savory sausage in a delicious wine-based sauce. This dish is a rustic Italian staple, but it’s also a popular choice for Sunday dinners or special occasions. Chicken Scarpariello will bring traditional Italian flavors into your home. We’ll explore what makes this dish special, and how to recreate it at your home.
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What is Chicken Scarpariello?
Chicken Scarpariello or Pollo alla Scarpariello, in Italian, is translated as “shoemaker-style chicken.” This is a classic Italian-American recipe known for its rich flavors and hearty ingredients. This dish is typically made up of chicken, sausages, sweet peppers and a tangy white wine, vinegar, and garlic sauce. This combination of ingredients has a slightly sweet and savory flavor that is comforting.
Origins and History
Chicken Scarpariello is a dish that has its origins in southern Italian cuisine. It’s particularly popular in the Campania area. The dish was transformed into a classic Italian American recipe when Italian immigrants brought their culinary tradition to the United States. The dish’s popularity increased in the middle of the 20th century, and it has become a mainstay on the menus of Italian restaurants all over the country.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to prepare Chicken Scarpariello:
- Chicken : Commonly bone-in and skin-on chicken parts like drumsticks and thighs.
- Italian Sausage : Sweet or spicy, cut into pieces.
- Bell Peppers : Red and Green peppers, cut into slices.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves, minced.
- White wine: Dry, white wine used for flavoring and deglazing.
- Chicken Broth To enhance the sauce.
- Vinegar : Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar to give it a kick.
- Herbs Fresh parsley to garnish and flavour.
- Salt & Pepper: Season the chicken and sauce with salt and pepper.
This dish is a delicious and complex combination of ingredients that can be shared with friends and family.
Preparation Techniques
The preparation of Chicken Scarpariello requires several key techniques.
- Searing Chicken: Brown the chicken in a skillet on a high heat to develop the flavor and texture.
- Cooking Sausage: Heat the sausage slices in a skillet until they are browned and slightly caramelized.
- Sauteing peppers and garlic: Cook until the bell peppers are tender and fragrant.
- Deglazing With Wine Use white wine to deglaze a pan. Scrape up any browned bits and incorporate them into the sauce.
- Simmering : Let the chicken, sausage and peppers simmer in the sauce for a few minutes until the flavors blend together.
This technique ensures that every component of the dish will be cooked to perfection. The result is a harmonious combination of flavors.
Cooking Chicken Scarpariello
How to cook Chicken Scarpariello?
- Season & Brown: Season chicken pieces with pepper and salt, then brown in a skillet on both sides until golden.
- Sausage and Peppers : Add the sliced peppers and sausage to the skillet and cook until the peppers and sausage are cooked.
- Create a Sauce Deglaze the pan using white wine. Add chicken broth, vinegar and garlic. Allow the sauce to thicken and reduce.
- Simmer : Let all ingredients simmer until the chicken has cooked through, and the flavors are melded. This should take about 20-25 minutes.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve the sauce hot. It can be served over pasta, crusty bread or even by itself.
Variations and Customizations
Chicken Scarpariello is customizable to your tastes:
- Spice Level : Choose mild or spicy Italian sausage to adjust the heat.
- Vegetables : For additional taste and texture, add mushrooms, onions or cherry tomatoes.
- Herbs : Try different herbs such as oregano and basil to improve the aroma of your dish.
You can be creative with this dish while still staying true to the classics.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair Chicken Scarpariello With:
- Wine A light red or white wine, such as Chianti, will complement the flavors of the dish.
- Bread Serve with crusty Italian-style bread to absorb the sauce.
- Salad A simple green lettuce with vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness in the dish.
The pairings will enhance your dining experience by elevating the flavors and the overall taste of your meal.
How to perfect the dish
Tips to make the perfect chicken Scarpariello
- Use High-Quality Ingredients Fresh chicken, high-quality sausages, and ripe peppers can make a big difference.
- Control Heat: Adjust cooking temperature so that the chicken is cooked through without drying.
- Rest Allow the dish to sit for a few moments before serving. This will allow the flavors to develop fully.
Follow these tips to achieve restaurant-quality results in your own home.
Serving and Presentation
Serve Scarpariello Chicken on a large family-style platter garnished with parsley. The bright colors of the peppers, and the aroma of the sauce create a visually appealing presentation. Enjoy a hearty Italian dinner with friends and family by pairing it with your favourite sides.
Health Considerations
While Chicken Scarpariello has a delicious flavor, you should also consider the health benefits:
- Moderation : Consume in moderation, due to the richness and calories.
- Balance : Serve with lighter side dishes like steamed veggies or a salad.
- Ingredients Choose leaner chicken and sausage cuts if you are watching your fat intake.
You can enjoy this dish while maintaining your health goals by making smart choices.
Chicken Scarpariello: Why it is Popular
Chicken Scarpariello is a popular dish for many reasons.
- Flavor profile: This combination of sweet peppers and spicy sausage appeals to many palates.
- Ease Of Preparation Despite the gourmet look, this dish is relatively easy to prepare, perfect for home chefs.
- Versatility : This dish can be dressed up to serve for special occasions or casual family meals.
The versatility of this dish and its delicious flavors make it a popular choice on many dinner tables.
Avoid these Common Mistakes
Common mistakes in preparing Chicken Scarpariello
- Avoid overcooking. Overcooking can result in a tough, dry chicken.
- Skip the Searing: To get the best flavor, sear your chicken and sausage properly.
- Skip Deglazing : Deglazing adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
Avoiding these mistakes will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.
Store Leftovers
Chicken Scarpariello can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge. Heat the sauce gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth to the sauce. It is often the case that flavors intensify, which makes leftovers more delicious.
The conclusion of the article is:
Chicken Scarpariello, in conclusion, is a classic Italian American dish that celebrates robust flavors of Italian food. It’s perfect for all occasions, whether it be a casual dinner or a festive gathering. You can create a taste of Italy at your table by following simple techniques and experimenting.
FAQs about Chicken Scarpariello
1. What does “Scarpariello” mean in Chicken Scarpariello? Scarpariello translates to “shoemaker’s style” in Italian, referring to the rustic simplicity of the dish.
2. Can I use boneless chicken for Chicken Scarpariello? While bone-in chicken adds flavor, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts for convenience, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
3. What wine is best for Chicken Scarpariello? A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is ideal for deglazing the pan and enhancing the sauce’s flavors.
4. How spicy is Chicken Scarpariello? The dish’s spiciness depends on the type of sausage used. Sweet Italian sausage adds mild heat, while hot sausage brings more spice.
5. Can I freeze Chicken Scarpariello? It’s best enjoyed fresh due to the sauce’s texture changes upon freezing, but you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to one month.
These FAQs address common questions about Chicken Scarpariello, helping you prepare and enjoy this flavorful dish with confidence.