Kota Kokkinisti (Greek Chicken in Red Sauce)
A Greek family classic of chicken stewed in tomato scented with cinnamon, cloves and red wine.
Made with Basic tomato sauce. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time1 hr 15
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.61 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Season the chicken. Heat the oil in a wide casserole and brown the thighs for 8 minutes in total, skin side first. Lift out.
8 min - 2
Cook the onion in the same pan for 6 minutes, then add the garlic, cinnamon, cloves and allspice for 1 minute.
7 min - 3
Pour in the red wine and boil for 3 minutes.
3 min - 4
Add your ready made basic tomato sauce (see the base recipe), the bay leaf and 100 ml water. Return the chicken and bring to a simmer.
- 5
Cover and cook gently for 40 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is very tender with no pink at the bone. Uncover for the last 10 minutes to thicken.
40 min - 6
Cook the rice to the packet time. Take out the cinnamon, cloves and bay, and serve the chicken and sauce over the rice.
12 min
Tips
- Whole cloves are strong, so count them out of the dish before serving.
- Greek families often serve this with orzo or thick pasta instead of rice.
- Add a splash more water if the sauce thickens too much before the chicken is done.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 90 minutes and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Can I leave out the red wine?
Yes. Use chicken stock or water, and add a splash of red wine vinegar at the end for the same tang.
Is the cinnamon too much?
No. In Greek cooking it adds warmth, not sweetness. Use half a stick if you prefer it subtle.
Can I cook it in the oven?
Yes. After step 4, cover and cook at {t170} for 1 hour, uncovering for the last 15 minutes.
More made with basic tomato sauce
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.
