Chicken and Sausage Recipes: The Ultimate Italian-American Comfort Dish
When I think about the meals that shaped my love for cooking, I always go back to the quiet evenings in my grandfather’s kitchen. He was an Italian immigrant who believed that food wasn’t just something you ate it was something you shared. As a 42-year-old dad of two, I still carry that same belief every time I step into my kitchen. That’s why dishes like chicken and sausage recipes hold such a special place in my heart. They bring people together, they fill your home with incredible aromas, and they taste like comfort on a plate.
Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite Italian-American classics: Chicken Scarpariello, a braised chicken and sausage dish with bell peppers, garlic, and a sweet-and-sour sauce that hits every note savory, tangy, and just a little spicy. It’s one of those chicken and sausage recipes that looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to pull off on a weeknight. Using one pan, a few fresh ingredients, and about an hour of your time, you’ll have a hearty meal that’ll make your kitchen smell like Sunday dinner at Nonno’s house.
Before we dive into the cooking steps, let’s talk about what makes this dish so beloved among chicken and sausage recipes everywhere.
Table of Contents
Chicken Scarpariello (Braised Chicken with Sausage and Peppers)
Equipment
- 1 Large Dutch oven or sauté pan For browning and braising
- 1 Wooden Spoon To scrape and stir sauce
- 1 Tongs For flipping chicken pieces
- 1 Measuring cup For liquids
- 1 Knife and cutting board For slicing peppers and sausage
Ingredients
- 2 ½ lbs Chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on 6–8 pieces
- to taste Kosher salt and black pepper For seasoning
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil For searing
- 1 ½ lbs Italian sausage (sweet or hot) 3–4 links
- 1 medium Onion, thinly sliced About 6 oz
- 1 large Red bell pepper, sliced About 6 oz
- 2 tbsp Fresh sage, minced About ¼ oz
- 6 Garlic cloves, thinly sliced Adds aroma
- 8 Pickled cherry peppers, sliced Sweet or hot
- ¼ cup Pickling liquid (from cherry peppers) Adds tang
- 1 cup Dry white wine For deglazing
- 1 cup Chicken stock (low sodium) Adds moisture
- 2 tbsp Sugar Balances acidity
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.
- 2️⃣ Brown the Chicken: Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high. Sear chicken skin-side down for about 8 minutes, until golden and crisp. Flip and brown lightly on the other side for 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- 3️⃣ Brown the Sausage: Add sausages to the same pan. Brown for 1–2 minutes per side, then remove and slice into thick pieces.
- 4️⃣ Build the Base: Add onion and bell pepper to the pan. Cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and golden. Stir in garlic and sage; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5️⃣ Add the Peppers and Wine: Stir in cherry peppers and their brine, scraping up any browned bits. Add wine and cook 2 minutes to reduce by half.
- 6️⃣ Add Broth and Return the Meats: Pour in chicken stock and sugar. Add sausage and chicken (skin-side up).
- 7️⃣ Braise in the Oven: Transfer pan to oven and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, until chicken is tender and sauce is thickened.
- 8️⃣ Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot, spooning sauce, sausage, and peppers around the chicken. Pair with crusty bread or roasted potatoes.
Notes
The Story Behind Chicken Scarpariello
A Family Classic with Italian-American Roots
In my family, food has always been more than just a meal it’s a memory. Some recipes carry stories that last for generations, and this one does exactly that. My grandfather, an Italian immigrant with calloused hands and a kind heart, used to call this dish “the working man’s supper.” It was born from whatever was in the pantry: a few chicken thighs, some sausage, and maybe a handful of peppers.
What amazes me is how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something rich and comforting. Among chicken and sausage recipes, this one stands out for its warmth and heart. The first time I cooked it for my kids, the smell of simmering peppers and garlic made me feel like my grandfather was right there with us again.
If you love slow, soulful cooking that fills the house with comfort, you’ll definitely enjoy my Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe. It’s another dish that reminds you why homemade always tastes better.
Why This Dish Stands Out Among Chicken and Sausage Recipes
What sets Chicken Scarpariello apart from most chicken and sausage recipes is its bold yet balanced character. The crispy, golden-brown chicken lays the foundation of flavor, while the sausage infuses the sauce with deep, savory richness. As everything simmers, the sauce transforms sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy.
This meal feels rustic and elegant all at once. You don’t need anything fancy, just good ingredients and time. It’s the kind of dinner that turns a weekday into something special and reminds you that great food doesn’t need to be complicated.
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Chicken and Sausage Recipes
Selecting the Perfect Chicken and Sausage
When it comes to chicken and sausage recipes, the best results come from choosing quality ingredients. I always reach for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They’re forgiving, flavorful, and create that irresistible crisp texture when seared properly. Chicken breasts tend to dry out during braising, but thighs? They’re built for it.
The sausage choice makes a huge difference too. I recommend sweet or hot Italian sausage, depending on your spice preference. The fat from the sausage blends beautifully into the sauce, giving it body and richness. You’ll see why this combination is a classic Italian-American pairing.
For another easy, flavor-packed dinner idea, check out my Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights.
The Role of Peppers, Garlic, and Pickling Brine
The heart of Chicken Scarpariello lies in its vibrant mix of bell peppers, pickled cherry peppers, and their brine. That brine might seem like a small detail, but it’s what gives the sauce its signature sweet-and-sour kick. Garlic and sage deepen the aroma, while a splash of white wine lifts the flavors with brightness.
As everything comes together, the sauce becomes glossy, rich, and impossible to resist. It’s one of those chicken and sausage recipes that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy trattoria, promising comfort in every bite.
The Secrets to Browning and Braising
Why Browning is the Soul of Chicken and Sausage Recipes
The secret to unforgettable chicken and sausage recipes starts long before the sauce it begins with the sear. Browning chicken isn’t just about looks; it’s about unlocking flavor. Those golden, crispy edges build the foundation of taste that carries through the entire dish. When that chicken hits a hot pan, the aroma instantly changes the energy in your kitchen.
To get it right, heat a sturdy skillet and give the chicken time to develop that crust. Don’t rush it. That patience rewards you later with depth, color, and complexity in every bite. Once the chicken is perfectly browned, remove it and let the sausage take its turn. Each step layers flavor like a story unfolding.
For another recipe where texture and rich browning make all the difference, try my Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets. It’s simple comfort food done right.
The Art of the Perfect Braise
Once everything is golden, it’s time for the transformation. Braising takes those crispy pieces and slowly tenderizes them in a bath of white wine, chicken stock, and savory goodness. As it simmers, the kitchen fills with a cozy aroma that feels like Sunday dinner at Nonno’s house.
This slow, gentle cooking lets the sausage and chicken release their essence into the sauce, making it rich, glossy, and deeply satisfying. Among chicken and sausage recipes, this technique is what gives Scarpariello its soul hearty, flavorful, and deeply comforting.
Building the Perfect Sweet-and-Sour Sauce
Balancing Sweetness, Tang, and Heat
The true magic of Chicken Scarpariello lies in its sauce. Unlike many chicken and sausage recipes, this one dances between sweet and sour with perfect balance. The pickled cherry peppers bring brightness and spice, while their brine adds that unmistakable tang. Then, a bit of sugar mellows it all into harmony.
Add bell peppers for sweetness, garlic for warmth, and fresh sage for that earthy touch. When these ingredients meet in a hot pan, the scent alone tells you it’s going to be good. It’s the kind of sauce that clings to every bite of chicken and sausage, creating pure comfort in every mouthful.
If you enjoy layered flavors that play between tangy and savory, you’ll love my Hibachi Chicken Recipe. It’s a quick, flavorful meal that delivers restaurant-style taste at home.
Layering Flavors Like a Pro
Every great sauce is built in stages, not all at once. Start with the sautéed onions and peppers, then deglaze with wine to lift the browned bits from the pan. Once the liquid reduces, add chicken stock and that spoonful of sugar. Slowly, the sauce thickens, and the flavors intertwine like a well-rehearsed symphony.
This technique makes Chicken Scarpariello stand tall among chicken and sausage recipes. It’s rustic cooking at its best unpretentious yet full of character. One taste, and you’ll understand why Italian-American families have cherished this dish for generations.
Finishing in the Oven and Serving Like a Pro
The Power of the Oven Finish
After you’ve built that rich sauce and layered every bit of flavor, it’s time for the oven to take over. This is where Chicken Scarpariello truly becomes one of the best chicken and sausage recipes you’ll ever make. The oven braise tenderizes the meat while thickening the sauce into a glossy, flavorful coat that hugs every bite.
As it bakes, the aroma deepens garlic, wine, and roasted peppers blending into something irresistible. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken skin glistens and the sauce bubbles gently around the edges. Pulling that pan out of the oven feels like unveiling a little piece of heaven from your kitchen.
If you love oven-finished meals that bring restaurant-quality flavor to your table, try my Marry Me Chicken Crockpot Recipe. It’s creamy, romantic, and always a hit.
Serving Tips to Impress Every Time
When it’s time to serve, don’t just plate it present it. I like to bring the skillet right to the table, letting everyone scoop their portion straight from the pan. The vibrant colors of peppers and sausage against that caramelized chicken skin make this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
A sprinkle of chopped parsley or a drizzle of the pan sauce can add that final touch. Serve it with warm crusty bread or creamy polenta to soak up every drop. It’s simple, generous cooking the kind that turns dinner into an experience.
This, right here, is what chicken and sausage recipes are all about: flavor, comfort, and connection.
Perfect Pairings for Chicken and Sausage Recipes
Choosing the Right Sides
Pairing this dish is easy because its bold flavors play well with simple sides. A light salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness, while roasted potatoes or buttered noodles complement the sauce beautifully. The goal is to let the chicken and sausage recipes shine without stealing their spotlight.
For a more classic Italian touch, serve it with roasted vegetables or sautéed spinach. Their mild flavors soak up that sweet-tangy sauce perfectly. And if you’re feeling indulgent, garlic bread never fails to make people smile.
If you enjoy cozy Italian flavors that fill your kitchen with warmth, you’ll love my Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan. It’s another easy crowd-pleaser with rich tomato and cheese comfort.
Drinks and Desserts That Complete the Meal
When I serve Chicken Scarpariello, I like to pair it with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio it cuts through the richness and highlights the sauce’s tangy side. For something non-alcoholic, sparkling water with lemon does the job beautifully.
To finish the evening, a simple dessert works best. Think of light Italian classics like panna cotta, lemon sorbet, or even a small espresso with biscotti. These clean, refreshing flavors balance the boldness of the main course, leaving your guests satisfied but not stuffed.
Among chicken and sausage recipes, few end on such a high note flavorful, memorable, and perfectly balanced.
Making It Your Own
Simple Tweaks for Endless Variety
One of the best things about chicken and sausage recipes is how easy they are to customize. Don’t be afraid to make this dish your own. If your family loves spice, toss in a few hot cherry peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Prefer a milder touch? Stick with sweet Italian sausage and bell peppers for that comforting balance of sweetness and depth.
You can even play with herbs try rosemary instead of sage, or add a handful of fresh basil at the end for a bright, aromatic finish. The goal is to make a meal that feels like it belongs in your home. That’s what cooking’s all about: comfort, creativity, and connection.
If you’re into experimenting with flavor, check out my Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe. It’s a simple base you can season a hundred different ways.
Adapting for Different Occasions
This recipe works whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a crowd. For family dinners, I like to keep things rustic serve the skillet straight from the oven with a loaf of crusty bread. But if you’re hosting, plating each portion with a drizzle of the sauce adds a nice touch of elegance.
The beauty of dishes like this lies in their flexibility. You can double it for gatherings, make it ahead, or pair it with seasonal sides for something new each time. Among chicken and sausage recipes, this one truly fits any occasion from cozy nights to dinner parties.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
Storing Leftovers Without Losing Flavor
One of the many perks of chicken and sausage recipes like this is how well they reheat. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even better. Once cooled, store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, use the stovetop instead of the microwave to keep that sauce thick and glossy.
You can even freeze it for later just thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it gently in a pan. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks when you want real comfort without starting from scratch.
If you love recipes that hold up beautifully as leftovers, try my Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe. It reheats like a dream and tastes just as good the next day.
Turning Leftovers Into New Meals
The beauty of this dish doesn’t stop at dinner. Leftover Chicken Scarpariello makes fantastic sandwiches or wraps just shred the meat, spoon on some sauce, and add roasted peppers. You can also toss the leftovers with pasta or rice for an entirely new meal that feels like you cooked from scratch.
That’s the thing about chicken and sausage recipes they never go to waste. Every bite, whether freshly made or reheated, keeps that same balance of comfort and bold Italian flavor. It’s the kind of cooking that keeps your week delicious and effortless.
FAQs About Chicken and Sausage Recipes
How to make chicken and sausage gumbo?
To make chicken and sausage gumbo, start with a dark roux made from equal parts flour and oil. Once it’s rich and nutty, add chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery. Stir in sliced andouille sausage and shredded chicken, then season with Cajun spices. Slowly pour in chicken broth and let it simmer until thick and flavorful. Serve it over white rice for a true Southern comfort classic. Gumbo is one of those chicken and sausage recipes that warms the soul from the first bite.
How to cook chicken and apple sausage?
Cooking chicken and apple sausage is easy and versatile. You can pan-sear, bake, or grill it depending on your preference. For pan-searing, cook over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through. The natural sweetness of the apples pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables or a light salad. It’s a wholesome, quick addition to your collection of chicken and sausage recipes for busy weeknights.
What to make with chicken and sausage?
There’s no shortage of ideas when it comes to chicken and sausage recipes. You can make pasta dishes, skillet dinners, casseroles, or even hearty soups. Try combining them with peppers and onions for a flavorful Italian-style meal, or add rice and Cajun seasoning for a Louisiana-inspired twist. These two ingredients work together beautifully, offering endless possibilities for both comfort and creativity.
How to make Cajun gumbo with chicken and sausage?
For authentic Cajun gumbo, start with a roux cooked until deep brown it gives the dish its signature flavor. Add the “holy trinity” of onion, celery, and bell pepper, followed by garlic, sausage, and seasoned chicken. Simmer with stock and Cajun spices until thickened. Serve over rice and garnish with green onions. Among chicken and sausage recipes, Cajun gumbo stands out for its bold spice and soulful depth.
Can I use smoked sausage instead of Italian sausage in chicken and sausage recipes?
Absolutely. Smoked sausage adds a deeper, more robust flavor that works beautifully in stews and skillet dishes. It changes the character of the dish slightly less sweet, more earthy but still delicious. If you’re after a smokier twist, swap Italian sausage for smoked sausage or kielbasa. The result is one of those chicken and sausage recipes that feels both rustic and hearty.
What’s the best way to thicken sauce in chicken and sausage recipes?
If your sauce feels too thin, you’ve got options. Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce naturally, or whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water for a quick fix. For a more old-school approach, mash a few of the cooked peppers into the sauce they’ll naturally thicken it while adding flavor. Either way, your sauce will cling perfectly to every bite of chicken and sausage.
Bringing It All Home: The Heart of Chicken and Sausage Recipes
Cooking has always been my way of connecting with my roots, my family, and the people I love most. Whenever I make Chicken Scarpariello, it reminds me why I fell in love with the kitchen in the first place. As a dad of two, life can get messy and loud, but when the aroma of sizzling sausage and seared chicken fills the house, everything slows down. It’s that moment when food becomes more than a meal it becomes a memory.
What I love most about chicken and sausage recipes like this is how they bring comfort and joy to even the busiest evenings. They’re hearty, flavorful, and filled with the kind of warmth that comes from cooking with intention. Whether you’re making it for your family, friends, or just yourself, you’ll taste that same blend of love and tradition in every bite.
So next time you’re looking for something simple yet unforgettable, grab your skillet and give this Italian-American classic a try. Because at the end of the day, the best meals aren’t just the ones that taste amazing they’re the ones that make you feel at home.
❤️ Made with Love ❤️
This Chicken Scarpariello is more than one of my favorite chicken and sausage recipes it’s a piece of my family’s story. The golden chicken, the sizzling sausage, and that tangy-sweet sauce take me straight back to my grandfather’s kitchen, where I first learned that food isn’t just something you cook; it’s something you share. Every time I make this dish, I feel that same warmth and connection that inspired this blog in the first place. To learn more about my journey, my Italian roots, and how this cooking passion became “My Dinner Ideas,” visit my About Me page and if you’d like to chat, don’t hesitate to Contact Me anytime.
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