Chicken Orleans

Chicken Orleans Recipe - Authentic and Delicious

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Orleans is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a savory tomato and okra sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests.

History

Chicken Orleans is a classic Southern dish that originated in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is a popular dish in Cajun and Creole cuisine, known for its bold flavors and unique combination of ingredients.

Ingredients

1 cup of chopped onion
1 cup of chopped green peppers
1 clove of minced garlic
2 tbsp of butter or margarine
1 can (14.5 to 16 oz / 454 g) of stewed tomatoes
1.5 cups of double-strength chicken broth
1 tsp of poultry seasoning
0.5 tsp of salt
0.13 tsp of ground red pepper
1 package (10 oz / 283 g) of frozen cut okra
2 cups of cubed cooked chicken
2 tbsp of flour
4 cups of hot cooked rice

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, cook the onion, peppers, and garlic in butter until tender but not browned.
Stir in the tomatoes, broth, poultry seasoning, salt, and red pepper. Cover and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes.
Add the okra and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Then, add the chicken.
In a separate bowl, blend 0.25 cup of water and flour. Gradually add a little hot tomato sauce from the skillet to the flour mixture.
Stir the flour mixture into the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, for about 3 to 4 minutes.
Serve the mixture over fluffy rice.

Variations

Substitute shrimp or sausage for the chicken for a different flavor profile.
Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and texture.
Spice up the dish with some Cajun seasoning or hot sauce for a kick of heat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the onions, peppers, and garlic until they are tender but not browned to ensure a flavorful base for the sauce.

- Gradually adding the hot tomato sauce to the flour mixture helps to prevent lumps and ensures a smooth, thickened sauce.

- Serve the Chicken Orleans over fluffy rice to soak up all the delicious flavors of the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Orleans with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender but not mushy to maintain their texture and flavor.

- Thicken the sauce by gradually adding the flour mixture and stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh okra instead of frozen if available.

- Substitute butter for margarine for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce and add the cooked chicken before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Orleans in a shallow bowl over a bed of fluffy rice for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Orleans with a glass of white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any 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

Each serving of Chicken Orleans contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Orleans contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Orleans contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Orleans contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Orleans is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Chicken Orleans contains wheat (from the flour) and may contain soy (from the margarine). It is gluten-free if served with a gluten-free alternative to flour.

Summary

Chicken Orleans is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Orleans is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests. With its bold flavors and unique combination of ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a warm summer day, many years ago, when I stumbled upon the recipe for Chicken Orleans. I had just moved to a new town and was feeling a bit lonely and homesick. Cooking has always been a source of comfort for me, so I decided to experiment with a new dish to lift my spirits.

I remember flipping through an old cookbook that I had found at a local thrift store, its pages yellowed and worn from years of use. As I turned the pages, a recipe caught my eye - Chicken Orleans. The ingredients were simple yet intriguing, and the instructions seemed easy enough to follow. I decided to give it a try, hoping that the aromas of cooking would fill my new home and make it feel a bit more welcoming.

I gathered all the ingredients - chicken breasts, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, garlic, and a few spices - and set to work in my small kitchen. As the chicken sizzled in the pan, the smell of garlic and spices filled the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation. I added in the vegetables and let them simmer together, creating a rich and savory sauce that coated the chicken perfectly.

When the dish was finally ready, I couldn't wait to dig in. The first bite was a revelation - the flavors burst in my mouth, each ingredient complementing the others in perfect harmony. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire. Over the years, I have made Chicken Orleans countless times, each time tweaking the recipe ever so slightly to suit my tastes. Sometimes I add a bit more garlic, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. Other times, I swap out the green peppers for red or yellow ones, just to change things up.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, who have all fallen in love with it just as I did. They always ask me where I learned to make such a delicious dish, and I simply smile and tell them the story of how I stumbled upon it on a lazy summer day in a new town.

As I look back on that day now, I realize how that recipe for Chicken Orleans has come to symbolize so much more than just a dish to me. It represents comfort, creativity, and the joy of discovery. It reminds me that even in the most mundane of moments, there is always the possibility of something wonderful waiting to be found.

And so, as I continue to cook and experiment in my kitchen, I always keep the memory of that first taste of Chicken Orleans close to my heart. It serves as a reminder that sometimes the best things in life are found when we least expect them, and that a simple recipe can hold the power to bring joy and connection to those who share it.