Utica Chicken Riggies

Chicken Riggies Recipe: My Utica Family&#039 s Comfort Food

By Fia MartinezJune 3, 2025

Table of Contents

Right then, let’s get stuck in! have you ever craved a pasta dish that's both comforting and with a bit of a kick? well, you've come to the right place! this chicken riggies recipe is the business, i'm telling you! think creamy, spicy, and utterly delicious.

What's the Deal with Riggies?

Chicken riggies comes straight from utica, new york, a proper italian-american gem. it's basically the ultimate comfort food, a hearty pasta dish that will warm you up from the inside out.

This chicken riggies recipe is relatively straightforward (medium difficulty, i'd say) and takes about an hour and fifteen minutes from start to finish.

It makes around six servings, so it's perfect for feeding the family or a crowd.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe, if i do say so myself, is the bee's knees. it's a fantastic source of protein thanks to the chicken, and it's packed with veggies.

It's a great option for sports night dinners quick meals , especially if you want something more exciting than the usual pizza.

Thinking about an on the go dinner ideas ? you can prep this a day before and just heat it up.

Honestly, it's a winner for any occasion. let's not forget that chicken wrap ideas can easily originate from this recipe by simply wrapping it into one, and that garlic chicken wraps are just a garlic bread away.

Let's Get Cooking: Ingredients You'll Need

So, what's in this magic potion? for the chicken, you'll need about 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, a tablespoon of olive oil, and some basic seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.

Alright, let's chat about what you'll need to knock this chicken riggies recipe outta the park! honestly, nothing too fancy, just the essentials.

This ain't rocket science, even if it tastes like a million bucks. we're aiming for super quick dinner ideas here, not a culinary school exam.

So grab your apron, and let's dive in!

Ingredients & Equipment: Getting Started

Main Ingredients - Let's Get Real

Chicken Thighs: 1.5 lbs ( 680g ). Now, listen up! Get good quality chicken. Free-range, if you can swing it. Honestly, it makes a difference. It needs to be firm to the touch, and not smell funky, you know?
Olive Oil: About 1 tbsp ( 15ml ) for the chicken, 2 tbsp ( 30ml ) for the sauce.
Salt & Pepper: To taste. Duh! But seriously, don't be shy. Season generously.
Garlic Powder & Dried Oregano: 1 tsp ( 5g ) garlic powder, 1/2 tsp ( 2.5g ) oregano.
Onion: 1 medium , chopped (around 1 cup , 150g ). Yellow or white is fine.
Garlic: 3 cloves , minced (about 1 tbsp , 10g ). Fresh is best, always!
Bell Peppers: 1 red , 1 green , chopped (about 1 cup each, 150g ).
Banana Peppers: 1/2 cup sliced ( 50g ). Jarred is totally fine here. Sweet or hot, your call!
Cherry Peppers: 1/4 cup sliced ( 25g ). These are the firecrackers! Use jarred, hot ones. Adjust to your spice tolerance, yeah?
Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 oz) can ( 794g ). San Marzano are the best.
Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 oz) can ( 425g ).
Chicken Broth: 1 cup ( 240ml ).
Heavy Cream: 1 cup ( 240ml ). Don't skimp! This is what makes it creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated (about 50g ).
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 tsp ( 1g ) (optional, for extra heat).
Rigatoni Pasta: 1 lb ( 454g ).

Seasoning Notes - Spice It Up!

Garlic and oregano are your base. They create that lovely Italian aroma.
Cherry peppers are the key to the riggies zing. Start small, you can always add more, right?
Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth. Don't skip it.
No banana peppers? Sweet pickled peppers can work in a pinch!

Equipment Needed - No Need for Fancy Gadgets

Large pot or Dutch oven: For the sauce. Honestly, a big pot is your best friend.
Large skillet or frying pan: For browning the chicken.
Pasta pot: To cook the rigatoni.
Colander: To drain the pasta.
Chopping board and knife: Obvious, right?

On The Go Dinner Ideas: Cheesy Chicken Wraps and Garlic Chicken Wraps

Fancy a twist on this utica chicken riggies ? while riggies are amazing, you can totally transform it into cheesy chicken wraps or even garlic chicken wraps ! once the chicken and sauce are ready, just load them into tortillas with some extra cheese, give it a quick grill, and boom! chicken wrap ideas for a sports night dinners quick meals .

It will be the easy meals with chicken ever!

Grilled Chicken Meals are also perfect. If you have the grill up, throw some chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, oregano. When cooked, make a chicken riggies recipe .

And there you have it! no need to fret. getting the ingredients and equipment together is half the battle. now, let's actually cook this thing! stay tuned, my friend, you will find so many good dinners .

This will be the next try for all of you.

Right then, let's dive into making some stonking chicken riggies. honestly, this chicken riggies recipe is a hug in a bowl, proper comfort food.

You know? it's great for those blustery evenings when you just want something hearty. forget those super quick dinner ideas for a night, this is worth the little bit of extra effort.

Getting Your Ducks in a Row: Prep Steps

Mise en Place: Your Secret Weapon

First things first, gotta get your stuff sorted. chop 1.5 lbs of chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. dice a medium onion, 3 cloves of garlic, a red bell pepper, and a green bell pepper.

Slice 1/2 cup of banana peppers and 1/4 cup of cherry peppers. get that essential mise en place done!

Time-Saving Ninja Moves

Listen, no one wants to spend all day in the kitchen. get the pasta water on to boil while you're chopping.

Have your tin of crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce open and ready. it’s all about streamlining, innit? this also helps so we can get to other good dinners

Safety First, Always!

Mind those knives! keep your fingers out of the way when chopping. and remember, hot oil spits. be careful when browning the chicken.

We don't want any singed eyebrows! safety is key for all easy meals with chicken .

Chicken Riggies in Action: Step-by-Step

Spice Up the Chicken: Toss the chicken with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano. Get it all nicely coated.
Brown Like a Pro: In a large skillet, brown the chicken in batches over medium-high heat. Don't overcrowd the pan. Set aside. We want a nice colour here.
Veggie Magic: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers until they're softened. About 5- 7 minutes should do it.
Sauce It Up: Chuck in the sliced banana and cherry peppers, the can of crushed tomatoes, and the tomato sauce. Give it a good stir.
Simmer Time: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it bubble away gently for 20 minutes . Stir occasionally.
Pasta Power: While the sauce is simmering, cook 1 lb of rigatoni pasta until al dente . Drain it well.
Creamy Dream: Stir in 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
The Grand Finale: Add the browned chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss it all together to coat. Serve immediately. Maybe some garlic chicken wraps on the side?

Chicken Riggies: Pro Tips and Tricks

Expert Moves, You See

Browning the chicken? don’t skip it. adds a layer of flavour you wouldn’t believe. and a splash of vodka in the sauce? trust me, it's a game-changer.

The vodka helps mellow out the tomatoes and adds a subtle sweetness, but do not get the kids involved with vodka.

Dodgy Moves to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta is a crime. no one likes soggy riggies. also, don’t be shy with the seasoning. taste as you go! this is also important if you are planning to make sports night dinners quick meals .

Making It Easy Peasy

You can totally prep the chicken and chop the veggies ahead of time. just store them separately in the fridge.

Then, when you’re ready to cook, it’s all systems go! maybe something as easy as cheesy chicken wraps the next day?

Honestly, mate, this chicken riggies recipe is a proper winner. give it a go and let me know what you think.

It's perfect for those on the go dinner ideas , and you might even get some requests for this chicken wrap ideas at your next gathering! it is also something you can make for grilled chicken meals .

Recipe Notes for Your Utica Chicken Riggies Recipe Masterpiece

Right, so you're about to tackle this glorious chicken riggies recipe ! honestly, it's easier than fitting into your skinny jeans after christmas, promise! here are a few notes to make sure you nail it, even if you're prone to a kitchen disaster or two.

Serving Suggestions: Get Your Riggies On!

Okay, picture this: a steaming bowl of chicken riggies recipe , maybe a sprinkle of extra parmesan on top, and a side of garlic bread to mop up every last bit of that delicious sauce.

Boom! talk about good dinners ! for plating, think rustic charm. don't overthink it! a nice bowl, maybe a sprig of parsley, and you're golden.

Fancy a drink? a crisp glass of italian white wine or even a refreshing lemonade work wonders. and hey, these riggies make awesome sports night dinners quick meals .

Storage Tips: Keeping the Magic Alive

Right, so you've made a massive batch of chicken riggies recipe (because who wouldn't?). fridge time! keep any leftovers in an airtight container.

They're good for about 3-4 days. want to freeze them? go for it! just let them cool completely first. reheating? easiest way is the microwave or in a pan on the hob (that's a stove for those across the pond!).

Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce gets too thick.

Variations: Get Creative with Your Chicken Riggies Recipe!

Fancy a bit of a twist? for a dietary adaptation , how about making it gluten-free? just swap out the rigatoni for a gluten-free pasta.

For a seasonal swap, in summer, add some fresh basil or sun-dried tomatoes. you can even make cheesy chicken wraps or garlic chicken wraps with the leftovers for on the go dinner ideas or even better, a quick lunch.

Nutrition Basics: A Few Quick Pointers

So, easy meals with chicken like this are pretty satisfying. the chicken gives you protein, the sauce has vitamins from the veggies, and the pasta.

.. well, it's pasta. 😉 just remember it's not a salad, so portion control is key! this chicken riggies recipe has approximately 650 calories, 40g of protein, 30g of fat, 55g of carbs, 5g of fiber, 10g of sugar and 800mg of sodium per serving.

Listen, this chicken riggies recipe is all about comfort food. don't stress too much about perfection. just have fun, get stuck in, and enjoy! you got this! this is just one of the super quick dinner ideas that i use all the time! it's even on my list of chicken wrap ideas .

If you want other grilled chicken meals , just give me a shout!

Creamy Comfort Food: Best Chicken Riggies Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are Chicken Riggies, and why should I bother making this chicken riggies recipe?

Chicken Riggies are a beloved pasta dish originating from Utica, New York, famous for their creamy, spicy tomato sauce and tender chicken. It's worth making because it's proper comfort food that's a bit different from your usual spag bol, offering a delightful blend of flavours that'll have you saying "cor blimey, that's good!" It's also perfect for feeding a crowd – think of it as a posh mac 'n' cheese for grown-ups.

Can I adjust the spice level in this chicken riggies recipe? I don't want to blow my head off!

Absolutely! The spice level is totally customisable. The heat comes primarily from the cherry peppers, so start with a small amount and add more to taste. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick, but go easy! If you're not a fan of spice at all, you can use mild banana peppers and omit the cherry peppers altogether, focusing on the lovely flavour of the tomato cream sauce instead.

What's the best way to store leftover Chicken Riggies? Will they still taste good the next day?

Leftover Chicken Riggies store beautifully! Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. Some might even say they taste better the next day, as the flavours have had more time to meld together – a bit like a good curry!

I'm a vegetarian – can I still enjoy something similar? What can I substitute for the chicken in this recipe?

Certainly! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken. Good substitutes include white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), sautéed mushrooms, or even roasted vegetables like zucchini and eggplant. You could even add some vegetarian "chicken" pieces if you fancy. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as the veggies won't need as long to cook as the chicken would.

Can I use a different type of pasta if I can't find rigatoni? Is there a proper pasta-etiquette for it?

While rigatoni is traditional, you can absolutely use other pasta shapes. Penne, ziti, or even large elbow macaroni would work well. As for proper etiquette, slurp away, it's fine! However, using a spoon to twirl the pasta against your fork can help you get a good bite without making a mess. Just remember, enjoy your Chicken Riggies without getting into a kerfuffle over formalities.

Are Chicken Riggies healthy? I'm trying to be a bit more mindful of what I'm eating, health-wise.

Chicken Riggies are undeniably delicious but are relatively high in calories, fat, and sodium. To make them healthier, you can use lean chicken breast instead of thighs, reduce the amount of heavy cream, and use whole-wheat pasta. Adding extra vegetables like spinach or kale can also boost the nutritional value. It's a treat, but you can adapt the recipe to be slightly more virtuous without sacrificing too much of the flavour, bless it.