Chicken Creole with Mango

Chicken Creole with Mango Recipe from Haiti

Region / culture: Haiti | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chicken Creole with Mango is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the bold flavors of Creole cuisine with the sweetness of fresh mangoes. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner, as it is sure to impress your guests with its vibrant colors and rich flavors.

History

Chicken Creole with Mango is a fusion dish that combines traditional Creole flavors with tropical mangoes. Creole cuisine is a blend of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences that originated in Louisiana. The addition of mangoes to this dish adds a unique twist and a touch of sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the Creole spices.

Ingredients

3.5 lb (1.59 kg) broiler-fryer chicken, cut lengthwise in half
1 medium onion, peeled, cut into 0.5" slices
0.5 cup orange juice
1 red bell pepper
0.25 cup lemon juice
3 tbsp cider vinegar
0.25 cup lime juice
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
0.25 tsp ground pepper
2 tbsp water
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 mangoes, pitted, pared, cut into 0.5" slices
4 cups water
2 oranges, cut into 0.5" slices
vegetable oil
3 small carrots, julienne

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine chicken, orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, garlic, salt, and ground pepper.
Cover and let it stand for 1 hour, turning occasionally.
Transfer the chicken mixture to a large saucepan and add water and green pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer covered for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is almost tender.
Remove the chicken from the saucepan and pat it dry.
In a deep Dutch oven, pour 6 inches of oil and heat it to 375°F (191°C).
Meanwhile, skim the grease from the cooking liquid and add carrots, red pepper, onion, vinegar, tomato paste, and sugar.
Dissolve cornstarch in water and stir it into the cooking liquid.
Heat the mixture until it thickens and bubbles for 2 minutes, then reduce the heat.
Add mangoes and oranges to the mixture and keep it warm.
Fry the chicken in the hot oil until it turns golden brown, which should take about 10 minutes.
Drain the fried chicken on paper towels.
Transfer the chicken to a platter and spoon the sauce over it.

Variations

Substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks for the chicken breast.
Add diced pineapple or papaya for an extra tropical twist.
Use shrimp or fish instead of chicken for a seafood version of this dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinating the chicken in citrus juices and spices adds flavor and helps tenderize the meat.

- Be sure to pat the chicken dry before frying to ensure a crispy crust.

- Use a deep Dutch oven for frying to prevent oil splatters.

- Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to suit your taste preferences.

- Serve the dish with rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Creole with Mango over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour to infuse it with flavor.

- Simmer the chicken in the sauce to ensure it is cooked through and tender.

- Fry the chicken until golden brown for a crispy crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of cider vinegar.

- Substitute red bell pepper for green bell pepper.

- Use canned mangoes if fresh mangoes are not available.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinate the chicken in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.

- Prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Chicken Creole with Mango in a large platter garnished with fresh herbs. - Arrange the mango slices and orange slices around the chicken for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

- Pair with a crisp white wine or a fruity cocktail.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

380 per serving

Carbohydrates

32g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 18g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 28g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 70% of daily value per serving

- Vitamin A: 30% of daily value per serving

- Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is relatively low in calories and does not contain any common allergens.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Chicken Creole with Mango. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a friend who had just returned from a trip to the Caribbean. She had brought back with her a cookbook filled with delicious and exotic recipes from the islands. As we sat in her kitchen, sipping on fruity cocktails and flipping through the pages, my eyes landed on a picture of a vibrant dish that caught my attention immediately.

The recipe was for Chicken Creole with Mango, a colorful and flavorful dish that combined the spicy flavors of the Caribbean with the sweetness of ripe mangoes. I couldn't wait to try it out for myself, so my friend graciously shared the recipe with me.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could feel my mouth watering in anticipation. The recipe called for chicken thighs, bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and of course, ripe mangoes. It also included a blend of Caribbean spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme, which would give the dish its signature flavor.

I set to work in my own kitchen, carefully following the steps of the recipe and adding each ingredient with precision. The aromas that filled the air as the dish cooked were intoxicating, a tantalizing mix of savory and sweet that made my stomach growl with hunger.

When the Chicken Creole with Mango was finally ready, I couldn't wait to taste it. I served myself a generous portion and took my first bite, savoring the explosion of flavors on my tongue. The tender chicken was perfectly seasoned with the spicy blend of Caribbean spices, while the sweet mangoes added a refreshing and tropical twist to the dish.

I knew I had stumbled upon a new favorite recipe, one that would become a regular feature on my dinner table. Over the years, I have made Chicken Creole with Mango for countless family gatherings, dinner parties, and special occasions. Each time, it never fails to impress and delight those who taste it.

As I continued to experiment with the recipe, I made a few tweaks and adjustments to suit my own taste. I added a splash of coconut milk to the sauce for a creamier texture, and sometimes I would throw in a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an extra pop of flavor.

I also shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the delicious creation that had brought so much joy to my own kitchen. It became a staple in many households, a go-to dish for those looking to impress their guests with a taste of the tropics.

But no matter how many times I make Chicken Creole with Mango, it always brings me back to that warm summer day when I first discovered the recipe. It reminds me of the thrill of stumbling upon something new and exciting, of trying out a new flavor combination that would forever change the way I cooked and ate.

And so, as I sit here in my kitchen, preparing another batch of Chicken Creole with Mango for tonight's dinner, I can't help but feel grateful for that fateful day when I stumbled upon this recipe. It has become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a dish that never fails to bring a smile to the faces of those who taste it.