Chicken Ragu Slow Cooker Recipes

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN RAGù WITH HERBED RICOTTA

Steps:

• In a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker, combine the chicken, carrot, onion, garlic, tomato paste, olive oil, thyme, oregano, red-pepper flakes and onion powder. Add 2 teaspoons kosher salt and a couple grinds of pepper.
• Pour the tomatoes and their juices into the slow cooker, crushing the tomatoes with your hands, if using whole. Stir to combine.
• Cover and cook on low until the chicken is very tender, about 6 hours. The ragù will hold well on warm for an additional 1 to 2 hours.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, in a small bowl, combine the ricotta with the chopped herbs, lemon juice and a pinch of salt; set aside.
• Coarsely shred the cooked chicken with two forks. Remove and discard the herb sprigs and add the vinegar and the basil leaves. Taste the sauce, adding more red-pepper flakes, if you like. Turn off the slow cooker. Pour the drained pasta into the slow cooker and toss to combine.
• Divide among bowls and top with the ricotta mixture.

CHICKEN RAGU (SLOW COOKER)

Steps:

• In a large skillet, heat the oil over med-high heat; brown the chicken pieces on all sides.
• Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
• Decrease skillet heat to medium and add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are lightly golden, about 10 minutes.
• Add the wine and bring it to a simmer.
• Scrape the mixture into the slow cooker.
• Stir in the tomato puree, tomato paste, herbs, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or on LOW for 4 hours, or until the chicken pulls away from the bone.
• Remove the chicken and let cool slightly.
• Discard the skin and bones and cut the chicken into bite-size pieces.
• Return the chicken to the sauce.
• Just before serving, reheat the sauce if necessary.
• Serve over hot cooked pasta.

SPICY PORK AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH RAGU

Steps:

• Combine first 5 ingredients in bottom of a 6- or 7-qt. slow cooker. Sprinkle ribs with salt, garlic powder and pepper; place in slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low until pork is tender, 5-6 hours., Remove cover; stir to break pork into smaller pieces. Serve with pasta. If desired, top with Parmesan cheese., Freeze option: Freeze cooled sauce in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally.