Chicken And Port Wine Ragout
A rich and flavorful chicken ragout simmered in port wine with aromatic herbs, perfect for cozy dinners and pairs beautifully with white rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. chicken drumsticks and thighs ⓘ
- black pepper to taste ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 2 c. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. chopped garlic ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. coarsely chopped fresh basil ⓘ
- 1 c. fresh or canned tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2/3 c. port wine ⓘ
- 1/4 c. port wine ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. hot dried red pepper flakes ⓘ
Instructions
- Sprinkle chicken with freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet large enough to hold chicken in one layer.
- Add chicken, skin side down, and brown on one side.
- Turn and brown on the other side, approximately 15 minutes total.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, parsley, basil, tomato sauce, and 2/3 cup of port wine.
- Cover and cook for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Add the remaining port wine.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and stir to blend.
- Serve over a bed of white rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the chicken in port wine and herbs for a few hours before cooking. If you don’t have port wine, a dry red wine can be a suitable substitute. For a richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of butter before serving. Also, try adding mushrooms for an earthy note, similar to flavors found in Chicken Livers And Mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken And Port Wine Ragout over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed green vegetables or a crisp salad pairs well for balance. For a heartier meal, consider serving with crusty bread to mop up the sauce, complementing the dish beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Port Wine Ragout contains roughly 3593 calories, with 15g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 365g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (69% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 841mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but adjust the cooking time as it will cook faster. Ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F. The dish may not be as rich in flavor since the bones contribute to the sauce's depth.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes or even a jar of marinara sauce can work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that using marinara may add additional herbs and spices, so taste before adding more seasonings.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This ragout can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. Just refrigerate it after cooking, and reheat gently before serving. Many find that it tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).