If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold, zesty flavors and warms you up from the inside out, this Chicken Scarpariello: Italian-American Chicken Thighs with Spicy Sausage, Peppers, and Tangy Vinegar Sauce Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Juicy chicken thighs come together with spicy sausage, colorful peppers, and a tangy vinegar sauce that perfectly balances heat and savory goodness. It’s a fabulous celebration of Italian-American comfort food that’s ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four pieces of golden-brown fried chicken sit in a black cast-iron pan, each piece covered with a crispy skin speckled with black pepper and coarse salt. The chicken thighs are arranged evenly spaced, with glistening oil pooling slightly beneath them. Around the pan, on a white marbled surface, there are small white and wooden bowls holding salt, pepper, and a clear glass bowl with yellow oil. A white cloth napkin is partially visible beneath the pan. The scene is bright and clean with a focus on the texture of the crispy chicken skin. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Chicken Scarpariello: Italian-American Chicken Thighs with Spicy Sausage, Peppers, and Tangy Vinegar Sauce Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that each bring something special to the dish. From the robust flavor of spicy sausage to the bright punch of pickled cherry peppers, every component adds depth and texture.

Chicken Thighs (2 1/2 pounds bone-in, skin-on): These provide juicy, tender meat with beautiful crispy skin when cooked right.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for getting a golden sear on the chicken and sausage without overpowering.
Hot Italian Sausage (3-4 links, about 1 pound): Adds a spicy, savory kick; swap for mild if you want less heat.
Medium Onion (sliced): Brings sweetness and softness that balances the heat perfectly.
Large Red Bell Pepper (sliced): Offers color, crunch, and a subtle sweetness.
Garlic (8 cloves, chopped): For that irresistible aromatic punch and earthy depth.
Pickled Cherry Peppers (10, hot or sweet + 1/4 cup pickling juice): These are key for the tangy, spicy flavor that defines the sauce.
Dry White Wine (1/2 cup): Helps deglaze the pan and infuses light acidity and complexity.
Chicken Stock (1 cup, low-sodium): Adds moisture and deepens the sauce’s savory profile.
For Serving: Fresh Chopped Parsley and Red Chili Flakes: These fresh garnishes brighten and add extra heat at the finish.

How to Make Chicken Scarpariello: Italian-American Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Begin by seasoning your chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear until they develop a beautiful golden crust on both sides, locking in juices and delivering spectacular flavor. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.

Step 2: Brown the Spicy Sausage

Using the same pan (don’t clean it just yet!), add your sausage links. Brown them until their skins are crispy and they release their flavorful oils—this step is crucial for creating that rich depth in the sauce. Remove the sausages and set aside with the chicken.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Now it’s time to add sliced onion, red bell pepper, and chopped garlic to the pan. Sauté everything until the onion is translucent and peppers begin to soften. This mixture builds the fragrant base of the dish and balances the richness of the meat perfectly.

Step 4: Add Pickled Cherry Peppers and Their Juice

Stir in the pickled cherry peppers along with their tangy pickling juice. Let this saute for 2 to 3 minutes so the vibrant, spicy flavors meld together beautifully and start to create the signature zing that makes this Chicken Scarpariello: Italian-American Chicken Thighs with Spicy Sausage, Peppers, and Tangy Vinegar Sauce Recipe so memorable.

Step 5: Deglaze with White Wine

Pour in the dry white wine while scraping up all those irresistible browned bits stuck to the pan. Allow the wine to reduce slightly—it adds just the right hint of acidity and brightness that lifts the entire dish.

Step 6: Simmer with Chicken Stock, Then Return Meats to the Pan

Add the chicken stock, then nestle the seared chicken thighs and browned sausages back into the pan. Cover and simmer on medium-low for 20 to 25 minutes, giving enough time for the meat to cook through and the sauce to thicken into a gorgeous, glossy finish.

How to Serve Chicken Scarpariello: Italian-American Chicken Thighs Recipe

A black frying pan sits on a white marbled surface filled with cooked, diced onions that are soft and light brown on the left side and bright red chopped tomatoes with a shiny, slightly cooked texture covering most of the pan on the right side. A white measuring cup held by a woman's hand pours a clear golden liquid into the pan, adding a glistening wet layer over the tomatoes and onions. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top to add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes. If you love heat, don’t be shy with some red chili flakes—they bring an extra punch that complements the sauce’s tangy spice perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the tangy sauce or serve it over a bed of fluffy polenta for a true Italian-American feast. Roasted vegetables or a simple green salad are excellent lighter options to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style dinner, serve the chicken and sausage directly from the skillet, letting guests help themselves to the saucy goodness. Alternatively, you could plate each serving over buttered pasta or crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of that irresistibly tangy vinegar sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your marvelous meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it even tastier the next night!

Freezing

If you want to keep Chicken Scarpariello: Italian-American Chicken Thighs with Spicy Sausage, Peppers, and Tangy Vinegar Sauce Recipe for weeks, transfer cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring to leave some headspace for expansion.

Reheating

To gently reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat to preserve the texture of the chicken and sausage. Adding a splash of chicken stock or water can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs will cook quicker and are easier to eat, though bone-in adds extra flavor and juiciness. Just reduce cooking time slightly and keep an eye on them.

Is it possible to make this recipe less spicy?

Yes, simply choose mild Italian sausage and opt for sweet pickled cherry peppers instead of hot. You can also reduce or omit red chili flakes when garnishing.

What can I substitute for white wine if I don’t have any?

Chicken broth with a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice works well as a substitute, adding acidity without alcohol.

Can this dish be made in a slow cooker?

You could adapt it by browning all ingredients first, then transferring them to a slow cooker to simmer for 3-4 hours on low. Keep in mind the sauce may be thinner, so you might want to thicken it at the end.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the meat is no longer pink. Simmering it in the sauce for 20-25 minutes usually ensures perfect doneness.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Chicken Scarpariello: Italian-American Chicken Thighs with Spicy Sausage, Peppers, and Tangy Vinegar Sauce Recipe enough—it’s truly a comforting crowd-pleaser that packs a punch without any fuss. Whether for a family dinner or entertaining guests, it delivers hearty satisfaction with every bite. So grab your skillet, get cooking, and enjoy a fantastic Italian-American classic that’s sure to become a favorite!