Microwave Chicken Ragout
A hearty microwave-cooked chicken ragout with tender vegetables and flavorful tomatoes, perfect for a comforting, quick, and easy family meal.
Ingredients
- 4 broiler fryer chicken thighs ⓘ
- 4 drumsticks ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 3 tablespoon cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup hot water ⓘ
- 2 cups potatoes, cubed ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups carrots, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped cabbage ⓘ
- 1 cup celery, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat a browning skillet in the microwave oven on High for 3 minutes.
- Combine flour, salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a shallow dish.
- Dredge the chicken thighs and drumsticks in the flour mixture to coat evenly.
- Heat cooking oil in the skillet on High for 1 minute.
- Add the coated chicken pieces and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in drained tomatoes, hot water, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, celery, and parsley.
- Cover the skillet and microwave on High for 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Uncover and microwave for an additional 5 minutes to thicken the sauce if needed.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the skillet when cooking the onions. If you don't have flour on hand, cornstarch can serve as a gluten-free alternative for dredging the chicken. You can also substitute any seasonal vegetables for the carrots and potatoes, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to customize your dish.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken ragout pairs beautifully with crusty bread or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. You can also enjoy leftovers as a filling for a hearty sandwich or wrap for lunch the next day.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken ragout can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until heated through, stirring halfway. For best results, add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Chicken Ragout contains roughly 1404 calories, with 52g protein, 252g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (228% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 different cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breasts or use a mix of chicken parts, just ensure they are cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the cut you choose.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider including a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions. You can also serve the finished ragout with a side of hot sauce for those who prefer extra spice.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant, and use vegetable broth instead of water. This will give you a delicious vegetarian ragout that retains the comforting essence of the original dish.
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).