Carmine’s Chicken Scarpariello Recipe: A Flavorful Copycat Dish

Chicken Scarpariello is the perfect recipe for anyone who loves bold, zesty flavors and hearty meals. 

This classic Italian-American dish features tender chicken, tangy lemon, aromatic rosemary, and a depth of garlic and wine, creating a savory, flavor-packed experience. 

The combination of bright, citrusy lemon and the richness of the chicken makes it a standout dish that everyone will love. 

This recipe is just one of our easy chicken dishes designed to bring variety and excitement to your weekly menu! 

Perfect for family dinners or a special occasion, this copycat recipe is sure to impress your guests with the authentic flavors of Carmine’s signature dish.

Carmine’s Chicken Scarpariello recipe is a delicious copycat version of the famous dish served at Carmine’s Italian Restaurant in New York City. Known for its family-style servings and bold flavors, Carmine’s has made a name for itself with dishes that bring the heart of Italian cooking to the table.

This recipe captures all the savory goodness of the original, featuring tender chicken, zesty lemon, fragrant rosemary, and a rich garlic and wine sauce.

While Carmine’s version is beloved by New Yorkers and visitors alike, this homemade version allows you to recreate that same comforting, flavorful dish in your own kitchen, bringing a taste of NYC to your dining room. 

What is the meaning of scarpariello?

The name comes from the Italian word for “shoemaker.” Legend has it this dish was a favorite among hardworking shoemakers in Southern Italy because of its simplicity and use of everyday ingredients. Over the years, this rustic recipe has found a place in Italian-American cuisine, beloved for its tangy, savory flavors and versatility.

What is Chicken Scarpariello Made Of?

• Chicken Thighs for rich flavor and tenderness.
• Lemons provide a bright, tangy citrus flavor, essential for the dish’s signature zing.
• Fresh Rosemary adds an earthy, fragrant herbal note.
• Garlic delivers a robust, savory depth.
• Olive Oil used for marinating, sautéing, and creating the sauce base.
• Butter adds a rich, creamy finish to the sauce.
• A splash of white wine helps deglaze the pan, adding complexity to the sauce.
• Chicken stock forms the base of the sauce, tying the flavors together.

Marinate the chicken in a combination of lemon juice, rosemary, olive oil salt and pepper for 30 minutes to overnight. 

Remove the chicken from the marinade, pat it dry with a paper towel, and sear it in the hot oil. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, browning the chicken on all sides. Set the chicken aside.

In the same skillet, melt the butter and deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine, scraping up any flavorful bits.

Simmer with chicken stock and remaining lemon juice from the remaining lemon.

Don’t rush the sauce! The lower heat releases the full aroma of the herbs and garlic, and reducing the wine and stock intensifies the flavor.

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s coated with the sauce.

Cover and cook on low heat until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Pair this dish with a crisp glass of white wine to complement its bold and tangy flavors, along with crusty bread, roasted potatoes, or over pasta to soak up every drop of the sauce. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and lemon wedges for an elegant touch.

For a heartier meal, add hot or sweet Italian sausage or peppers to the dish for a more traditional meal.

To make your meal even more unforgettable, why not pair your Chicken Scarpariello with a few delicious sides? Serve up a creamy Penne alla Vodka, a crisp Caesar Salad, or bake a flavorful Garlic Bread Twist to soak up all those delicious juices.

And for the perfect sweet ending, treat yourself to a classic Strawberry Shortcake — light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh flavors.