Best Chicken Recipe Ever: Rao’s Chicken Scarpariello is NOT HYPERBOLE. This is my family’s new favorite chicken recipe, bar none. You have GOT to try this one!!!.
This dish has Italian-American roots and is a delicious braised chicken dish. With its tasty mix of chicken, sausage, peppers, onions, herbs, and wine-infused broth, it’s easy to see why Scarpariello has become so famous. With just one pot, this tasty meal can feed a lot of people and make any dinner table feel warm and cozy. Let’s look at where this delicious recipe came from, what it calls for, and how to cook it.
A Brief History of Chicken Scarpariello
While the exact origins are unclear, Chicken Scarpariello likely emerged in the early 20th century within the Italian-American communities of New York City and Philadelphia The name “Scarpariello” translates from Italian to English as “shoemaker’s style chicken” This hints at the dish’s humble beginnings – it was an economical meal for Italian shoemakers and laborers using simple, affordable ingredients like chicken and sausage.
Over time, more vegetables like onions, peppers, and potatoes were added to the basic recipe, making the flavor stronger and more complex. The dish spread from home kitchens to popular Italian restaurants and trattorias, where it became a standard family dinner. It’s still a classic Italian-American comfort food, though there are many regional variations.
The Essential Ingredients of Chicken Scarpariello
While recipes may differ. there are some core components that make the dish distinct
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Most of the time, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks are used, but breast meat or boneless thighs can also be used.
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Italian sausage – Sweet Italian sausage and/or spicy Italian sausage provide richness.
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Onions
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Wine and vinegar – White wine and red wine vinegar provide brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the meats.
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Herbs and seasonings – Oregano, basil, garlic, and red pepper flakes add depth of flavor.
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Potatoes or mushrooms (optional) – Often added to soak up the delicious broth.
How to Make Authentic Chicken Scarpariello
Making great Chicken Scarpariello is all about building flavor. Follow these tips:
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Brown the chicken and sausage – This step is key for developing rich, caramelized flavors. Use a heavy pan and don’t crowd it.
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Sauté the veggies – Cook down onions, peppers, and garlic until softened and lightly browned.
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Simmer in the broth – Let the chicken and sausage gently cook in the seasoned wine-and-vinegar broth for 1-2 hours until fall-off-the-bone tender.
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Finish with fresh herbs – A sprinkle of parsley or basil adds freshness.
Regional Variations to Explore
Chicken Scarpariello invites creativity. Some popular regional twists include:
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New York Style – With spicy cherry peppers and garlic-oregano sauce.
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New Jersey Style – Features potatoes along with mushrooms and sometimes prosciutto.
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Philly Style – Made with roasted sweet peppers and aged provolone cheese.
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Cleveland Style – Includes pickled hot peppers and a touch of tomato paste.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Scarpariello at Home
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Choose bone-in chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness. Skin-on is ideal.
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Mix sweet and hot Italian sausage to balance the spice level.
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Cook the sausage before chicken so the chicken drippings deglaze the pan.
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Use a hearty dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.
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Add peppers in the last 10 minutes so they retain some crunch.
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Simmer low and slow for 1-2 hours, until chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender.
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Garnish with chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
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Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens up.
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Serve with crusty bread, pasta, polenta or roasted veggies. Enjoy!
Chicken Scarpariello brings the flavors of Italy to the American dinner table. This satisfying one-pot wonder merges hearty meats, bright vegetables, and a tangy, herb-infused broth that permeates the dish with rustic elegance. The technique is straightforward but the result is magnificent. With its origins in thrifty home cooking, Scarpariello remains accessible for weeknight meals, yet special enough for guests. This sensational braise is a culinary treasure worth discovering.
Add in the Lasties: the Potato Slices and Sweet Cherry Peppers
A Dish Served at Rao’s in NY City
I found this recipe in the Cooking section of the New York Times. However, it comes from the famous Italian-American restaurant Rao’s in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. You may have tried their delicious marinara sauce which is now available in grocery stores. It’s a little pricey, but has such a wonderful flavor! We love it. (And it’s cheaper if you buy it in a two pack at Costco. ) It’s my go-to sauce for my World’s Best and Easiest Lasagna these days.
I have altered Rao’s recipe and the New York Time’s recipe significantly, omitting 2 sliced jalapeño peppers, but if your family goes for spicy, add those in! I increased the potatoes (they’re so delicious in that sauce!). From time to time, I’ve also added in pepperoncini to good effect.
One Bite of This Chicken Scarpariello and You’ll Be Hooked!
FAQ
Where did Scarpariello come from?
The dish is believed to have been created by Italian shoemakers, known as “scarpari,” who cooked simple yet flavorful meals during their breaks. Scarpariello translates to “shoemaker’s style,” reflecting the humble origins of this delicious dish. How is Chicken Scarpariello prepared?.
What is Chicken Scarpariello made of?
**Chicken Scarpariello is a tasty Italian-American dish made with soft chicken pieces cooked with bell peppers, onions, garlic, vinegar, and a mix of colors. Usually, herbs like oregano and rosemary are used to season it. It is usually served with roasted potatoes or pasta on the side. ** What are the origins of Chicken Scarpariello?.
What does Chicken Scarpariello taste like?
The distinct flavor of Chicken Scarpariello comes from a combination of ingredients, such as vinegar, which provides a tangy kick, and aromatic herbs like rosemary and oregano. The peppers add a hint of sweetness, and the lemon zest brightens the overall taste. Is Chicken Scarpariello spicy?.
What is Ina Garten Chicken Scarpariello?
Chicken Scarpariello by Ina Garten is a tasty Italian-American dish made with soft chicken, Italian sausage, and a tangy sauce made with peppers, garlic, and white wine. This hearty recipe is perfect for a comforting dinner that brings a restaurant-quality meal to your table. What is Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello?.
How to make Chicken Scarpariello?
The method for preparing chicken scarpariello follows a similar method to a cacciatore or fricassee. I sear the chicken and sausages, transfer them to a dish, sauté the vegetables, add the cooking liquids, place the chicken and sausages back in the pot, nestle in some potatoes and pickled peppers, and cook until done.
Where does Chicken Scarpariello come from?
Chicken scarpariello means “shoemaker’s chicken,” but the story behind its name isn’t well documented. Most sources agree that it’s an entirely Italian-American construct; some claim it originated in Sicily and Calabria. Given this dish’s vague historical background, it’s no wonder that chicken scarpariello recipes vary quite a bit.
Why is it called chicken scarpariello?
Although the exact origins of Chicken Scarpariello are unknown, most clues point to a southern Italian-American kitchen. Its name translates to Chicken Shoemaker-Style, an indication that the recipe was created from humble beginnings.
What is the difference between chicken Murphy and chicken Scarpariello?
Chicken: Chicken Murphy uses boneless breasts cut into cubes, while Chicken Scarpariello uses bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Sausage: Both use Italian sausage with the casings removed, but I think the Chicken Scarpariello works better with the sweet version.
What does scarpariello in Italian mean?
Chicken scarpariello means “shoemaker’s chicken,” but the story behind its name isn’t well documented. Most sources agree that it’s an entirely Italian-American construct; some claim it originated in Sicily and Calabria.