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To make Chicken Scarpariello, you need some key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on - 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a role. The chicken gives protein and flavor. The bell peppers add sweetness and color. Garlic and onion build a great base for taste. Seasoning is crucial for Chicken Scarpariello. The salt and black pepper bring out the chicken's natural taste. Red pepper flakes add heat. You can adjust them based on your spice level. The capers provide a briny punch, while fresh lemon juice adds brightness. To prepare Chicken Scarpariello, you need a few tools: - Large skillet or frying pan - Spatula or tongs - Cutting board - Sharp knife - Measuring spoons - Ladle for serving These tools help you cook and serve the dish with ease. A large skillet allows you to sear the chicken and cook the veggies all in one place. This method saves time and keeps flavors together. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by drying the chicken thighs and breasts with paper towels. This step is key for crispy skin. Next, season both sides with salt and black pepper. Make sure to coat evenly for great flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces, skin-side down. Sear them for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for the same time. Once done, place the chicken on a plate and set it aside. Lower the heat to medium and add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté the veggies for about 5 minutes until they soften and smell great. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes to add some heat. Next, return the seared chicken to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth until the chicken is slightly submerged. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the capers and fresh lemon juice. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). In the last 5 minutes, take off the lid to let the sauce reduce and thicken. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. To get that delicious crispy skin on your chicken, start by drying the pieces well with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper generously on both sides. When you cook it, heat olive oil until it shimmers in the pan. Sear the chicken skin-side down for about 5-7 minutes. This browns the skin and locks in flavor. Don't rush this step! After searing, let the chicken rest on a plate before adding it back to the pan. If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes. Start with 1 teaspoon, and taste the sauce as it cooks. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out! If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the red pepper flakes or skip them altogether. Remember, the flavors will deepen during cooking, so take it slow. Balance is key! Pair spicy chicken with creamy sides to cool the heat. For Chicken Scarpariello, use bone-in, skin-on thighs for juicy flavor and texture. These cuts stay moist during cooking. You can also use boneless chicken breasts, but they might dry out if overcooked. Mixing cuts can create a more dynamic dish. If you want more variety, try using chicken drumsticks or wings. Each cut brings a unique flavor and texture, making your meal even more enjoyable. Pro Tips Pat Dry for Crispiness: Always pat your chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the skin become crispy when searing. Layer Flavors: When sautéing your vegetables, take your time to allow them to caramelize slightly, which will enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Adjust the Heat: The amount of red pepper flakes can be adjusted according to your spice preference. Start with less and add more if desired. Finish with Freshness: Always garnish your dish with fresh herbs at the end to maintain their vibrant color and flavor, enhancing the overall presentation. {{image_4}} You can swap in different veggies for Chicken Scarpariello. Try adding zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus. Carrots or snap peas also work well. Each choice adds a new flavor and texture. You can even mix in some spinach or kale for extra greens. The key is to keep the balance of taste and color vibrant. Chicken is classic, but other proteins shine in this dish. Consider using pork, turkey, or even shrimp. You can use boneless cuts for quick cooking. For something different, try tofu for a vegetarian option. Just be mindful of cooking time, as it varies with each protein. Adjust your cooking method to ensure it remains juicy and flavorful. Want to amp up the flavor? Add olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean touch. A splash of white wine can boost the sauce's depth. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme add a fragrant note. You might also try a hint of smoked paprika for warmth. Each addition gives your Chicken Scarpariello a unique twist. Adjust according to your taste and enjoy! When you have leftover Chicken Scarpariello, store it right. First, let it cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep your dish fresh. Make sure to separate the chicken from the sauce if possible. It helps prevent the chicken from getting soggy. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat your Chicken Scarpariello, use the stovetop or the microwave. If using the stovetop, place the chicken and sauce in a pan. Heat it over low to medium heat. Stir often to avoid burning. This helps keep the flavors intact. If you use a microwave, put the chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it to keep moisture in, and heat in short bursts. Check every minute until it's hot. This keeps the chicken juicy and tasty. Freezing Chicken Scarpariello is easy. After cooling, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label it with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove for the best flavor. Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as it can dry out the chicken. Chicken Scarpariello is a delicious Italian dish. It features tender chicken cooked with sweet and spicy peppers. The chicken simmers in a flavorful broth, giving it a rich taste. This dish often uses capers for a salty kick. It’s a one-pan meal, making cleanup easy. You’ll love the mix of textures and flavors in every bite. Yes, you can make Chicken Scarpariello in a slow cooker. Start by searing the chicken in a pan for added flavor. Then, transfer the chicken to the slow cooker. Add the veggies, chicken broth, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method makes the chicken very tender. You can serve Chicken Scarpariello with crusty bread. It soaks up the tasty sauce. A simple salad pairs well too, adding freshness. You might also enjoy it with pasta or rice for a fuller meal. Roasted vegetables make a great side, adding more color and taste. In this blog post, we explored Chicken Scarpariello, from key ingredients to cooking techniques. You learned how to prepare delicious chicken, sear it perfectly, and enhance flavors with spices and tools. We discussed tips for crispy skin and suggested unique variations for your dish. Lastly, we covered storage tips to keep leftovers tasty. Now, you're ready to create your own Chicken Scarpariello masterpiece. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with this enjoyable meal!

Spicy Chicken Scarpariello

A flavorful dish featuring chicken thighs and breasts cooked with bell peppers, onions, and a spicy broth.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 piece yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • to taste fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by patting the chicken thighs and breasts dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a crispier skin. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper, ensuring an even coating.
  • In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces, skin-side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture until the veggies are softened and fragrant, roughly 5 minutes.
  • Sprinkle the red pepper flakes into the pan, stirring well to incorporate the heat into the vegetable medley.
  • Return the seared chicken to the skillet, then pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is slightly submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Stir in the capers and fresh lemon juice. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the chicken to cook for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it's cooked through.
  • In the final 5 minutes of cooking, remove the lid to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if required.
  • Once the cooking time is complete, take the skillet off the heat. Garnish the dish with a generous scattering of fresh parsley just before serving.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Keyword chicken, scarpariello, spicy