If you love bold, flavorful Italian dishes, this Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello Recipe is perfect for you. It is tangy, slightly spicy and full of rich flavors.
Many people search for the best Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello Recipe because it is both comforting and elegant. This dish combines chicken with sausage, peppers and vinegar for a perfect balance.
If you want to learn how to make Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello, this guide will walk you through every step.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
- The secret to this dish is layering flavors. The chicken becomes tender, and the sausage adds a rich, savory taste.
- Ina Garten uses fresh ingredients and simple techniques to make Italian dishes special.
- Another secret is the vinegar sauce. It balances the richness of the chicken and sausage with a tangy bite.
- Peppers and garlic give freshness and depth, while simmering slowly makes the sauce flavorful and thick.
Recipe Card
- Recipe Name: Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
Ingredients You Need for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 Italian sausages, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. - Brown Chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Brown skin-side down for 5 minutes each side. Remove from pan. - Cook Sausage
Add sliced sausage to the pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside. - Sauté Peppers
Add bell peppers and garlic to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened. - Deglaze Pan
Pour in white wine vinegar and chicken broth. Stir, scraping up browned bits from the pan. - Add Chicken Back
Return chicken to the skillet. Nestle pieces into the sauce with skin-side up. - Add Sausage
Add sausage slices back to the pan. Stir gently to combine. - Season
Add oregano, red pepper flakes and adjust salt and pepper. Stir to mix flavors. - Simmer
Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce thickens slightly. - Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve hot with crusty bread or over pasta.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use boneless chicken for quicker cooking
- Add potatoes for a hearty one-pan meal
- Swap red wine vinegar for balsamic for a sweeter flavor
- Adjust red pepper flakes for preferred spiciness
- Serve with garlic bread to soak up the sauce
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this dish hot with crusty Italian bread or over pasta to enjoy the flavorful sauce.
- Pair it with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- It works well for family dinners or when entertaining guests for a hearty Italian meal.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to preserve chicken tenderness.
- Do not overheat in the microwave, as chicken skin can become tough.
- This recipe is best enjoyed fresh for optimal flavor.
Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
- 2 Italian sausages sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Heat Olive Oil
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
Brown Chicken
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Brown skin-side down for 5 minutes each side. Remove from pan.
Cook Sausage
- Add sliced sausage to the pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Peppers
- Add bell peppers and garlic to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
Deglaze Pan
- Pour in white wine vinegar and chicken broth. Stir, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
Add Chicken Back
- Return chicken to the skillet. Nestle pieces into the sauce with skin-side up.
Add Sausage
- Add sausage slices back to the pan. Stir gently to combine.
Season
- Add oregano, red pepper flakes and adjust salt and pepper. Stir to mix flavors.
Simmer
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce thickens slightly.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve hot with crusty bread or over pasta.
Notes
- Use boneless chicken for quicker cooking
- Add potatoes for a hearty one-pan meal
- Swap red wine vinegar for balsamic for a sweeter flavor
- Adjust red pepper flakes for preferred spiciness
- Serve with garlic bread to soak up the sauce
FAQs about Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier. If using breasts, cook carefully to avoid drying out.
2. Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper for more heat.
3. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken and sausage separately, then reheat with peppers and sauce before serving.
4. Can I use different sausage types?
Yes, sweet Italian or hot sausage works. Adjust red pepper flakes if using hot sausage.
5. What should I serve with Chicken Scarpariello?
Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice or crusty bread to enjoy the delicious sauce.
Conclusion
This Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello Recipe is flavorful, easy and perfect for any meal. The combination of chicken, sausage and tangy sauce is irresistible.
Now you know how to make Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello at home. With fresh ingredients and simple steps, anyone can cook this Italian-American favorite.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a rich, tangy and comforting meal with your family.
Eliza Lane is a home cook and recipe creator at ElizaKitchen.com, sharing easy, tested recipes made with simple ingredients. Her goal is to make cooking simple, comforting and enjoyable.