As the leaves begin to turn and the air gets that unmistakable crispness of autumn, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a hearty bowl of comfort food. Picture this: a steaming Chicken Arrabbiata Stew simmering gently on your stovetop, filling your kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of savory tomatoes and aromatic herbs. I’ve made this dish countless times whenever I need a cozy evening at home, and the addition of fluffy parmesan dumplings elevates it to a new level of deliciousness.
Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply craving a plate of good, old-fashioned homemade warmth, this stew has got you covered. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but fancy enough to serve at gatherings, making it the best of both worlds. And for those who prefer a plant-based option, I’ll share a delightful twist with a vegetarian alternative using aubergine instead of chicken that doesn’t compromise on flavor. So, let’s dive in and create a bowl of comfort that warms the soul and satisfies that craving for hearty goodness!
Why Will You Love Chicken Arrabbiata Stew?
Comforting Warmth: This Chicken Arrabbiata Stew is the ultimate cozy dish, perfect for chilly evenings.
Hearty Flavors: The rich tomato base infused with garlic and chili creates a deep, savory taste that will make your taste buds dance.
Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this up without breaking a sweat.
Versatile Delight: Whether you choose chicken or the vegetarian aubergine option, you’ll still enjoy a delicious dinner that pleases everyone at the table.
Crowd-Pleaser: Serve this at gatherings and watch as it disappears in no time, earning you rave reviews for making such a delightful meal!
Chicken Arrabbiata Stew Ingredients
• For a hearty bowl of Chicken Arrabbiata Stew, gather these flavorful essentials:
For the Stew
- Olive Oil – Use extra virgin for a richer flavor.
- Onion – Thinly sliced to ensure even cooking and sweetness.
- Chicken Thighs – Skinless and boneless, ensuring tenderness in your stew.
- Garlic Cloves – Crush them for a robust aroma that elevates the dish.
- Chili Flakes – Adjust to taste for the perfect level of heat.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto – Adds depth to the tomato base, or make your own for freshness.
- Chicken Stock – Provides richness; swap for vegetable stock for a vegetarian alternative.
- Chopped Tomatoes – Canned for convenience, keeping the prep quick and easy.
- Thyme Sprigs – Intense flavor infusion; discard before serving.
- Sugar – Optional, but balances the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully.
- Parsley – Fresh garnish; basil is a delightful alternative if preferred.
For the Dumplings
- Unsalted Butter – Keep it cold for ultra-flaky dumplings.
- Self-Raising Flour – Ensures your dumplings are light and fluffy.
- Parmesan – Go for a flavorful kick or swap for vegetarian cheese if needed.
- Milk – Provides moisture; just enough for a soft, pliable dough.
How to Make Chicken Arrabbiata Stew
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Heat Oil: In a large casserole dish, warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until they become soft and translucent, roughly 7 minutes.
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Brown Chicken: Increase the heat and add the chicken thighs to the pot. Allow them to brown for about 5 minutes, then toss in the crushed garlic and chili flakes, frying for another minute to release their wonderful aromas.
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Combine Ingredients: Stir in the sun-dried tomato pesto, then pour in the chicken stock and chopped tomatoes. Add thyme and sugar if using, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it bubble away for 40 minutes, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
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Preheat Oven: While the stew simmers, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) to prepare for those delightful dumplings!
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Make Dumpling Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine cold unsalted butter and self-raising flour with a pinch of salt. Mix until it resembles breadcrumbs, then fold in parmesan and milk to create a soft, pliable dough.
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Form Dumplings: Gently divide the dough into 8 equal balls. Place them carefully over the surface of the simmering stew, then sprinkle with any remaining cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
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Bake: Transfer the casserole dish to your preheated oven and bake uncovered for around 25 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and beautifully risen. Just before serving, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Optional: Serve with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that rich stew!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken Arrabbiata Stew with Parmesan Dumplings are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during hectic weeks! You can make the stew itself up to 3 days in advance; simply prepare it as directed, let it cool, and then refrigerate in an airtight container. The dumpling dough can also be prepped and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked dumplings without the fuss. To maintain quality, reheat the stew on low heat before adding the dumplings and baking them as instructed. You’ll have a delicious, hearty meal ready to go with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Chicken Arrabbiata Stew
Fridge: Store leftover Chicken Arrabbiata Stew in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Freezer: Freeze the stew in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. For best results, let it cool completely before transferring to prevent ice crystals.
Dumplings: To maintain their texture, freeze uncooked dumplings separately on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months. Bake fresh when ready to serve!
Reheating: Thaw frozen stew overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best taste, reheat on the stove and add a splash of chicken stock if needed. Enjoy your comforting Chicken Arrabbiata Stew!
Expert Tips for Chicken Arrabbiata Stew
- Even Browning: Ensure the chicken is evenly browned before adding other ingredients; this builds a deeper flavor in your Chicken Arrabbiata Stew.
- Correct Consistency: If the stew turns out too liquid, simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken before adding dumplings.
- Vegetarian Swap: For a vegetarian version, use diced aubergine in place of chicken, frying it longer for a tender texture that still shines through.
- Dumpling Dough Care: Lightly mix the dumpling dough with a knife to avoid overworking it, which results in dense dumplings instead of fluffy ones.
- Flavor Boost: Don’t hesitate to adjust chili flakes for your preferred spice level; it enhances the overall enjoyment of your Chicken Arrabbiata Stew!
Chicken Arrabbiata Stew Variations
Embrace your culinary creativity by adding your own twist to this comforting dish!
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Vegetarian Delight: Substitute chicken with diced aubergine, frying it until tender for a lively flavor infusion.
This not only offers a great meat-free option but also captures the robust essence of the stew beautifully. -
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for dumplings and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
You won’t miss the traditional flour, as flavors remain vibrant and comforting. -
Additional Veggies: Toss in bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture, allowing them to sauté with the onions.
This not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds layers of sweetness and crunch. -
Spice It Up: Add fresh red chilies or increase the chili flakes to ramp up the heat for those who love a fiery kick!
Just a little extra spice can elevate the whole dish, making it truly irresistible. -
Herb Variety: Swap out thyme for fresh basil or oregano for a different herbal note that complements the rich tomato base nicely.
This small change can refresh the entire flavor profile, taking your taste buds on an unexpected journey. -
Creamy Addition: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end for an extra creamy texture in the stew.
This will add a luxurious mouthfeel, making each spoonful feel like a warm embrace. -
Cheesy Flavor Boost: Top the dumplings with a sprinkle of mozzarella or a sharper cheddar for enhanced cheesiness.
The melted cheese creates a delightful, gooey contrast to the fluffy dumplings, making it all the more comforting. -
Lemon Zest Finish: Add a touch of lemon zest just before serving to brighten the dish and enhance its savory goodness.
This refreshing zing will awaken the flavors and give a delightful twist to the hearty stew.
What to Serve with Chicken Arrabbiata Stew with Parmesan Dumplings?
To complement your cozy meal, consider these delightful pairings that elevate your dining experience.
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Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich tomato sauce, a fresh loaf adds texture and heartiness to your meal.
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Garlicky Green Beans: The crunch of sautéed green beans with garlic offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy dumplings. A burst of color too!
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Fresh Side Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette balances the robust flavors of the stew. The freshness uplifts each bite.
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Creamy Polenta: This smooth, comforting dish serves as an indulgent base for the stew. It’s a warm, welcoming addition for those chilly evenings.
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Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized seasonal veggies like carrots and zucchini bring sweetness and depth, complementing the spices in your chicken arrabbiata stew.
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Herbed Rice: Fluffy rice infused with herbs adds a subtle flavor and makes every spoonful creamy. It’s a delightful way to soak up the stew.
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Sparkling Water: For a refreshing drink choice, sparkling water with a slice of lemon offers a light palate cleanser during the meal.
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Chocolate Cake: Finish off with a slice of rich chocolate cake for dessert. The sweet, decadent flavors offer a lovely contrast to the savory dish.
Chicken Arrabbiata Stew with Parmesan Dumplings Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for this stew?
Absolutely! When selecting tomatoes, look for ones that are vibrant in color and firm to the touch. For onions, pick ones that are heavy for their size with dry, papery skins. The chicken should be pink and firm, with no dark spots, while fresh herbs should be bright and fragrant.
How should I store leftover Chicken Arrabbiata Stew?
Very important! Store your Chicken Arrabbiata Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through and ready to enjoy again.
Can I freeze Chicken Arrabbiata Stew and the dumplings?
Of course! To freeze the stew, let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. For the dumplings, freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag, where they will keep for about 2 months. Bake them fresh out of the freezer when you’re ready to serve!
What should I do if my stew is too watery?
No worries! If you find your Chicken Arrabbiata Stew is too liquid, simply remove the lid and let it simmer on medium heat for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will help it reduce and thicken up, intensifying the flavors before you add those delightful dumplings.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Certainly! For those with dietary restrictions, I recommend using gluten-free self-raising flour and ensuring any cheese substitutes are truly vegetarian. Additionally, if this dish is for pets, it’s best to avoid onion and garlic as they can be harmful to dogs and cats. Always check allergen labels on store-bought ingredients too!
Can I make a vegetarian version of Chicken Arrabbiata Stew?
Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken with diced aubergine, sautéing them for a longer time to achieve a tender texture. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and consider adding more vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, for added nutrition and flavor. This variation will still provide all the comfort of the original!
Savory Chicken Arrabbiata Stew with Parmesan Dumplings Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large casserole dish, warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until they become soft and translucent, roughly 7 minutes.
- Increase the heat and add the chicken thighs to the pot. Allow them to brown for about 5 minutes, then toss in the crushed garlic and chili flakes, frying for another minute.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomato pesto, then pour in the chicken stock and chopped tomatoes. Add thyme and sugar if using, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it bubble away for 40 minutes.
- While the stew simmers, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) to prepare for the dumplings.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cold unsalted butter and self-raising flour. Mix until it resembles breadcrumbs, then fold in parmesan and milk.
- Gently divide the dough into 8 equal balls. Place them over the surface of the simmering stew, then sprinkle with any remaining cheese.
- Transfer the casserole dish to your preheated oven and bake uncovered for around 25 minutes, until the dumplings are golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.