This Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello is a savory and tangy recipe, which includes bone-in chicken thighs and Italian sausage. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in about 1 hour.
Jump to RecipeBarefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello Recipe Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup pickled cherry peppers, sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red or yellow)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How To Make Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello
- Prepare the chicken and vegetables: Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper. Slice sausage, onions, garlic, and pickled peppers.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 5–6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the sausage: In the same pan, add sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add onion to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Build the sauce: Deglaze pan with white wine, scraping up browned bits. Stir in chicken stock, red wine vinegar, cherry peppers, rosemary, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Simmer briefly.
- Combine and simmer: Return chicken and sausage to skillet, skin-side up. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with sauce.

Recipe Tips
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Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but bone-in thighs add more flavor and stay juicier. -
What wine is best for this dish?
Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work well. -
Can I make it spicier?
Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage. -
What if I don’t have cherry peppers?
You can substitute jarred pepperoncini or roasted red peppers. -
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes, it reheats well the next day as the flavors deepen.
What To Serve With Chicken Scarpariello
This Italian-American dish pairs well with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Buttered noodles or pasta
- Roasted vegetables
- Crusty Italian bread
- A fresh green salad
How To Store Chicken Scarpariello
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Chicken Scarpariello Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~390 kcal (per serving)
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 720mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this in the oven instead of the stovetop?
Yes, after searing, transfer everything to a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Is chicken scarpariello spicy?
It has a mild heat from cherry peppers and optional red pepper flakes.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but they may cook faster and could dry out. Adjust cook time accordingly.
What side dish is most traditional?
Many enjoy it with roasted potatoes or simple pasta.
Try More Recipes:
- Ina Garten Million Dollar Chicken Recipe
- Ina Garten Chicken Bouillabaisse Recipe
- Ina Garten Chicken Parmesan With Tomato Sauce Recipe
Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes45
minutes390
kcalA tangy and savory chicken dish with sausage, cherry peppers, and herbs simmered in a wine-vinegar sauce.
Ingredients
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4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
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1/2 lb Italian sausage, cut bite-sized
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 large onion, sliced
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup chicken stock
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1/2 cup dry white wine
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1/4 cup red wine vinegar
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1/2 cup pickled cherry peppers, sliced
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1 tsp rosemary
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1 tsp thyme
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1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Optional: 1 cup bell peppers, 1 cup mushrooms, parsley garnish
Directions
- Season chicken and prep vegetables.
- Sear chicken skin-side down 5–6 minutes, flip and cook 3–4 minutes. Remove.
- Cook sausage until browned, remove.
- Sauté onions 3–4 minutes, then garlic for 1 minute.
- Deglaze with white wine. Add stock, vinegar, cherry peppers, rosemary, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
- Return chicken and sausage to skillet. Simmer 25–30 minutes, covered.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
