Chicken Creole

Growing up in a Southern household, I was always surrounded by tantalizing aromas wafting through the kitchen. One of my all-time favorites is the Chicken Creole. This dish takes me back to family gatherings where laughter and stories mingled with the spicy scent of simmering goodness. The balance of flavors in Chicken Creole is nothing short of magical, combining my love for hearty meals with a touch of the vibrant culinary heritage of Louisiana. When I first attempted to make this dish, I was a bit intimidated by the complexity of flavors, but as soon as I took that first bite, I knew I had found a dish that would forever hold a special place in my heart. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone together, creating a warm atmosphere filled with comfort and joy.

What’s In This Chicken Creole

The ingredients for Chicken Creole come together to create a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role, ensuring the dish is rich and satisfying. The key players include tender chicken thighs, aromatic vegetables, and a medley of spices that define the essence of Creole cooking.

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide a juicy and flavorful base for the dish, absorbing the spices beautifully.
• 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning: A blend of spices that delivers a signature kick to the dish.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil: Essential for sautéing the ingredients and adding richness.
• 1 medium onion, diced: This adds sweetness and depth to the flavor profile.
• 1 green bell pepper, diced: Provides crunch and a subtle, fresh flavor.
• 2 celery ribs, diced: Adds a crisp texture and a hint of earthiness.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic goodness.
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste: Forms the rich, flavorful sauce base.
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained: Contributes moisture and a burst of tomato flavor.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Enhances the sauce and provides depth of flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory umami punch.
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce: For those who like it spicy!
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: A classic seasoning that enhances all the flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme: A fragrant herb that complements the dish.
• 2 bay leaves: Infuses a subtle, aromatic flavor.
• Cooked white rice, for serving: A perfect bed for the Chicken Creole.
• 2 green onions, sliced: For garnish and a burst of fresh flavor.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Adds color and freshness.

Directions for Chicken Creole

Cooking Chicken Creole is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. The steps are simple, guiding you through the process of creating a flavorful dish that will impress anyone. Let’s dive into the cooking journey!

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and cut it into 1-inch pieces. Season the pieces generously with Creole seasoning. This will ensure every piece is packed with flavor.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook until they are browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through, as they will finish cooking later. Remove the browned chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. If needed, add a little more oil to the skillet. Now, it’s time to sauté the aromatic vegetables. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 to 6 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
4. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. The aroma will be incredible!
5. Stir in the tomato paste and mix it thoroughly with the sautéed vegetables, allowing it to cook for a minute and incorporate its rich flavor.
6. Now, add the remaining ingredients: the undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, black pepper, dried thyme, and the bay leaves. Stir everything together well.
7. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully for about 5 minutes.
8. Finally, return the browned chicken to the skillet. Simmer for another 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
9. Serve the Chicken Creole over warm, fluffy white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Enjoy each flavorful bite!

Recipe Tips about Chicken Creole

To ensure you get the most out of your cooking experience, here are some invaluable tips for making your Chicken Creole stand out.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze Chicken Creole for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: A fresh garden salad pairs wonderfully to balance the meal’s richness.
• Spice Level: Adjust the hot sauce to your liking; you can make it milder or hotter based on preference.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant or zucchini for a delightful vegetarian version.
• Serving Size: Adjust the quantities based on your needs; this recipe scales well.

Best Served With

• White Rice: The classic pairing for Chicken Creole, white rice absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
• Steamed Vegetables: Pair with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for added nutrition.
• Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is great for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests.
• Seasonal Pairings: Serve in winter for a cozy meal or in summer with fresh salad for a lighter option.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Chicken Creole is a dish that perfectly marries bold flavors and comforting textures, making it a must-try for anyone who loves rich, hearty meals. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s a wonderful way to bring a taste of Louisiana into your kitchen. Share it with family and friends, and enjoy the warm, inviting atmosphere that comes with every bite.

Chicken Creole

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Creole combines savory chicken with bold spices and fresh vegetables. This easy weeknight dinner is a flavorful explosion that will have you craving more. Make it for dinner tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 12 minutes mins

Cook Time 23 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 430

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 6 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced green bell pepper, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can tomato paste
• 1 can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 leaves bay leaves
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 2 green onions, sliced green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Skillet
• Chef's Knife
• Saucepan

Method

 

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch pieces. Season with Creole seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Add a little more oil to the skillet if needed and cook the onion, bell pepper, and celery until softened, about 5 to 6 minutes.
4. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add tomato paste and stir it into the veggies. Add the next 7 ingredients and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Return chicken to skillet and simmer another 5 minutes.
7. Serve over rice and garnish with sliced green onion and chopped parsley.

Notes

No additional notes available.

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Meet Violet Lane

The Creative Spark I see the kitchen as my art studio. I love experimenting with colors and textures, and I’m usually the one asking, “What if we added this?” I encourage the team to take risks and try new flavor combinations. I love the energy of cooking with six other people it’s chaotic, colorful, and inspiring. I’m hands-on with the cooking and styling, always trying to make our plates look as artistic as they taste.