Chicken Scarpariello

Ingredients:

1½ lb. fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise

6 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper

3 links sweet Italian sausage

6 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs

2 large onions, chopped

½ large red bell pepper, chopped

6 garlic cloves, finely grated

1 cup dry white wine

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

½ cup chopped hot, sweet pickled Peppadew peppers in brine, drained

¼ cup white wine vinegar

3 sprigs rosemary

Chopped parsley (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1:

Arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat oven to 450°.

Toss 1½ lb. fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise, with 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil on a rimmed baking sheet; season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Arrange cut side down and roast on lower rack until tender and cut sides are browned, 20–30 minutes; set aside.

Step 2

Meanwhile, heat remaining 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high.

Cook 3 links sweet Italian sausage, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, 6–8 minutes (they will not be fully cooked).

Transfer to a plate.

Step 3

Season 6 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper.

Sear skin-side down in same skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown on both sides, 8–10 minutes (they will also be undercooked).

Transfer to plate with sausage.

Step 4

Cook 2 large onions, chopped, ½ large red bell pepper, chopped, and 6 garlic cloves, finely grated in same skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally and scraping bottom of pan, until tender and beginning to brown, 10–12 minutes.

Add 1 cup dry white wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced and you can no longer smell the alcohol, about 8 minutes.

Add 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, ½ cup chopped hot, sweet pickled Peppadew peppers in brine, drained, ¼ cup white wine vinegar, and 3 sprigs rosemary and bring to a boil; cook until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes.

Nestle chicken into onion mixture, then transfer skillet to upper rack of oven and roast chicken 10 minutes.

Add sausages to skillet, pushing them into onion mixture, and continue to roast until chicken is cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 165°, 5–10 minutes.

Step 5

Top with chopped parsley and serve with roasted potatoes alongside.

Notes:

Preparation Efficiency: The recipe is efficient in its use of time and resources, as it utilizes the oven to roast the potatoes while other components are prepared on the stovetop.

Layered Flavors: The dish incorporates layers of flavor from ingredients like sweet Italian sausage, onions, garlic, peppers, and a variety of seasonings, resulting in a complex and savory profile.

Balanced Texture: The combination of roasted potatoes, seared chicken, and simmered sausage creates a dish with a variety of textures, from crispy to tender, enhancing the overall eating experience.

Versatile Presentation: Chicken Scarpariello can be served as a standalone meal with roasted potatoes or paired with other side dishes like steamed vegetables or a simple salad, offering versatility in presentation.

Wine Infusion: The use of dry white wine in the cooking process adds depth of flavor and acidity to the dish, complementing the richness of the chicken and sausage.

Adaptability: The recipe allows for customization based on personal preferences, such as adjusting the level of spiciness by varying the amount of hot peppers or choosing a different type of sausage.

One-Pot Meal: While the recipe involves multiple steps, it is primarily cooked in one skillet, minimizing cleanup and simplifying the cooking process.

Visual Appeal: The final dish is visually appealing with vibrant colors from the bell peppers and fresh parsley, making it an inviting option for serving to guests or for special occasions.

Rich Aroma: The combination of garlic, onions, and herbs creates a fragrant aroma while cooking, filling the kitchen with enticing scents that stimulate the appetite.

Family-Friendly: Chicken Scarpariello is a family-friendly dish that is likely to appeal to a wide range of tastes, making it suitable for gatherings or weeknight dinners alike.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of potato in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute fingerling potatoes with other varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the size and type of potato you choose.

Is it necessary to use skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs?

While skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs provide additional flavor and moisture to the dish, you can use boneless, skinless thighs if preferred.

Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking time as boneless cuts may cook faster.

What can I use as a substitute for sweet Italian sausage?

If you prefer a different protein or sausage flavor, you can substitute sweet Italian sausage with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even spicy Italian sausage for added heat.

Can I omit the wine from the recipe?

If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken broth or water.

However, keep in mind that wine adds depth of flavor to the dish, so the final result may differ slightly in taste.

Are Peppadew peppers necessary for the recipe?

Peppadew peppers add a unique sweet and tangy flavor to the dish, but if you can’t find them, you can substitute with other pickled peppers like cherry peppers or banana peppers.

Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried rosemary instead of fresh sprigs. Just remember to adjust the quantity since dried herbs are more potent than fresh.

Use about 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary in place of each sprig.

How can I prevent the chicken from drying out during roasting?

To prevent the chicken from drying out, make sure not to overcook it.

Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Additionally, keeping the skin intact helps retain moisture.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare some components of this dish in advance, such as roasting the potatoes or marinating the chicken.

However, it’s best to cook the chicken and sausage just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.

What should I serve with Chicken Scarpariello?

Chicken Scarpariello pairs well with crusty bread, pasta, or a simple green salad.

You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or a side of rice to complement the flavors of the dish.

How should leftovers be stored?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through before serving.