Chicken Scarpariello Skewers: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Chicken Scarpariello Skewers: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy! Imagine succulent, bite-sized pieces of chicken, infused with the vibrant flavors of sweet peppers, tangy vinegar, and aromatic herbs, all perfectly charred and ready to devour. These aren’t just skewers; they’re an explosion of flavor on a stick!

Chicken Scarpariello, traditionally a skillet dish, boasts a rich history rooted in the resourceful kitchens of Italian-American cooks. “Scarpariello” roughly translates to “shoemaker’s style,” hinting at the dish’s humble origins, likely created by shoemakers using whatever ingredients they had on hand. This resourceful spirit is what makes it so appealing – adaptable, flavorful, and satisfying.

What makes Chicken Scarpariello Skewers so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory. The chicken is incredibly tender, marinated to perfection, and the slight char from the grill adds a delightful smoky note. People love this dish because it’s incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing barbecue appetizer. Plus, the vibrant colors and enticing aroma make it a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Get ready to experience a taste of Italy with every delicious bite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Marinade:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Vegetables:
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, halved or quartered if large
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• For the Scarpariello Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Other:
• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be! I usually aim for at least an hour.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Wash and dry the bell peppers, red onion, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. Cut the bell peppers and red onion into 1-inch pieces. Halve or quarter the mushrooms if they are large. Leave the cherry tomatoes whole.
3. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between chicken, bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), red onion, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking. I like to make sure each skewer has a good variety of colors and textures.

Making the Scarpariello Sauce:

1. Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
2. Deglaze with White Wine: Pour in the dry white wine and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where a lot of the flavor comes from, so don’t skip this step! Let the wine reduce by half, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Broth and Vinegar: Stir in the chicken broth and red wine vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Finish the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the butter, chopped parsley, chopped rosemary, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The sauce should be slightly thickened and have a nice balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch more sugar if it’s too tart, or a little more red pepper flakes if I want more heat.

Cooking the Chicken Scarpariello Skewers:

1. Preheat Grill or Oven: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Alternatively, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
2. Grill the Skewers (Grill Method): Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Bake the Skewers (Oven Method): Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Turn the skewers halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
4. Simmer in Sauce: Once the skewers are cooked, carefully remove them from the grill or oven. Place the skewers directly into the skillet with the Scarpariello sauce. Gently turn the skewers to coat them evenly with the sauce. Let the skewers simmer in the sauce for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken and vegetables with the delicious Scarpariello flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Serve Immediately: Serve the Chicken Scarpariello Skewers immediately, garnished with extra fresh parsley and rosemary, if desired.
2. Serving Options: These skewers are delicious served over rice, pasta, or polenta. You can also serve them with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful sauce. A simple green salad would also be a great accompaniment.
3. Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc would pair perfectly with the Chicken Scarpariello Skewers. The acidity of the wine will complement the richness of the sauce and the flavors of the chicken and vegetables.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes altogether. If you like it spicy, add a pinch more!
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables to the skewers, such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers of different colors.
• Chicken Variations: You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and tend to stay moist.
• Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken and prepare the vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the skewers. The sauce can also be made a day in advance and reheated before serving.
• Storage: Leftover Chicken Scarpariello Skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
• Skewers: If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Metal skewers are a great alternative and can be reused.
• Broiling: If you don’t have a grill or oven, you can also broil the skewers in the oven. Place the skewers on a baking sheet and broil for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.
• Lemon Juice: For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the Scarpariello sauce just before serving.
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs in the sauce, such as thyme or sage.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Chicken Scarpariello Skewers are more than just a meal; they’re an experience. The vibrant dance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, combined with the satisfying char from the grill or oven, makes this recipe an absolute must-try. I truly believe that once you taste the perfectly balanced blend of peppers, sausage, and tender chicken, you’ll be adding this to your regular rotation.

But why is this recipe a must-try? It’s simple: it’s incredibly delicious, relatively quick to prepare, and endlessly adaptable. The beauty of these skewers lies in their versatility. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, looking for a flavorful weeknight dinner, or simply craving something a little different, these skewers deliver every single time. The combination of sweet bell peppers, spicy Italian sausage, and tangy vinegar creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Plus, the skewer format makes them fun to eat and perfect for sharing (or not, I won’t judge!).

Looking for serving suggestions? These skewers are fantastic on their own, served with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. For a heartier meal, try serving them over a bed of creamy polenta or fluffy rice. You could even nestle them into warm pita bread with a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.

And speaking of twists, don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! If you’re not a fan of spicy sausage, use sweet Italian sausage instead. Want to add more vegetables? Zucchini, onions, and cherry tomatoes would all be excellent additions. For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or halloumi cheese. You can also adjust the level of heat by using different types of peppers or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. The possibilities are truly endless!

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. The key to truly mastering this dish is to not be afraid to experiment and adjust the flavors to your liking. Taste as you go, and don’t hesitate to add more vinegar, sugar, or spices to achieve the perfect balance. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and creating something that you enjoy.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill (or preheat your oven), and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure. I promise you won’t be disappointed. I’m so excited for you to try this Chicken Scarpariello Skewers recipe and experience the explosion of flavors for yourself.

Once you’ve made these skewers, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve them with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking!