This Skinny Chicken Scarpariello recipe is a lighter take on the traditional Italian dish. It is packed with flavors from chicken, sausage, veggies, and spicy cherry peppers, all cooked together in a savory white wine sauce. Not only is this dish delicious, but it's also healthy and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner.
The ingredients in this recipe are quite common, but there is one that you might need to pick up from the supermarket if it's not already in your pantry - jarred hot cherry peppers. These are usually found in the pickled produce section and add a delightfully spicy kick to this dish. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Ingredients for Skinny Chicken Scarpariello
Olive oil: It is used for sauteing, and it also adds a bit of richness to the dish. Chicken breast halves: They are the main protein source in this recipe. Italian chicken sausage: This adds extra flavor and a bit of spice. Cauliflower: It adds texture and health benefits to the dish. Onion: It is used for its sharp flavor and aroma. Garlic: It provides a strong flavor that complements the other ingredients. Hot cherry peppers: These give the dish its necessary kick. White wine: It is used to deglaze the pan and adds a wonderful flavor. Chicken stock: It helps to create a flavorful sauce. Rosemary: It is used to provide an aromatic touch.
One reader, Aleen Hurley says:
This skinny chicken scarpariello recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and satisfying, and the dish is surprisingly light. The combination of chicken, sausage, and cauliflower is a winner. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and healthier alternative.
Essential Techniques for Preparing Skinny Chicken Scarpariello
Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F before starting the cooking process.
Cut chicken: Cut the chicken in half to make 4 pieces, leaving the bone on.
Brown chicken: Brown the seasoned chicken for 2 to 3 minutes per side in a large, oven-safe sauté pan with straight sides over medium-high heat.
Sauté ingredients: Sauté the onion, chicken sausage, cauliflower florets, garlic, and cherry peppers over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables and sausage start to brown.
Boil wine: Allow the white wine to boil for about 2 minutes after adding it to the pan.
Cook in oven: Place the pan in the preheated oven and cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
Remove from oven: Carefully remove the pan from the oven using a towel or kitchen gloves.
How To Make Skinny Chicken Scarpariello
Go Italian by giving this homely Chicken Scarpariello a try! This uses lean chicken breast and cauliflowers resulting in a dish you can’t wait to serve!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½tbspolive oil
- 2large chicken breast halves,bone in, skin removed
- Kosher salt and pepper,to taste
- 1link cooked sweet Italian chicken sausage,sliced thinly on a bias, used Aidells
- 4cupsmedium head of cauliflower,cut into florets
- 1medium onion,sliced thinly
- 4garlic cloves,sliced thinly
- 4jarred hot cherry peppers,sliced plus 1 tbsp liquid, optional for extra heat
- ⅓cupdry white wine
- 1cupchicken stock,reduced-sodium
- 1sprigrosemary,needles removed and roughly chopped, plus additional for garnish
Instructions
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Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F.
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Cut chicken in half to make 4 pieces, leaving the bone on.
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Heat oil in a large, oven safe sauté pan with straight sides over medium-high heat.
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Season the chicken with salt and pepper and brown for 2 to 3 minutes per side.
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Remove chicken and set aside.
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Lower heat to medium. Add onion, chicken sausage, cauliflower florets, garlic, and cherry peppers.
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Sauté, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables and sausage start to brown.
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Add the white wine, cherry peppers and additional optional liquid.
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Raise heat and allow to boil for about 2 minutes before adding chicken stock.
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Add chicken breasts back into pan, bone side down, sprinkle rosemary on top, bring to a boil and then place the pan in the oven, uncovered.
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Cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
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Remove from oven carefully, with towel or kitchen gloves. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Replace dry white wine with chicken stock for whole30 and paleo diets.
Nutrition
- Calories: 262.75kcal
- Fat: 13.28g
- Saturated Fat: 3.01g
- Trans Fat: 0.07g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.86g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.34g
- Carbohydrates: 16.12g
- Fiber: 4.42g
- Sugar: 6.23g
- Protein: 18.03g
- Cholesterol: 47.40mg
- Sodium: 828.11mg
- Calcium: 66.22mg
- Potassium: 718.33mg
- Iron: 2.60mg
- Vitamin A: 103.54µg
- Vitamin C: 110.97mg
Pro Tip: Mastering the Art of Skinny Chicken Scarpariello
When browning the chicken, it's important not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam rather than brown, which can affect the overall flavor of the dish. If necessary, brown the chicken in batches to ensure each piece has enough space to cook properly. Additionally, using a high-quality dry white wine can significantly enhance the flavor of the sauce. Choose a wine that you would enjoy drinking, as the flavor will concentrate as it cooks.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Skinny Chicken Scarpariello
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pot wonder: Use a large oven-safe sauté pan to brown the chicken and then transfer it directly to the oven to finish cooking, minimizing clean-up.
Multi-task: While the chicken is in the oven, use that time to set the table, prepare a side dish, or tidy up the kitchen.
Efficient chopping: Cut the vegetables and chicken into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and save time on prep work.
Use pre-cooked sausage: Opt for pre-cooked chicken sausage to cut down on cooking time and simplify the recipe.
Substitute Ingredients For Skinny Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and flavor profile to olive oil, making it a suitable substitute for sautéing and cooking.
chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast can be used as a lean alternative to chicken breast, offering a similar texture and flavor in the dish.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity and enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can add a mild, smoky flavor and vibrant color to the dish, serving as a suitable alternative to black pepper.
sweet Italian chicken sausage - Substitute with turkey sausage: Turkey sausage can be used as a leaner alternative to chicken sausage, offering a similar savory flavor and texture.
cauliflower - Substitute with broccoli florets: Broccoli florets can be used as a substitute for cauliflower, providing a similar texture and mild flavor in the dish.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for onions, offering a milder and sweeter flavor to the dish.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a convenient option with a similar flavor profile.
hot cherry peppers - Substitute with pickled jalapeños: Pickled jalapeños can add a spicy and tangy kick to the dish, serving as a suitable alternative to hot cherry peppers.
dry white wine - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can be used as a non-alcoholic substitute for dry white wine, adding depth of flavor to the dish.
chicken stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock can be used as a substitute for chicken stock, providing a flavorful base for the dish.
rosemary - Substitute with thyme: Thyme can be used as a substitute for rosemary, offering a similar earthy and aromatic flavor to the dish.
How to Beautifully Present Skinny Chicken Scarpariello
- Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use negative space to highlight the vibrant colors of the dish and arrange the components thoughtfully to create an eye-catching presentation.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a pop of color and freshness to the dish by garnishing with fresh basil or parsley. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a layer of aroma to the overall dining experience.
- Incorporate texture: Introduce textural elements such as crispy cauliflower florets or a delicate sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs to provide a delightful contrast and elevate the overall dining experience.
- Utilize elegant serving ware: Choose sophisticated and elegant serving dishes that complement the dish without overpowering it. Opt for minimalist yet refined plating options to showcase the exquisite flavors of the dish.
- Drizzle with a reduction: Create an artful drizzle of balsamic reduction or truffle-infused oil to add a touch of luxury and depth of flavor to the dish, enhancing its appeal to discerning palates.
- Balance the colors: Pay attention to the color composition on the plate. Aim for a harmonious balance of colors, ensuring that each component stands out while contributing to the overall visual allure of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Skinny Chicken Scarpariello
- Oven: An appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
- Sauté pan: A wide, flat-bottomed pan with relatively tall sides, used for sautéing, searing, and frying foods.
- Kitchen gloves: Protective gloves worn while handling hot objects or when working with heat in the kitchen.
- Food thermometer: A tool used to measure the internal temperature of cooked meat and poultry to ensure they are safely cooked.
- Cutting board: A durable board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose kitchen knife used for slicing, chopping, and dicing various ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients together.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for lifting, spreading, and flipping foods.
- Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot near the handle, used for picking up and manipulating food.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used to accurately measure ingredients for cooking and baking.
- Serving platter: A large, flat dish used for serving food.
Preserving Skinny Chicken Scarpariello: Storage and Freezing Tips
- Allow the chicken scarpariello to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled dish to an airtight container or divide it into individual portions in smaller containers.
- If storing in the refrigerator, the chicken scarpariello will keep for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, place the airtight container(s) in the freezer, where the dish will keep for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen chicken scarpariello in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the thawed dish in a covered pan over medium-low heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- If the sauce appears too thick after thawing and reheating, add a splash of chicken stock or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring every 30-60 seconds until heated through.
- To maintain the best texture of the cauliflower and peppers, avoid prolonged reheating, as they may become softer than when initially cooked.
- Enjoy your reheated skinny chicken scarpariello within 1-2 days of thawing for the best quality and flavor.
The Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Skinny Chicken Scarpariello
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover skinny chicken scarpariello in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the cauliflower is tender. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to crisp up the chicken skin.
For a quicker option, reheat the skinny chicken scarpariello in the microwave. Transfer the leftovers to a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until the chicken and vegetables are heated through. Be careful not to overcook, as the chicken may become dry.
If you have a bit more time, reheat the skinny chicken scarpariello on the stovetop. Place the leftovers in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken stock or water to the pan to prevent the dish from drying out. Cover the pan and heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken and vegetables are warmed through.
For a crispy texture, reheat the skinny chicken scarpariello under the broiler. Preheat your broiler to high and place the leftovers on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken skin is crispy and the dish is heated through. Keep a close eye on the food to prevent burning.
If you have an air fryer, use it to reheat the skinny chicken scarpariello for a crispy result. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the leftovers in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, or until the chicken and vegetables are heated through and the skin is crispy.
Interesting Trivia About Skinny Chicken Scarpariello
The dish Chicken Scarpariello originated in New York City and is a popular Italian-American recipe. It is traditionally made with chicken, sausage, peppers, and vinegar, but there are many variations of the dish. It is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.
Budget-Friendly: Is Skinny Chicken Scarpariello Economical for Home Cooking?
This skinny chicken scarpariello recipe is fairly cost-effective for a household. The use of chicken breast, cauliflower, and chicken sausage makes it a budget-friendly option. The addition of garlic and onion adds depth of flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25, making it an affordable and satisfying meal. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is Skinny Chicken Scarpariello Healthy or Unhealthy?
The skinny chicken scarpariello recipe is a healthier take on the classic Italian dish. Here's an analysis of its nutritional value:
- The recipe uses olive oil, which is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats.
- Chicken breast is a lean protein source, low in fat and high in essential amino acids.
- Cauliflower is a nutrient-dense vegetable, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Onion and garlic provide flavor and have potential health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and boosting immunity.
- The recipe includes a moderate amount of white wine and chicken stock, which add depth to the dish without excessive calories.
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved:
- The Italian chicken sausage, while adding flavor, may contain added salt and preservatives.
- The jarred hot cherry peppers may be high in sodium.
- The recipe doesn't include a significant source of complex carbohydrates or leafy greens.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this dish, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for a low-sodium chicken stock to reduce the overall salt content.
- Replace the Italian chicken sausage with a homemade version using lean ground chicken and natural seasonings.
- Increase the variety of vegetables by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or leafy greens like spinach or kale.
- Serve the dish alongside a portion of whole grains, such as quinoa or brown rice, to provide a balanced meal with complex carbohydrates.
- Experiment with herbs and spices to add flavor without relying on salt, such as thyme, oregano, or red pepper flakes.
Editor's Opinion: Skinny Chicken Scarpariello Recipe Review
This skinny chicken scarpariello recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish. The use of chicken breast and cauliflower makes it a lighter and healthier option without compromising on flavor. The combination of sweet Italian chicken sausage, hot cherry peppers, and white wine creates a delicious and complex taste profile. The dish is well-balanced and offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors. The cooking method ensures that the chicken remains juicy and tender. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful choice for those seeking a healthier yet still indulgent dining experience.
Enhance Your Skinny Chicken Scarpariello Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Skinny Chicken Scarpariello
Appetizers and Desserts: Completing Your Skinny Chicken Scarpariello Menu
Why trust this Skinny Chicken Scarpariello Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic chicken scarpariello, featuring a lighter, healthier approach without compromising on flavor. With a focus on wholesome ingredients such as chicken breast, cauliflower, and chicken sausage, it provides a balanced and nutritious meal. The use of olive oil and dry white wine adds depth to the dish, while the inclusion of hot cherry peppers infuses a delightful kick. The step-by-step instructions ensure a seamless cooking experience, promising a delicious outcome that's both satisfying and guilt-free.
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