Easy recipe for 5-Ingredient Crock Pot Chicken Scarpariello
Make the best Crock Pot Chicken Scarpariello! This easy slow cooker recipe is the perfect sweet and spicy weeknight dinner. Discover how.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs trimmed of excess fat
- 1 tbsp olive oil for searing
- 1 lb Italian sausage mild or hot, casings removed if links, or bulk sausage
- 2 large bell peppers e.g., 1 red, 1 green, cored and sliced into strips
- ½ cup jarred hot cherry peppers sliced, plus 2-3 tbsp of the brine
- 24 oz marinara sauce your favorite brand
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If using Italian sausage links, remove the casings. Core and slice the bell peppers into 1/2-inch strips. Slice the jarred hot cherry peppers.
- Sear Chicken (Optional but Recommended): In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. This adds a depth of flavor. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Brown Sausage & Sauté Peppers: Add the Italian sausage to the same skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet with the sausage and cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly softened, stirring occasionally.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared chicken, browned sausage, and sautéed bell peppers into a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Add the sliced hot cherry peppers, their brine, and the marinara sauce. Stir gently to combine everything.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through and the flavors have melded. The chicken should be easily shredded with a fork.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over pasta, rice, polenta, or with crusty bread for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats well on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Variations: For a milder dish, use sweet cherry peppers or roasted red peppers instead of hot cherry peppers. You can also add sliced onions or garlic for more depth of flavor, though this would add to the ingredient count. A pinch of red pepper flakes can increase the heat if desired.
Serving Suggestion: This dish is fantastic served with a side of steamed green beans or a simple salad to complete the meal.
