Chicken Ragout with Mushrooms

Updated: Jul 5

This delightful chicken ragù, enriched with a variety of fresh vegetables and packed with essential vitamins, is an ideal choice for a Sunday family lunch, where loved ones gather around the table to enjoy a hearty meal together. The combination of tender chicken and an array of vegetables creates a dish that is not only flavorful but also nutritious, making it a wholesome option for everyone.

Preparation

To prepare this delectable dish, you will need a selection of ingredients that contribute to its rich flavor and texture. Start with onions and leeks, which form the aromatic base of the ragù. These vegetables bring depth and sweetness to the dish. Additionally, a careful selection of spices and herbs, such as thyme, bay leaves, and perhaps a hint of rosemary, will enhance the overall taste profile, infusing the ragù with fragrant notes that will tantalize the palate.

The star of the dish is, of course, the chicken. Using bone-in pieces such as thighs or drumsticks can add an extra layer of richness to the ragù, as the bones release flavor during the cooking process. Alongside the chicken, mushrooms add an earthy flavor and a meaty texture that complements the poultry beautifully. Their umami richness helps to round out the dish, making it satisfying and comforting.

Combine Ingredients

To bring the ragù together, you will also need tomato paste and tomato concentrate, which will provide a robust tomato flavor and a lovely color to the sauce. These ingredients are essential in creating a luscious, velvety sauce that clings to the chicken and vegetables. Finally, a good quality stock—preferably homemade or low-sodium—will help to deglaze the pan and create a well-balanced sauce that ties all the components together.

The preparation time for this dish is approximately 2 hours. This includes the careful chopping and preparing of all the vegetables and meat before the cooking process begins. Taking the time to properly prepare each ingredient ensures that the flavors meld beautifully during the slow cooking phase, resulting in a ragù that is bursting with flavor.

About recipe

I personally developed this recipe through a combination of experimentation and a deep appreciation for traditional cooking methods. After several iterations, I can confidently say it is exceptional light and delicious, offering a perfect balance of flavors that will delight your family and friends. The slow-cooked nature of the dish allows for the ingredients to harmonize, resulting in a meal that is not only satisfying but also evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth.

Conclusion

If you wish to try it, I highly recommend following this recipe closely to capture the essence of the dish. As you prepare this chicken ragù, you may find that it becomes a beloved staple in your own family gatherings, just as it has in mine. Enjoy the process of cooking, and savor the delightful aromas that will fill your kitchen as this wonderful dish comes together.

Ingredients: simple, total time: 2 hours, 4-6 servings

For Ragout:

and as a side dish:

Preparation:

Prepare all the ingredients as described above.
Remove the crispy bones from the chicken breast, cut it into thin fillets and then into small cubes, then go through the knife one more time and chop the meat into a pile or simple grind them in a meat grinder.

Preparing Chicken Ragout:

Pour a little oil in a large pot and heat it on low to moderate heat. Add the onion and fry for about 5 minutes, covered with occasional stirring.
Add the blended carrot and celery and stir, simmer for about 3 minutes, then add the chopped leek. Season with salt and pepper, mix and cover. Simmer for about 10 minutes on low-moderate heat until soft.
When the vegetables have softened, add the chopped mushrooms, mix the ingredients and cover again to stew the mushrooms for about 15 minutes. During this time, the mushrooms will release their liquid.
When the mushrooms have released their liquid, add the chopped chicken meat, mix everything well, then add the garlic, as soon as it starts to fragrant, pour over half the broth and cook for about 15 minutes.
Pour over the rest of the broth, allspice, and a little salt and pepper to taste, continue cooking for 15 minutes, covered.
Now add a spoonful of concentrate and tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme and wild garlic, mix everything well and remove the lid. Cook on low-moderate heat for the next 40 minutes.
When it thickens and gets a nice color, remove it from the heat.
Serve with pasta or polenta with addition Parmesan grated cheese.

Buon appetito!

"A recipe may begin with ingredients, but its true flavor comes from the love and memories shared through it." ☕❤️ 🌹

NOTE:

This ragout can be prepared without leeks. I intentionally include them instead of an additional onion due to their unique flavor and high selenium content.
I used Porcini broth for this recipe as well, which gives a perfect taste, but if you don't have any, you can replace it with chicken soup cube.
In the absence of wild garlic, parsley or celery leaves can serve as suitable substitutes.
For a vegan version of this ragù, incorporate an additional 300 g package of mushrooms and reduce the broth by half.
This recipe requires celery, carrots, onions, tomato paste, mushrooms, and chicken meat. Turkey can be used as an alternative to chicken.
This ragout stands out for its health benefits, being rich in vitamins and prepared with simplicity.
If allspice is not preferred, hot pepper flakes can be used as an alternative.
Store the remaining food in the refrigerator for up to four days, ensuring it is covered.
For longer storage, package the ragout in containers with lids and freeze for up to two months.