If you love Italian-American food, you will adore this Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello Recipe. It is full of flavor, easy to make and perfect for family dinners.
The chicken comes out juicy and the sauce is tangy, slightly spicy, and very rich. This recipe is a classic from Ina Garten and it combines simple ingredients to make an unforgettable meal.
If you are wondering how to make Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello, keep reading. This guide will give you step-by-step instructions, tips and tricks. You will also learn the ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello and how to serve it perfectly.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried this recipe last weekend and my family loved it. The chicken turned golden and juicy. The sauce was tangy and slightly spicy, just perfect. Making it was not hard at all.
I followed the steps carefully and everything cooked in one pan. The best part? It smelled amazing while cooking. Even my kids asked for seconds. I felt proud serving it at dinner. It is a recipe I will keep making over and over.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 60 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Small bowl for mixing sauce
Ingredients You Need for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello
- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 6 Italian sausages, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper on both sides. - Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown chicken, 5–6 minutes per side. - Remove Chicken
Take chicken out of the pan. Keep warm on a plate. - Cook Sausage
Add sausage slices to the skillet. Brown for 3–4 minutes until golden. - Sauté Vegetables
Add bell peppers, onion and garlic. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes. - Deglaze Pan
Pour in white wine. Scrape bottom to lift brown bits. Cook 2 minutes. - Add Broth and Vinegar
Stir in chicken broth, white wine vinegar, oregano and red pepper flakes. - Return Chicken and Sausage
Place chicken and sausage back into the skillet. Cover with sauce. - Simmer
Reduce heat to low. Cook for 20–25 minutes until chicken is done. - Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Serve hot with crusty bread or pasta.
Tips to Make the Best Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello
- Always brown chicken well for deep flavor.
- Use bone-in chicken for juicier meat.
- Don’t skip the vinegar; it adds tang.
- Taste sauce and adjust salt and pepper.
- Use fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not drying chicken before browning; it prevents crisp skin.
- Overcrowding the pan; chicken will steam instead of brown.
- Skipping deglazing; sauce will lack depth.
- Cooking chicken too long; it becomes dry.
- Using low-quality sausage; flavor will be weak.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, pasta or crusty Italian bread. You can also pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
The sauce is perfect to drizzle over rice or polenta. A glass of white wine complements this meal beautifully. This recipe works well for both family dinners and special occasions.
Variations You Can Try
- Use boneless chicken thighs for quicker cooking.
- Swap Italian sausage with spicy chorizo for bold flavor.
- Add mushrooms for an earthy touch.
- Include cherry tomatoes for a sweet twist.
- Try lemon zest for a fresh citrus flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat to keep chicken moist.
- Add a splash of broth when reheating for extra sauce.
- Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Health Benefits
This recipe is packed with protein from chicken and sausage. Bell peppers and onions provide fiber and vitamins. Garlic adds antioxidants and boosts immunity.
Using olive oil instead of butter keeps it heart-healthy. You can enjoy a rich and flavorful dish while still eating balanced and nutritious food.
Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs bone-in and skin-on
- 6 Italian sausages sliced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 1 onion sliced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown chicken, 5–6 minutes per side.
Remove Chicken
- Take chicken out of the pan. Keep warm on a plate.
Cook Sausage
- Add sausage slices to the skillet. Brown for 3–4 minutes until golden.
Sauté Vegetables
- Add bell peppers, onion and garlic. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
Deglaze Pan
- Pour in white wine. Scrape bottom to lift brown bits. Cook 2 minutes.
Add Broth and Vinegar
- Stir in chicken broth, white wine vinegar, oregano and red pepper flakes.
Return Chicken and Sausage
- Place chicken and sausage back into the skillet. Cover with sauce.
Simmer
- Reduce heat to low. Cook for 20–25 minutes until chicken is done.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Serve hot with crusty bread or pasta
Notes
- Always brown chicken well for deep flavor.
- Use bone-in chicken for juicier meat.
- Don’t skip the vinegar; it adds tang.
- Taste sauce and adjust salt and pepper.
- Use fresh parsley for a bright finish.
FAQs about Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello
Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can. Chicken breasts cook faster, so adjust time to 20–25 minutes.
Q2: How spicy is this recipe?
It is mildly spicy. Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to make it less or more spicy.
Q3: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, cook chicken and sauce, then store in fridge. Reheat before serving.
Q4: What can I serve with it?
Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes or crusty bread. It also goes well with salad.
Q5: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, ensure sausages and broth are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
The Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello Recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Italian-American food. It is easy, flavorful and makes the chicken juicy every time. The tangy and slightly spicy sauce is unforgettable.
Follow the ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello and step-by-step instructions to get perfect results. This dish is ideal for family dinners, special occasions or meal prep.
Try it once and it will become a favorite in your kitchen. You now know how to make Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello easily and successfully. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delicious meal with loved ones.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!