Introduction
Chicken ragu is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together simple ingredients to create a richly flavored sauce. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for a family dinner or any gathering. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs makes it a delightful addition to pasta or polenta. Ready in under two hours, it will leave your kitchen smelling incredible.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 pounds of chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Prep Time
The preparation time for this chicken ragu recipe is approximately 15 minutes. This includes the time needed to chop the vegetables and prepare the chicken.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cooking time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully. In total, you will spend around 1 hour and 45 minutes from prep to serving. This recipe yields about 4 to 6 servings, making it a great option for families or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add more olive oil if necessary. Add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes
Stir in crushed tomatoes along with some dried oregano and basil. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the tomato sauce. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 7: Finalize the Sauce
Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb more of the sauce’s flavor.
Step 8: Serve
Serve the chicken ragu over your choice of pasta, rice, or polenta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Note 1: Chicken Variety
You can use different cuts of chicken, such as thighs or breasts, based on your preference.
Note 2: Additional Vegetables
Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms when sautéing the onions and garlic for more flavor and nutrition.
Note 3: Make Ahead
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheats well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Note 4: Serving Suggestions
Pair the chicken ragu with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Slow Cooking
Slow cooking allows flavors to meld together over time, creating a rich and hearty sauce. This technique is ideal for developing depth in dishes like chicken ragu.
Sautéing
Sautéing the chicken before adding it to the sauce helps to brown the meat, enhancing its flavor and texture. This step is critical for achieving a savory base.
Simmering
Simmering the ragu allows the ingredients to cook gently, ensuring the chicken becomes tender and absorbs all the flavors from the sauce.
Deglazing
Deglazing the pan after sautéing the chicken captures the browned bits stuck to the bottom, which adds a concentrated flavor to the ragu.
Reducing
Reducing the sauce by cooking it for a longer period helps thicken it and intensifies the flavors, creating a more satisfying dish.
FAQ
Can I use other meats for this ragu?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with other meats such as beef or turkey, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
How long can I store leftover chicken ragu?
Leftover chicken ragu can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.
What can I serve with chicken ragu?
Chicken ragu pairs well with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread, allowing you to soak up the delicious sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, chicken ragu is perfect for making ahead of time and can even taste better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Conclusion
The easy chicken ragu recipe is a wonderful dish that combines rich flavors and tender chicken in a hearty sauce, perfect for a comforting meal. Whether served over pasta, polenta, or with crusty bread, it is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoying this dish can be an opportunity to gather with loved ones, savoring not just the food but the moments shared.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Ragu with Vegetable Medley
Add seasonal vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini to enhance the nutritional value and flavor profile of the ragu.
Traditional Meat Ragu
For a classic Italian twist, substitute chicken with ground beef or pork, incorporating the same spices for a rich, hearty ragu.
Spicy Chicken Ragu
Introduce red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick that elevates the dish and adds complexity to the sauce.
Chickpea Ragu
For a vegetarian approach, replace chicken with chickpeas, allowing for a protein-rich meal that maintains the comforting qualities of a ragu.
Ragu-Stuffed Bell Peppers
Use the chicken ragu as a filling for bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake for a delicious twist on traditional stuffed peppers.
Pasta Bake with Chicken Ragu
Combine the ragu with cooked pasta, top with mozzarella, and bake for a cheesy, satisfying pasta bake that is perfect for leftovers.
Chicken Ragu Tacos
Use the ragu as a filling for tacos, adding fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime for a unique and flavorful twist.