If you've never heard of chicken riggies, you're missing out on one of Utica, NY's most famous dishes. Chicken riggies are a pasta dish with a spicy, creamy tomato sauce that originated in Utica in the 1980s. The dish has become so popular in the area that it's often referred to as Utica riggies.
The origins of chicken riggies are somewhat disputed, but most agree that the dish was created in the late 1970s or early 1980s by a chef at a local restaurant called Chesterfield's. The chef, a man named Teddy Lenti, was experimenting with different ingredients and flavors when he came up with the recipe for chicken riggies.
The dish, as its known today, is made with rigatoni pasta, sliced chicken breast, and a sauce made from crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and hot peppers. The sauce is typically flavored with garlic, onions, and grated cheese. The chicken and sauce are simmered together until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
The dish quickly became a hit in Utica and has since spread throughout the region. Today, you can find chicken riggies on the menu at many Utica-area restaurants, and there's even an annual Chicken Riggies Fest held in the city.
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So why are chicken riggies so popular in Utica? Some say it's because the dish is a perfect reflection of the city's unique cultural mix. Utica has a large Italian-American population, and the dish's tomato-based sauce and pasta are Italian staples. The addition of hot peppers and heavy cream, however, gives the dish a bit of a kick and a creaminess that's more traditionally associated with American cuisine.
Others point to the fact that chicken riggies are a simple, comforting dish that's perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whatever the reason, it's clear that chicken riggies have become a beloved part of Utica's food culture, and they show no signs of losing their popularity anytime soon.
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