These Chicken Scarpariello Skewers are a delightful twist on a classic Italian-American dish, combining garlicky chunks of chicken with spicy sausage and tender onions. Finished with a zesty butter sauce made from pickled peppers, white wine, and fresh herbs, they offer bold, complex flavors with very little fuss.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, this dish delivers comfort and sophistication. The pan-seared edges add depth, while the oven ensures everything cooks evenly. Serve over rice, couscous, or roasted veggies to soak up every drop of that buttery sauce. A true crowd-pleaser!
Full Recipe:
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1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
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4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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2 tablespoons minced garlic, divided
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
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6 sweet Italian sausage links, cut into chunks
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1 large red onion, cut into chunks
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½ cup sliced hot pickled peppers (like pepperoncini or peppadew)
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¼ cup dry white wine
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½ cup chicken stock
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2 tablespoons peppadew or pepperoncini liquid
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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6 wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak for 30 mins)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large bowl, combine chicken, 3 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic, and rosemary. Toss to coat thoroughly.
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Thread chicken, sausage, and red onion alternately onto skewers.
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Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add skewers and sear for 4 minutes without moving. Flip and cook another 4 minutes.
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Transfer skewers to a sheet pan and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until fully cooked.
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In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-high. Add remaining garlic and pickled peppers, stirring constantly for 30 seconds.
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Deglaze with white wine, scraping up browned bits, and reduce by half.
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Add chicken stock and pepper liquid; simmer until reduced by half (about 5–7 minutes).
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Turn off heat, stir in butter until melted, then add chopped parsley.
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Drizzle sauce over skewers and serve hot.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Story Behind Chicken Scarpariello
Chicken Scarpariello, often translated as “shoemaker-style chicken,” is a beloved Italian-American dish that merges rustic roots with bold, vibrant flavors. Traditionally made as a braised dish combining chicken, sausage, pickled peppers, garlic, and white wine, it’s a staple in many Northeast U.S. households, especially in areas with a rich Italian-American heritage.
Its origins are somewhat debated—some believe it hails from Southern Italy, possibly Naples, while others argue that it’s purely a product of Italian-American innovation. Regardless, Scarpariello has stood the test of time, evolving from stovetop skillets to modern interpretations like these skewers. This skewered version captures all the flavor of the classic but offers a more contemporary, grill- or oven-friendly approach.
A Modern Twist on a Classic Dish
The transformation of Chicken Scarpariello into skewer form isn’t just for presentation—it changes the dynamics of the dish in a delightful way. Skewering the chicken, sausage, and onion allows each ingredient to caramelize more directly through searing and baking. It also enables faster cooking, easier portioning, and makes the dish more versatile for different occasions—from casual weeknight dinners to outdoor grilling with guests.
Instead of being simmered in sauce, the elements are individually highlighted and finished with a drizzle of the signature Scarpariello pan sauce, bringing all the flavors back together in a way that feels traditional but tastes refreshingly new.
What Makes Scarpariello So Flavorful?
The magic of Chicken Scarpariello lies in its contrast of sharp and savory. You get the rich, meaty umami of chicken thighs and sweet Italian sausage, paired with the pungency of garlic, the herbaceous notes of rosemary and parsley, and the bright, briny tang of pickled peppers. Add in white wine and a splash of vinegar from the pepper brine, and you’re left with a sauce that is both deeply savory and vibrantly acidic.
This unique balance of richness and zing is what makes the dish so crave-worthy. It hits every note: salty, sour, slightly sweet, and even a touch spicy, depending on the peppers used. When spooned over the grilled meat and vegetables, the sauce infuses the skewers with mouthwatering complexity.
Why This Dish Works for Any Occasion
One of the reasons these skewers are so popular is their versatility. They’re elegant enough for entertaining, yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. You can serve them straight from the oven, sizzling hot, or at room temperature for a more relaxed setting.
They also fit nicely into many types of meals. Pair them with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Serve them over leafy greens or quinoa for a lighter option. You could even slide the grilled components off the skewers and use them to fill a toasted sandwich or wrap for a hearty lunch.
The dish also scales well. It can be doubled or tripled for gatherings, and it holds up well as leftovers, with the flavors often deepening overnight.
Tips for Maximum Flavor and Texture
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Use dark meat chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs are ideal here because they remain juicy and flavorful even after high-heat searing and oven time.
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Let it marinate: Though not strictly necessary, letting the chicken sit in the garlic, olive oil, and herbs for an hour or two (or overnight) deepens the flavor.
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Don’t crowd the pan: When searing the skewers, make sure they aren’t crammed together. Browning is crucial for flavor and happens best with airflow around each piece.
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Use fresh herbs when possible: Rosemary and parsley are both used in this dish, and fresh versions elevate the final result significantly.
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Deglaze thoroughly: When making the sauce, take time to scrape all those browned bits from the pan—they’re flavor gold.
Variations and Customizations
Chicken Scarpariello Skewers are incredibly adaptable. Here are a few ways to change things up while staying true to the spirit of the dish:
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Spice level: Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes if you like it spicier.
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Vegetable additions: Bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes can be added to the skewers for more color and variety.
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Different proteins: Substitute pork tenderloin or turkey for chicken. Or go all-vegetarian with grilled tofu or halloumi paired with the same sauce.
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Grilled version: In warmer months, these skewers do beautifully on a gas or charcoal grill. The flame adds smokiness that pairs beautifully with the tangy sauce.
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Gluten-free and keto-friendly: This recipe is naturally low in carbs and gluten-free as long as your sausage and stock are compliant.
Nutritional Considerations
Chicken Scarpariello Skewers are a well-balanced dish that offers a good mix of protein, fats, and minimal carbohydrates. The presence of olive oil, garlic, and herbs means the dish is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients. It’s also high in iron and B vitamins from both the chicken and sausage.
For those watching sodium, be cautious of the sausage and pickled peppers, which tend to carry a higher salt content. Using low-sodium chicken stock and rinsing the peppers can help manage this.
You can also increase the vegetable content by pairing the skewers with steamed greens, grilled asparagus, or a fresh salad.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
To impress your guests or elevate your family dinner, consider these serving options:
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On a platter: Lay the finished skewers on a serving platter and spoon the butter-pepper sauce over the top. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and a few whole pickled peppers for visual appeal.
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With sides: Serve with mashed potatoes, herbed rice, or even buttered noodles to complement the savory sauce.
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Rustic look: Present the skewers on a wooden board with a ramekin of extra sauce and a side of crusty Italian bread for dipping.
Adding a drizzle of lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan just before serving can enhance the dish even further.
Conclusion: A Skewered Star with Classic Italian Soul
Chicken Scarpariello Skewers offer the best of both worlds: the bold, comforting flavors of a classic Italian-American dish, and the visual appeal and convenience of skewers. By taking the traditional elements—garlic-marinated chicken, sausage, sweet onions, and a tangy herb butter sauce—and giving them a modern twist, this dish becomes more accessible, versatile, and downright irresistible.
It’s a great example of how traditional recipes can evolve to meet contemporary tastes and lifestyles while still preserving their soulful roots. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or just trying to shake up your usual dinner routine, these skewers promise flavor, satisfaction, and a little bit of culinary history in every bite.