Chicken riggies

Chicken Riggies

A plate of Chicken Riggies

Chicken Riggies is a popular Italian-American pasta dish that originated in the Utica area of New York State. The dish is known for its spicy and creamy tomato sauce that is served over rigatoni pasta, combined with chicken and bell peppers.

History

The origins of Chicken Riggies are somewhat debated, but it is widely accepted that the dish was created in the Utica-Rome area of New York in the late 20th century. The name "Riggies" is derived from the type of pasta used, rigatoni, which is a large, tube-shaped pasta that holds the sauce well.

Ingredients

The main ingredients of Chicken Riggies include:

• Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Rigatoni pasta
• Bell peppers, typically a mix of red and green
• Onion
• Garlic
• Tomato sauce
• Heavy cream
• Hot cherry peppers or banana peppers for spice
• Olive oil
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper

Preparation

The preparation of Chicken Riggies involves several steps:

1. Cooking the Chicken: The chicken is sautéed in olive oil until it is browned and cooked through. 2. Making the Sauce: The onion, garlic, and bell peppers are cooked until soft. Tomato sauce and heavy cream are added to create a creamy, spicy sauce. Hot cherry peppers are included to add heat. 3. Combining Ingredients: The cooked rigatoni is added to the sauce along with the chicken. The dish is simmered to allow the flavors to meld. 4. Serving: Chicken Riggies is typically garnished with Parmesan cheese and served hot.

Variations

There are many variations of Chicken Riggies, with some recipes including additional ingredients such as mushrooms, black olives, or artichoke hearts. The level of spiciness can also be adjusted by varying the amount of hot peppers used.

Cultural Significance

Chicken Riggies is a staple of Central New York cuisine and is often featured at local festivals and events. It is a dish that reflects the Italian-American heritage of the region and is beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Related pages

• Utica, New York
• Italian-American cuisine
• Rigatoni
• Pasta