One-Pot Chicken Ratatouille Recipe

This delightful One-Pot Chicken Ratatouille transforms traditional French vegetable stew into a hearty, protein-packed meal that comes together in just 40 minutes. Bursting with Mediterranean flavors, tender vegetables, and succulent rotisserie chicken, this colorful dish delivers incredible taste with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Olive oil: The Mediterranean foundation that adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to perfection.
• Bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a pop of color; green provides a slightly more bitter contrast to the other sweeter vegetables.
• Onion: Creates an aromatic base that flavors the entire dish; yellow or white onions work wonderfully.
• Garlic: Provides that unmistakable punch of flavor that brings the dish to life—don’t skimp here!
• Eggplant: The star vegetable of traditional ratatouille, offering a meaty texture that absorbs all the delicious flavors around it.
• Zucchini and yellow squash: These summer squashes add beautiful color contrast and gentle sweetness.
• Chicken broth: Creates steam for cooking vegetables and adds depth of flavor; use low-sodium if watching salt intake.
• Diced tomatoes: Provides acidity, sweetness, and liquid for the stew base—use fire-roasted for extra flavor!
• Cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver that adds tremendous flavor, but any leftover cooked chicken works.
• Dried basil: Adds classic Mediterranean herb notes; feel free to finish with fresh basil if you have it.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything together—adjust to your taste preferences.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add a can of drained cannellini beans for protein.
• Herbed Up: Add dried or fresh thyme, rosemary, or herbes de Provence for an even more authentic French flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for some heat.
• Mediterranean Twist: Stir in some pitted kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese just before serving.

How to Make One-Pot Chicken Ratatouille

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until the onions become translucent, about 3-5 minutes. This creates your flavor foundation.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Toss in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic can quickly go from perfect to bitter.

Step 3: Cook Vegetables

Add the chunked eggplant, zucchini, and yellow squash to the pot. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, allowing them to begin softening and picking up flavors from the aromatics.

Step 4: Steam Vegetables

Pour in the chicken broth, cover the pot, and let everything simmer for about 5 minutes. This gentle steam bath helps the vegetables become tender while retaining their shape.

Step 5: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Add the undrained diced tomatoes, shredded rotisserie chicken, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Step 6: Finish Cooking

Let the ratatouille simmer until the vegetables reach your preferred tenderness. This typically takes 10-15 minutes, but you can adjust based on whether you prefer firmer or softer vegetables.

How to Serve

Main Meal Options

Serve this hearty ratatouille over a bed of fluffy white rice, creamy polenta, or al dente pasta. For a low-carb option, try it over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles.

Accompaniments

A chunk of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up the flavorful broth. For a complete meal, serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.

Garnishes

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley, a drizzle of good olive oil, or a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled ratatouille in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day or two as they continue to meld together.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. The vegetables will be slightly softer after freezing, but the flavor remains excellent.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of broth if it seems dry. Alternatively, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Chicken Ratatouille brings together the soul-warming comfort of traditional French cooking with the convenience modern cooks crave. It’s proof that incredible flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or countless ingredients—just thoughtful preparation and quality components. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this versatile dish delivers nutrition and satisfaction in every bite. Give it a try tonight and discover your new weeknight dinner hero!

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