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A Personal Recipe Journal Trieste, Italy

Spicy Chicken in Tomato sauce with Rice recipe

Aug 10
5 min read

Updated: Aug 27



  • Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with this beautiful and juicy chicken dish, perfectly enveloped in a rich and spicy tomato sauce, served alongside fluffy rice. This meal not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers a burst of flavors that will leave you craving more. The combination of tender chicken and a zesty sauce creates an irresistible harmony that is sure to please anyone who enjoys a bit of heat in their food.

Spice-Chicken-in-Tomato-sauce-with-Rice-recipe
Spice Chicken in Tomato sauce with Rice recipe
Quick and Simple Preparation
  • The preparation of this dish is remarkably straightforward and can be accomplished in a short amount of time, making it an ideal choice for a busy lunch or a weeknight dinner. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you will find this recipe easy to follow and satisfying to create. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through.


A Perfect Meal for Spice Lovers
  • This recipe is particularly well-suited for those who have a penchant for spicy food. The combination of fresh chili pepper, chili flakes, and red ground paprika infuses the chicken with a delightful heat that is balanced by the sweetness of the tomato sauce. The result is a dish that is not only flavorful but also offers a satisfying kick that spice enthusiasts will adore. However, if you prefer a milder flavor profile, you can easily adjust the spice level or omit the hot spices altogether. Detailed instructions on how to achieve this milder version can be found in the NOTE section at the bottom of this text.


Essential Ingredients for a Flavorful Dish
  • To create this wonderful and quick dish, you will need the following ingredients:


    - 6 pieces of chicken thighs or drumsticks: These cuts of chicken are perfect for this recipe due to their tenderness and ability to absorb flavors.

    - Onion: A finely chopped onion adds a sweet and savory base to the sauce.

    - Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the aroma and depth of flavor in the dish.

    - 1 chili pepper: This fresh ingredient provides a burst of heat; you can adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance.

    - Chili flakes: A sprinkle of chili flakes adds an extra layer of spiciness and texture.

    - Red ground paprika: This spice not only contributes color but also a mild sweetness and warmth.

    - Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

    - Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, adding richness to the dish.

    - Tomato sauce: The base of the sauce, which brings moisture and a tangy flavor.

    -Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth adds depth and richness to the sauce.

    - Cumin: This spice introduces an earthy flavor that complements the other spices beautifully.

    - Basil, oregano, and parsley: Fresh or dried herbs add aromatic notes and a burst of freshness to the dish.


Cooking Instructions
  • Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Next, incorporate the minced garlic and diced chili pepper, cooking for an additional minute to release their flavors. Once the aromatics are ready, add the chicken pieces to the skillet, browning them on all sides for a few minutes.


    After the chicken is nicely browned, pour in the tomato sauce and broth, stirring to combine. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, cumin, red ground paprika, chili flakes, and the dried herbs. Allow the dish to simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the sauce.


Serving Suggestions
  • Serve the spicy chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, allowing the grains to soak up the flavorful sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad, creating a well-rounded meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.


NOTE
  • For those who may not enjoy spicy food, you can prepare this dish without the hot spices. Simply omit the chili pepper and chili flakes, and consider using sweet paprika instead of red ground paprika. This way, you can still enjoy a delicious chicken in tomato sauce without the heat, making it suitable for all palates.

Ingredients: simple, total time: 40 min., 4 serving
  • Olive oil EVO to taste

  • 6 chicken thighs without skin/ or drumsticks

  • salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 large onion/ finely chopped

  • 1 green chilli/ sliced without seeds

  • 1 tsp chili flakes

  • 3 cloves of garlic/ minced

  • 250 ml Italian tomato sauce pesto

  • 1 tsp each oregano and basil/ or to taste

  • 1 tsp red ground paprika

  • 1 tsp cumin

  • 500 ml vegetable broth

  • 2 Tbsp fresh parsley leaves/ finely chopped

  • 250 g of rice/ washed and drained

  • 160 ml water/ or as needed

  • wok pan

Spice-Chicken-in-Tomato-sauce-with-Rice-recipe
Spice Chicken in Tomato sauce with Rice recipe
Preparation:
  • Prepare all the ingredients as described above. Wash the rice well under cold water and let it drain.


Chicken Thigh:

  1. Thoroughly season the chicken pieces on all sides and fry them in hot oil over low to medium heat, ensuring the pan is covered. Turn the pieces periodically during frying.

  2. Once the chicken achieves a desirable brown color, remove them from the pan and cover to keep warm.


Making Sauce with Rice:

  1. In the same wok, add oil as necessary.

  2. Sauté the onion until it softens and becomes yellow, stirring occasionally.

  3. Add the chopped chili, chili flakes, and garlic, and stir for a few seconds.

  4. Incorporate the drained rice and fry for approximately one minute, then add half of the broth.

  5. Once it begins to boil, add the tomato sauce and the remaining broth. Season with oregano, cumin, ground paprika, basil, salt, and pepper to taste, and stir thoroughly.

  6. Reduce the heat, return the chicken pieces to the wok, and cover with a lid. Cook for approximately 17-20 minutes, occasionally stirring and turning the meat, adding water as needed.

  7. Once the rice has absorbed the liquid, turn off the heat and garnish with chopped parsley.

  8. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes, then serve as desired with boiled potatoes or asparagus.


Buon appetito!


"May your kitchen always be filled with wonderful aromas, your table with good food and your heart with the joy of sharing" ☕❤️🌹

Spice-Chicken-in-Tomato-sauce-with-Rice-recipe
Spice Chicken in Tomato sauce with Rice recipe
Spice-Chicken-in-Tomato-sauce-with-Rice-recipe
Spice Chicken in Tomato sauce with Rice recipe
NOTE:

Tips and advice:

  • If you prefer milder flavors, you can prepare this dish without hot spices. Instead of chili pepper, consider using mildly hot green pepper.

  • I prepared chicken thighs without the skin, but feel free to leave it on if you prefer.

  • To reduce the spiciness of this dish, you can pair it with boiled or mashed potatoes, or any other vegetables you prefer.

  • Store any leftovers for up to 2-3 days.

  • Reheat using a pan or microwave.

Spice-Chicken-in-Tomato-sauce-with-Rice-recipe
Spice Chicken in Tomato sauce with Rice recipe
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