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. 

Chicken Scarpariello

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.

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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.

Can I substitute the white wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, substitute it with an equal amount of chicken stock for a milder flavor.

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. 

Chicken Scarpariello in orange stoneware
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Carmine’s Chicken Scarpariello Recipe

Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Carmine’s Chicken Scarpariello, Carmine’s Chicken Scarpariello Recipe, Chicken Scarpariello
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Momma Lew

Enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home with this copycat recipe for Carmine’s Chicken Scarpariello!

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds of chicken
  • 3 large lemons
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons + 1 cup Capatriti Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Splash of white wine
  • 1 cup chicken stock

Instructions

  1. Pat dry chicken
  2. In a large bowl, add chicken, herbs, juice of 2 lemons, 1 cup EVOO, salt & pepper.
  3. Cover and marinate for 24 hours.
  4. When ready to cook, remove chicken from marinade and shake off herbs.
  5. In a large saute pan, heat remaining EVOO and add garlic chicken pieces. Do not overcrowd the pan.
  6. Cook in batches if you need to.
  7. Turn chicken over when it becomes browned and crusty.
  8. Remove chicken as they are finished cooking on each side and add to a dish.
  9. In the same saute pan, leave garlic, add remaining herbs and saute over low heat.
  10. Add wine and chicken stock and reduce heat.
  11. Add butter, remaining lemon juice, salt and pepper.
  12. Pour liquid over the top of the chicken.
  13. Garnish chicken scarpariello with rosemary.
Nutrition Facts
Carmine's Chicken Scarpariello Recipe
Amount Per Serving (4 Servings)
Calories 0
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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82 Comments

  1. This looks like something I would be able to make. I like chicken as it is one of the foods that I eat a lot of and this looks nutritious and delicious.

  2. I always cook my things with virgin olive oil! I don’t know which brand, but I might check this one out. The post got me suuuuper hungry!! lol

  3. 5 stars
    Oh my goodness, my mouth is watering. I love chicken thighs, but have never made them like this. And that olive oil? It sounds AMAZING! Thanks so much for sharing

  4. 5 stars
    I’ve not heard of Carmine’s, so I must look it up! However, I’d choose your chicken any day over a restaurant. This looks so good!

  5. This looks absolutely delicious! I am always looking for new ways to make a meal with chicken, so definitely going to be giving this one a try.

  6. i like pasta made with oil&garlic instead of traditional red sauce! and mix in a ton of veggies! so this olive oil would be great for that!

  7. I’ve never heard of this recipe before. It looks delicious though! I’m a big fan of chicken dishes so I’ll have to try it.

  8. Super drool I would pair this with a nice salad be the happiest of happy OH my.. and I bet the aroma must of been so good throughout the house!

  9. 5 stars
    Well the chicken looks amazing. That picture makes me hungry. (The 2nd entry says to comment on the Kid’s Veggie Sushi, but the link leads here, lol. So…as long as the sushi has no raw fish, my nephews would probably love it.)

  10. I think I might make an Olive Oil Cake. I’ve been seeing recipes on Pinterest for that, & I think it looks so moist & tasty.

  11. There is something about the combination of chicken, lemon, butter, and wine that just gets me excited. This meal looks amazing and I can’t wait to make this at home!

  12. I have never tried Chicken Scarpariello before. It looks so delicious and easy to make. I will have to give this recipe a try next week.

  13. I love finding new chicken recipes to try. I will have to get the ingredients I need to make this for dinner tomorrow.

  14. 5 stars
    This Chicken Scarpariello would be the first thing that I made if I won. Then some pasta and garlic bread would be the next night.

  15. This recipe looks delicious and easy to make with very locally sourced even organic ingredients. Love cooking with EVOO.

  16. I love this recipe! My family are big chicken fans, but I’ll be honest… I struggle getting the skin on the chicken crispy. I love seeing how you brown it first and then simmer for a while. I’m definitely going to try that!

  17. This is something that my husband and I would love. Your chicken has the perfect crust on it. Can’t wait to give this a go.

  18. Yum! This chicken recipe sounds scrumptious! I love all the ingredients and I cook so many of my dishes with EVO! I am going to have to add this recipe to my Sunday dinner plan. Thanks for sharing with us!

  19. The recipe sounds good. The only thing I’d change is I’d use boneless, skinless breast. I never eat dark meat or, gag. skin.

  20. I love how simple this dish is and yet so packed with flavor as well. That’s sounds like a really good EVOO! I love cooking with olive oil because it adds depth to the dish.

  21. I’ve never used Capatriti Olive Oil but this sounds amazing so I might need to give it a try. I’m always looking for new chicken dishes that my family will love – thanks for sharing.

  22. 5 stars
    I will make this recipe, simple and has everything i like! I will also use it for salads, sautéing and making my favorite sauces and dips.

  23. Your dish looks really inviting. I had heard about the olive oil scandal a few months back — and I appreciate knowing which brands are the real deal. I’ll look for this — and I definitely want to try your recipe. Bet it would be awesome over a rice pilaf!

  24. I was appalled when I heard about the extra virgin olive oil statistics. Glad to know Capatriti is pure. Your chicken dish is gorgeous; such beautiful browning on the skin and the sauce sounds so simple and lovely. I’m such a fan of lemon and white wine with chicken!

  25. 5 stars
    Chicken Scarpariello looks like a wonderful and tasty recipe. I am sure it is worth the effort and time to make this dish.

  26. How interesting about the international standards for EVOO. After reading that, I immediately went and looked at all the oils in my pantry and none of them had the seal! I know what I’ll be looking for when shopping for now on! Thanks!

  27. 5 stars
    This is definitely a recipe I would try to make. I also love Capatriti EVOO and am shocked that so many Extra V O oils don’t meet the standards.

  28. 5 stars
    I think what I would make is something simple. I love a beautiful salad with fresh garden produce. I would have an oil and vinegar dressing. I might also dip some fresh breadsticks in this oil it looks and sounds delicious.

  29. 5 stars
    This looks super yummy and so fancy! My family would really be impressed if I made something like this for them.

  30. I get this dish at Carmines whenever I’m near there! I sometime get a second order to take home! One of my favorites! I have made this at home and it’s almost as good as at the restaurant.

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