Ruth'S Chicken
Ruth's Chicken features tender chicken parts simmered in a savory tomato sauce with peppers, mushrooms, and aromatic spices, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Clean chicken parts and remove all fat and skin.
- Add lemon juice to water for soaking.
- Pat chicken parts dry with paper towels.
- Season chicken with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Saute garlic, onions, green and red peppers, and vegetable flakes in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil until tender but not browned. Remove from skillet.
- Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet.
- Add chicken parts and cook until browned on all sides.
- Spoon the sautéed seasonings over the chicken.
- Add tomato sauce, sugar, and cayenne red pepper.
- Pour in water and cook for 15 minutes.
- Turn the chicken pieces and add sliced mushrooms.
- Continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and seasonings for at least an hour before cooking. If you don't have vegetable flakes, you can substitute with chopped fresh vegetables. Adjust the cayenne pepper or chili powder based on your heat preference. For a twist, consider adding olives or capers for a Mediterranean flair. This dish pairs beautifully with rice or noodles, making it a versatile option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chicken dish over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad, like Trade Winds Salad, complements the meal perfectly. You can also garnish with fresh herbs for added brightness. For a comforting meal, consider pairing with warm bread or rolls.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered, for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ruth'S Chicken contains roughly 491 calories, with 13g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (105% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 506mg per serving (22% 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 cooking times to ensure it doesn't dry out. Boneless chicken cooks faster, so check for doneness after 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on the sauce to maintain the flavor balance.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes can work well. You can also use a combination of tomato paste and water for a thicker consistency. Just keep in mind to adjust the sugar and seasoning to maintain a balanced flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder. Additionally, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce during the cooking process. For a unique twist, try incorporating spicy sausage for extra flavor.
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).