Lebanese-Style Spicy Chicken Riggies

Ingredients

In this Lebanese adaptation of Chicken Riggies, we incorporate traditional Lebanese spices such as cumin, paprika, and sumac to infuse the dish with a distinct Middle Eastern flavor. Additionally, we use yogurt to add a creamy element to the sauce, which is a common ingredient in Lebanese cuisine. The dish is spiced up with red chili flakes to give it a fiery kick, reflecting the love for bold flavors in Lebanese cooking. We alse have the original recipe for Chicken Riggies, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon sumac 1 teaspoon sumac
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste) 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 200g (7 oz) Greek yogurt 200g (7 oz) Greek yogurt
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 400g (14 oz) rigatoni pasta 400g (14 oz) rigatoni pasta
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 480 kcal / 2009 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 8g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until golden brown.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they are browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Sprinkle the ground cumin, paprika, sumac, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
4. 4.
   Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Greek yogurt. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. 7.
   Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the pan and toss it with the chicken and sauce until well combined.
8. 8.
   Serve the Lebanese-Style Spicy Chicken Riggies hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken breasts — To ensure tender and juicy chicken, avoid overcooking. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Sumac — Sumac adds a tangy and citrusy flavor. If you can't find sumac, you can substitute it with lemon zest for a similar taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add more red chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Serve the dish with a side of Lebanese pickles or olives for a traditional touch.
• If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can increase the amount of Greek yogurt.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of red chili flakes to suit your taste.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify.

Serving advice

Serve the Lebanese-Style Spicy Chicken Riggies hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Accompany it with a side of warm pita bread or Lebanese flatbread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Presentation advice

For an appealing presentation, arrange the rigatoni pasta and chicken pieces on a large serving platter. Drizzle some extra sauce over the top and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve with a side of pickles or olives to add color and variety to the plate.