Main Dish
Mediterranean Chicken Ragu with Cheesy Polenta
J. Rickards Winery
24505 Chianti Road
Cloverdale, CA 95425
jrwinery.com
- RECIPE YEAR: 2016
- RECIPE BY: Lisa Mulcahy
- YIELD: Serves 6
- PAIRS WELL WITH: J. Rickards Zanzi Curve Malbec
This hearty chicken dish will warm both the body and soul in the colder seasons and is as simple to prepare as it is flavorful. The recipe can be scaled up for larger groups or served as the centerpiece of a meal with a salad and a loaf of rustic bread alongside.
Chicken Ragu
Ingredients:
- 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (28 ounces) diced fire-roasted tomatoes
- 12 ounces tomato paste
- 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup capers, chopped
- 2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup powdered chicken base bouillon
- 3/4 cup J. Rickards Malbec
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 3 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Directions:
In a slow cooker, combine the tomatoes, tomato paste, mushrooms, onions, bell pepper, capers, brown sugar, chicken bouillon, wine, oregano, basil and garlic. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Add the chicken, cover and cook on low for 8 hours according to the manufacturer's instructions. The chicken will shred apart. Add the butter until melted and serve over cheesy polenta (recipe below).
Cheesy Polenta
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups good-quality chicken stock
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 3/4 cup fine cornmeal
- 1/4 cup imported Italian mascarpone cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Directions:
In a large saucepan, combine the stock and half-and-half and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and, while whisking constantly, slowly sprinkle the cornmeal into the boiling liquid. Simmer, stirring almost constantly with a wooden spoon, until the polenta is thick and smooth, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the mascarpone, Parmesan, salt and pepper.