If you’re a Utica, NY native you'll surely be familiar with Chicken Riggies, this classic Italian American dish is basically a spicy version of a rigatoni and vodka sauce. This is a staple in Syracuse and Central N.Y cuisine and there are several variations of this dish. I typically crave this pasta dish in the Fall and Winter and have been told that it's comparable (or even better) than some of the best in town. What do you think?
Chicken Riggies Syracuse Style
Rated 4.6 stars by 7 users
Category
Comfort Food
Servings
4
Prep Time
1:10 minute
Cook Time
1:15 minute
This is a simple dish, but it packs big flavor and heat. Utica natives, where's your favorite go to place for chicken riggies?
The SYRACHA'CUSE Kitchen
Ingredients
-
1 stick Margarine do not use butter, My secret tip!
- 1 Onion minced
- 3 Large Cloves of Garlic minced
- 20 oz Jar of Sweet Cherry Peppers seeded and rough chopped
- 3 Hot Cherry Peppers in a Jar seeded and rough chopped
-
1 cup Freshly Greated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 lb Boneless Chicken Breast cubed
- 1 can Chicken Broth
- 15 oz Can of Tomato Sauce plain
- 1/2 pint Heavy Whipping Cream
-
2-3 tsp Syracuse Style Habanero Hot Sauce
Directions
Melt the stick of margarine over low in a large pan or pot, once melted, add the minced onion. If your eyes start to hurt while you’re mincing, put on a pair of sunglasses, it totally works.While the onions are cooking slowly (almost melting), seed and chop up your peppers. When the onions start to become translucent, add the peppers and minced garlic to the pan.Cook the peppers for 5 minutes and then turn the heat up to medium and add the chicken. Sauté until chicken starts to turn white (doesn’t need to be fully cooked). Then add the chicken broth, cream, tomato sauce and parmesan cheese. Whisk it all together and make sure the cheese is completely melted.Cover and let simmer on low heat for 1 hour. Stir occasionally. After 1 hour, uncover, and turn the heat up to medium and let simmer for another 10 minutes. Sometimes the sauce separates a bit, but it’s not big deal. Just take a whisk and bring it back together.Serve your Utica Chicken Riggies over 1-1.5 lbs rigatoni pasta.
Recipe Note
Not finding it hot enough? simply add a few more splashes of Syracuse Style hot sauce to light up your taste buds