Chicken Scarpariello Skewers
Description
Chicken Scarpariello (“shoemaker’s chicken”) is a beloved Italian-American dish known for its tangy, slightly spicy flavor thanks to a vinegar-wine sauce and pickled peppers. This skewer version is perfect for grilling season and makes the classic dish handheld and fun, with the same bold flavor. It combines juicy chicken, sweet Italian sausage, bell peppers, and tangy cherry peppers for a zesty bite in every mouthful.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Skewers:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5″ chunks
2 sweet Italian sausages, sliced into 1″ rounds
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1.5″ squares
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1.5″ squares
1 small red onion, quartered and separated
½ cup jarred hot or sweet cherry peppers, halved (drained)
Wooden or metal skewers
For the Marinade:
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Glaze for Grilling:
¼ cup chicken broth
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
Prep Time: 20 min
Marinate Time: 1 hour (or overnight)
Cook Time: 12–15 min
Total Time: ~1.5 hours
Prepare Marinade
In a bowl, mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Marinate Chicken
Toss the chicken chunks in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Assemble Skewers
Alternate marinated chicken, sausage slices, bell peppers, onion, and cherry peppers on each skewer.
Optional Glaze (for basting)
Mix chicken broth, vinegar, honey, olive oil, and mustard in a small saucepan. Simmer 5 min and set aside.
Grill Skewers
Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill skewers for 12–15 minutes, turning every 3–4 min, until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Baste with glaze during final 5 minutes for extra flavor.
Serve Hot
Serve with crusty bread or a side of rice or roasted potatoes to soak up the juices.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 2 Skewers)
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~420 kcal
Protein 32 g
Total Fat 28 g
Saturated Fat 8 g
Carbohydrates 8 g
Fiber 2 g
Sugars 4 g
Sodium 850 mg
(Varies slightly based on sausage and cherry pepper brands.)
Q&A
Q1: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes, but chicken thighs stay juicier on the grill. Breast can dry out if overcooked.
Q2: Can these be baked instead of grilled?
A: Absolutely! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q3: What if I don’t have cherry peppers?
A: Substitute with sliced banana peppers or pepperoncini for similar tang.
Q4: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes, assemble skewers and refrigerate up to 24 hours before grilling. Don’t skip marinating!
Q5: Are they spicy?
A: Mildly. Use sweet cherry peppers and skip red pepper flakes for a non-spicy
version.