We’ve always been captivated by Mario Batali’s Chicken Scarpariello, a bold Italian-American favorite that bursts with rustic flavors. This dish combines tender chicken, spicy sausage, and tangy peppers for a meal that’s as comforting as it is irresistible.
As fans of Batali’s authentic twists, we’re thrilled to bring this recipe to your table. It’s an easy way to infuse your dinners with genuine Italian spirit and create lasting memories.
Ingredients
In our exploration of Mario Batali’s Chicken Scarpariello, we focus on the essential ingredients that capture the dish’s rustic Italian-American essence. This recipe combines tender chicken with spicy sausage and vibrant peppers to deliver bold, comforting flavors. Below, we list the ingredients in the order they are typically used, with precise measurements and prep notes for accuracy and ease.
Main Proteins
- Chicken thighs: 8 pieces (about 2 pounds), bone-in and skin-on; pat dry for better searing.
- Italian sausage: 1 pound, hot or sweet variety, sliced into 1-inch pieces; remove casings if preferred for quicker browning.
Vegetables and Aromatics
- Bell peppers: 2 large (one red and one green), seeded and cut into 1-inch strips; these add a tangy sweetness.
- Hot cherry peppers: 6 whole, jarred in vinegar, drained and sliced; adjust quantity based on desired spice level.
- Onion: 1 medium, thinly sliced; provides a foundational flavor base.
- Garlic cloves: 6, minced; freshly chopped for maximum aroma.
Liquids and Seasonings
- White wine: 1 cup, dry variety like Pinot Grigio; use for deglazing to enhance acidity.
- Chicken broth: 1 cup, low-sodium; helps create a rich sauce.
- Red pepper flakes: 1 teaspoon; adds an extra kick if needed.
- Fresh rosemary: 2 sprigs, leaves stripped and chopped; infuses herbal notes.
- Olive oil: ¼ cup, extra-virgin; for sautéing.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste; season generously at each stage for layered flavor.
This selection ensures our Chicken Scarpariello remains authentic to Batali’s style, balancing simplicity with depth for an unforgettable home-cooked meal.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our flavorful Chicken Scarpariello inspired by Mario Batali, we need a selection of essential kitchen tools that ensure smooth cooking and authentic results. Building on the ingredients we’ve gathered, these items help us achieve the perfect sear, simmer, and blend of rustic Italian flavors.
Here’s a list of the key equipment, organized by the order of use in the recipe process:
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: A 12-inch heavy-bottomed skillet is ideal for browning the chicken thighs and Italian sausage evenly. We recommend one with high sides to contain the sizzling mix of bell peppers, hot cherry peppers, and sauce without splatter.
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: Use a sharp 8-inch chef’s knife paired with a sturdy wooden or plastic cutting board for precisely chopping the onion, garlic, and peppers. This setup keeps prep quick and safe.
- Wooden Spoon or Tongs: A heat-resistant wooden spoon works perfectly for stirring the white wine, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes into the pan, while tongs allow us to flip the chicken pieces confidently for even cooking.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate measurements of liquids like olive oil and white wine, as well as dry ingredients such as red pepper flakes and fresh rosemary, ensuring our dish stays true to Batali’s balanced flavors.
- Oven (if finishing in the oven): Preheat to 375°F if the recipe calls for baking the dish to crisp the top; otherwise, a standard stovetop suffices for this hearty Italian-American classic.
With these tools at hand, we’re set to transition seamlessly into the cooking steps and create a memorable Chicken Scarpariello that captures Mario Batali’s spirit.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through preparing Chicken Scarpariello Mario Batali’s style with simple yet precise steps to deliver authentic Italian-American flavors.
Prep
Before we start cooking, let’s prepare our ingredients to ensure everything comes together seamlessly. Begin by patting dry 2 pounds of chicken thighs with paper towels and seasoning them generously with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper for a flavorful base. Next, slice 1 large onion into thin rings, dice 2 bell peppers into 1-inch strips, and mince 4 garlic cloves to release their aromatic punch.
For the sausage, cut 1 pound of Italian sausage into 2-inch pieces to promote even browning. Roughly chop ½ cup of hot cherry peppers and measure out 1 cup of white wine along with 1 cup of chicken broth to balance tanginess and depth. Finally, strip the leaves from 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary and combine ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick—keeping these prepped items organized on your cutting board sets the stage for a smooth cooking process.
Cook
With our ingredients ready, we move to the stovetop to build layers of flavor in our large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers then add the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down—sear for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and crispy for that irresistible texture. Remove the chicken and set aside then add the sausage pieces to the same skillet—cook for 4-5 minutes until browned releasing rich juices.
In the same pan, toss in the onion, bell peppers, and garlic—sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant with a sweet smoky aroma. Pour in the white wine and chicken broth to deglaze scraping up the browned bits from the bottom then stir in the hot cherry peppers, red pepper flakes, and rosemary. Return the chicken and sausage to the skillet submerging them in the liquid—reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F creating a hearty rustic blend of spicy and savory notes.
Assemble
To finish our Chicken Scarpariello, we combine all elements for a cohesive dish that highlights Mario Batali’s signature style. Once cooked, transfer the chicken, sausage, and vegetables to a serving platter arranging them artfully to showcase vibrant colors and glossy sauce. Spoon the remaining pan juices over the top for added moisture and flavor then let the dish rest for 5 minutes allowing the spices to meld and aromas to intensify—serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of this comforting Italian-inspired meal.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To simplify preparing our Chicken Scarpariello inspired by Mario Batali, we can handle several steps in advance, ensuring a flavorful and efficient cooking experience. This approach allows us to focus on assembling and enjoying the dish without last-minute rush.
Preparing Ingredients Ahead
We recommend prepping the core components up to 24 hours in advance to preserve freshness and enhance flavors. Here’s how:
- Chicken and Sausage: Season the chicken thighs and Italian sausage with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes the night before. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to let the spices infuse, making the meat more tender and aromatic.
- Vegetables: Chop the bell peppers, hot cherry peppers, onion, and garlic ahead of time. Store them in separate sealed bags or containers in the fridge to prevent sogginess—bell peppers and onions can be prepped up to 1 day ahead for optimal crunch.
- Herbs and Liquids: Mince fresh rosemary and measure out the white wine, chicken broth, and olive oil. Keep herbs wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a container, and store liquids at room temperature or chilled based on your setup.
Cooking Components in Advance
For even greater convenience, we can partially cook elements up to 2 days ahead, then reheat when ready. This works well for busy weeknights while maintaining the dish’s rustic Italian-American essence.
- Sear and Simmer Early: Brown the chicken and sausage in a large skillet as outlined in our step-by-step instructions, then add the vegetables and simmer until nearly tender. Let the mixture cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 48 hours—the flavors will meld beautifully, intensifying the tangy peppers and savory broth.
- Avoid Overcooking: Do not fully cook the dish ahead, as the final simmer with wine and broth adds essential moisture. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore the original consistency.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to keeping our Chicken Scarpariello tasting authentic and vibrant. Use the following guidelines for best results:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 2 days | Cool cooked components to room temperature before sealing in the fridge to prevent condensation and maintain texture. |
| Freezing | Up to 1 month | Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers; label with the date. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. |
| Reheating | Varies | Warm on the stovetop over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to preserve the dish’s tender chicken and spicy sausage without drying it out. |
By following these make-ahead strategies, we ensure that every bite of our Chicken Scarpariello captures Mario Batali’s spirit of bold, comforting flavors with minimal effort on the day of serving.
Conclusion
We’ve loved diving into Mario Batali’s Chicken Scarpariello and sharing its vibrant flavors with you
It’s a dish that brings warmth to any table and keeps the Italian spirit alive in our kitchens
Give it a try and make it your own for unforgettable meals that impress every time
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Scarpariello?
Chicken Scarpariello is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken, spicy sausage, and tangy peppers. It’s known for its rustic, comforting flavors, blending simplicity with bold tastes like garlic, wine, and herbs. Mario Batali’s version brings an authentic Italian spirit to home cooking, making it perfect for family dinners.
What ingredients are needed for Mario Batali’s Chicken Scarpariello?
Key ingredients include chicken thighs, Italian sausage, bell peppers, hot cherry peppers, onion, garlic, white wine, chicken broth, red pepper flakes, fresh rosemary, and olive oil. Use precise measurements for balance—about 2 pounds of chicken, 1 pound of sausage, and fresh veggies—to capture the dish’s rich, authentic flavors without overwhelming prep.
What kitchen equipment is required to make this recipe?
You’ll need a large skillet or Dutch oven for browning, a chef’s knife and cutting board for chopping, wooden spoon or tongs for stirring, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and possibly an oven for finishing. These tools ensure smooth cooking and authentic results, keeping the process straightforward and efficient.
How do you prepare Chicken Scarpariello step by step?
Start by seasoning and searing chicken and sausage in a skillet. Sauté chopped onions, garlic, peppers, and herbs until fragrant. Add wine, broth, and spices, then simmer everything together to blend flavors. Finish by baking if needed, and let it rest before serving for the best taste and presentation.
Can I make Chicken Scarpariello ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients like seasoned chicken, chopped veggies, and measured herbs up to 24 hours in advance. You can partially cook components up to 2 days ahead and store them in the fridge. This simplifies serving, allowing you to reheat and enjoy the dish’s vibrant flavors with minimal last-minute effort.
How should I store and reheat Chicken Scarpariello leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to maintain moisture, or in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. This keeps the flavors fresh and the texture tender.