Zippy Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello Recipe Magic

Bursting with zesty charm, chicken scarpariello dances on the culinary stage as a vibrant Italian-American sensation.

Sizzling skillets whisper tales of rustic kitchens where flavor reigns supreme.

Savory aromas waft through the air, promising a meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary bites.

Tender chicken pieces luxuriate in a tangy sauce that sings with peppers, herbs, and pure deliciousness.

Sharp notes of vinegar and robust seasonings create a symphony of taste that electrifies every forkful.

This recipe isn’t just a meal, it’s a passionate embrace of comfort and excitement on a plate.

Prepare to fall head over heels for a dish that will become your new obsession.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 650 kcal

Servings: 4

Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello Ingredient List

• Chicken Thighs: Choose boneless and skinless cuts with even marbling for maximum tenderness and juiciness.
• Salt, Pepper: Select freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt for deeper, more vibrant seasoning.

• All-Purpose Flour: Look for unbleached flour with fine texture to create a light, crispy exterior on the chicken.

• Garlic Cloves: Pick fresh, firm garlic with smooth, unblemished skin for robust flavor.
• Rosemary Sprigs: Select bright green, fragrant sprigs with no wilting or browning for intense herbal notes.

• Chicken Stock: Opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels and allow natural flavors to shine.
• Lemon: Choose bright, firm lemons with smooth skin for maximum juice and zesty brightness.
• Unsalted Butter: Select high-quality butter with rich, creamy consistency for smooth sauce texture.

• Peppadew Peppers, Pickled Peppers: Find peppers with vibrant color and balanced tanginess to add exciting complexity.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Select cold-pressed oil with rich, fruity undertones for better searing and flavor depth.

Tools You Need for Chicken Scarpariello

• Large Frying Pan: Your primary cooking vessel for searing and creating this delicious chicken dish.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for scraping up flavorful browned bits from the pan's bottom.
• Cutting Board: Essential for preparing garlic and breaking rosemary sprigs.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to halve garlic cloves and slice peppers.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately pour chicken stock and measure ingredients.
• Serving Dish: Gorgeous platter to present your mouthwatering chicken.
• Tongs: Ideal for carefully flipping and moving chicken pieces while cooking.
• Small Bowls: Useful for holding prepped ingredients like peppers and seasonings.

Instructions for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello

Rustic Chicken Delight

• Prep the Protein

Massage chicken thighs with salt and pepper, lightly coating them in flour to create a golden crust that locks in juiciness and adds delightful texture.

• Sizzle and Brown

Fire up a pan with olive oil until it’s screaming hot. Drop chicken pieces into the pan, letting them dance and transform into a rich, caramel-colored masterpiece. Flip once to ensure even browning, creating a stunning exterior that promises incredible flavor.

• Infuse With Aromatics

Toss garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs into the pan, allowing them to release their intoxicating fragrance. Let them mingle and caramelize, building layers of deep, complex taste. Remove chicken to a warm plate, keeping the magical pan drippings.

• Build the Sauce

Splash chicken stock into the pan, scraping up every delicious browned bit. Let the liquid reduce and concentrate, creating a base of pure flavor. Swirl in fresh lemon juice and a knob of butter, transforming the sauce into a velvety, bright companion for the chicken.

• Final Touch and Serve

Return chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Scatter tangy peppers across the dish, letting them add a zesty punch. Give everything a gentle stir to marry the flavors. Plate immediately, revealing a mouthwatering meal that promises to tantalize taste buds and spark conversation.

How to Tweak Chicken Scarpariello to Your Taste

• Optimize Chicken Texture: Select chicken thighs with consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and tender results. Pat the meat completely dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness.
• Customize Pepper Profile: Swap Peppadew peppers with banana peppers, roasted red peppers, or jalapeños for different heat and flavor levels. Adjust the quantity based on personal spice preferences.
• Elevate Sauce Complexity: Deglaze the pan with white wine instead of chicken stock for deeper, more sophisticated flavor nuances. Consider adding capers or fresh herbs like thyme to boost the sauce's aromatic complexity.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, storing separately in airtight containers. Reheat gently in a skillet before serving to maintain the crispy exterior and preserve the sauce's rich consistency.

Serving Tips for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the chicken to add a vibrant green color and fresh, zesty flavor that cuts through the rich sauce.
• Pair with Creamy Carbs: Serve alongside creamy polenta, fluffy mashed potatoes, or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious pan sauce and create a complete meal.
• Wine Companion: Select a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the tangy peppers and bright lemon notes in the dish, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Side Veggie Delight: Add a simple roasted vegetable side like garlic-roasted broccoli or sautéed zucchini to balance the hearty chicken and provide a nutritious accompaniment.

Planning and Storage for Chicken Scarpariello

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Portion Like a Pro: Divide the chicken into individual servings before refrigerating, which helps maintain optimal flavor and makes reheating a breeze.
• Refrigerate Right: Store leftover Chicken Scarpariello in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the chicken and sauce together to preserve moisture and taste.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. These delicious chicken pieces can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their robust flavor profile.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying. Alternatively, use the microwave with a damp paper towel covering the dish to retain juiciness and prevent rubbery texture.

Rustic Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa chicken scarpariello combines zesty Italian-American flavors with succulent chicken thighs and tangy peppers. Robust pan sauce and crisp chicken create restaurant-quality comfort for home cooks seeking bold, satisfying meals.

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Ingredients

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• 8 chicken thighs, skinless, boneless (2 lbs / 907 g)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dusting)
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cups chicken stock (or low-sodium broth)
• 8 garlic cloves, halved lengthwise and lightly smashed
• 4 rosemary sprigs, broken into 2-inch pieces
• 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• ½ cup Peppadew peppers (or other pickled peppers), sliced
• kosher salt (to taste)
• freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prep Chicken: Generously season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then lightly coat with flour to create a golden, crispy exterior when cooked.
2. Sear Protein: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Carefully place floured chicken thighs into the pan, allowing them to develop a deep caramelized crust. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning once to ensure even browning.
3. Aromatics Infusion: Add garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs to the pan, nestling them around the browned chicken. Let them release their aromatic essence until garlic turns golden, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer chicken to a warm platter, keeping herbs and garlic in the pan.
4. Sauce Creation: Deglaze the skillet with chicken stock, scraping up the flavorful browned bits. Reduce liquid by half over high heat. Enhance the sauce with lemon juice and butter, stirring until it becomes glossy and slightly thickened.
5. Final Assembly: Return chicken to the pan, adding any accumulated juices. Incorporate Peppadew or pickled peppers, gently turning to coat the meat in the vibrant sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors completely.
6. Serve: Plate the chicken, drizzling the herb-infused sauce and peppers over the top. Garnish with additional fresh rosemary if desired. Serve immediately while hot and incredibly flavorful.

Notes

• Flour Coating Technique: Dust chicken lightly and evenly with flour to achieve a perfectly golden, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and enhances flavor.
• High-Heat Searing Secret: Use high heat and resist moving chicken while cooking to develop a deep, caramelized crust that creates complex, rich flavor profiles.
• Sauce Deglazing Trick: Scrape up browned bits from the pan to unlock concentrated flavors, transforming simple pan drippings into a luxurious, glossy sauce.
• Pepper Flavor Boost: Peppadew or pickled peppers add a vibrant, tangy dimension that cuts through the richness of the chicken and creates a memorable taste experience.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 50 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 35 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg