One-Pan Chicken Scarpariello gets a healthy update by swapping potatoes for cauliflower. The result is a high-protein, gluten-free, low-carb dinner that still delivers the spicy, rustic flavors of the classic Italian dish.

Healthy Chicken Scarpariello
Chicken Scarpariello is a favorite Italian comfort food—spicy, aromatic, and rich. This lighter adaptation keeps all the bold flavors while trimming calories and carbs. Bone‑in chicken breasts (skin removed) remain tender and juicy, and cauliflower florets replace potatoes so the vegetables braise without falling apart. This version is gluten‑free, lower in carbs, and still full of robust Italian flavor thanks to garlic, rosemary, jarred hot cherry peppers and a splash of white wine (or extra chicken stock for a non‑alcohol version).
Why This Recipe Is a Favorite

I’m always looking for ways to make chicken breast exciting. If you haven’t tried Chicken Scarpariello, this version is an approachable introduction. It’s simple to prepare but layered with flavor. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Layered flavor: Hot cherry peppers, garlic, white wine and rosemary create depth and brightness.
- Adjustable heat: Use fewer cherry peppers or substitute red bell peppers to tame the spice, or add pepper liquid for extra heat.
- One-pan convenience: Ten minutes of prep and a single oven‑safe skillet keeps cleanup easy.
- High protein: Each serving provides substantial protein to keep you satisfied.
Chicken Scarpariello
Swapping thighs for skinless bone‑in chicken breasts and potatoes for cauliflower makes this a lighter, low‑carb take on classic Scarpariello.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large chicken breasts, bone‑in, skin removed (cut in half to make 4 pieces)
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 link cooked sweet Italian chicken sausage, thinly sliced (about 6–8 oz)
- 1/2 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 4 jarred hot cherry peppers, sliced, plus 1 tbsp of the pepper liquid (optional)
- 1/3 cup dry white wine (or omit for whole30/paleo and replace with additional chicken stock)
- 1 cup reduced‑sodium chicken stock
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary, needles removed and roughly chopped, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut each chicken breast in half so you have four pieces. Season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven‑safe sauté pan or cast‑iron skillet over medium‑high heat.
- Add the chicken and brown 2–3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onion, sliced sausage, cauliflower florets, garlic and sliced cherry peppers to the pan.
- Sauté, stirring frequently, for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables and sausage start to brown.
- Pour in the white wine and the optional cherry pepper liquid. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil and cook about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the chicken stock, return the chicken to the pan bone‑side down, and sprinkle the chopped rosemary over the top. Bring the pan to a simmer.
- Place the uncovered pan in the preheated oven and bake 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Carefully remove the pan from the oven, let rest briefly, then serve warm, garnished with extra rosemary if desired.
Final Note
If you try this recipe, please consider leaving a rating and comment to share how it worked for you.
Nutrition
Per serving (1 piece chicken, 1 cup vegetables): Calories 283; Carbohydrates 9 g; Protein 32 g; Fat 12 g; Saturated Fat 0.7 g; Cholesterol 83 mg; Sodium 465 mg; Fiber 3 g; Sugar 1 g.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Below is a quick overview of the main ingredients—refer to the recipe card above for exact measurements.
- Olive oil to brown the chicken and develop flavor.
- Bone‑in chicken breasts, skin removed for lean protein while keeping meat tender.
- Kosher salt and black pepper to season.
- Sweet Italian chicken sausage for savory depth.
- Cauliflower florets as a low‑carb substitute for potatoes.
- Onion and garlic for aromatics and sweetness.
- Jarred hot cherry peppers for acidity and heat; use the liquid if you like it spicier.
- Dry white wine to deglaze the pan; substitute chicken stock if avoiding alcohol.
- Reduced‑sodium chicken stock to braise and keep the chicken moist.
- Fresh rosemary minced for a fragrant finish.
How to Make Chicken Scarpariello
Simple steps and one skillet deliver a flavorful, rustic main course. Follow the detailed instructions above for a reliable result.


Recipe Tips & Variations
- Use an oven‑safe pan: Make sure your skillet has no plastic on the handle so you can finish the dish in the oven.
- Chicken thighs: Swap in bone‑in, skinless thighs for a more traditional, richer version. They may need extra oven time.
- Potato option: If you prefer potatoes, use halved fingerling or small new potatoes in place of cauliflower. The dish will be heartier and higher in carbs.
- Make it alcohol‑free: Replace the white wine with additional chicken stock for a family‑friendly version.

What to Serve With Chicken Scarpariello
The chicken and vegetables make a complete meal on their own, but you can stretch the dish or add texture with sides such as brown rice, rice pilaf, creamy polenta, or a simple pasta tossed with fresh tomatoes. Choose a side based on whether you want to keep the meal low‑carb or make it more filling.
Sides for Chicken Scarpariello
- Instant Pot Brown Rice — a hearty, gluten‑free grain option.
- Homemade Rice Pilaf — flavorful and quick to prepare.
- Creamy Pumpkin Polenta — a comforting, slightly sweet contrast.
- Fresh Tomato Pasta — bright and summery if you want a traditional pasta side.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave until heated through, or place in a baking pan, cover with foil, and heat at 350ºF until warmed.
- Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

More Italian Chicken Recipes
- Chicken Marsala Meatballs
- Chicken Piccata
- Chicken Cacciatore
- Chicken Scampi
- Baked Chicken Parmesan