Chicken Stew New Orleans-style

Chicken Stew New Orleans-style Recipe

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Stew New Orleans-style is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, spicy sausage, and a medley of vegetables in a rich tomato-based sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests with a taste of the Big Easy.

History

This recipe draws inspiration from the vibrant culinary traditions of New Orleans, Louisiana. Known for its bold flavors and unique blend of French, Spanish, African, and Creole influences, New Orleans cuisine is a melting pot of cultures. Chicken stew is a classic comfort food in the region, often served with rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Ingredients

1 bunch of scallions, 6 to 8
2 ribs of celery
1 large red bell pepper
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
0.25 cup of flour
1 tsp of thyme
0.13 tsp of cayenne pepper
2 tbsp of butter
1 tbsp of vegetable oil
3 cloves of garlic, minced or crushed through a press
1 can (14 oz (397 g)) of stewed tomatoes with their juice (or diced tomatoes)
0.25 cup of chicken broth
3 drops of hot pepper sauce
1 bay leaf
0.25 lb (113 g) of kielbasa or other precooked garlic sausage

How to prepare

Coarsely chop the scallions.
Dice the celery and bell pepper.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a plastic bag, combine flour, thyme, and cayenne. Shake to mix.
Add chicken to the bag and shake to lightly coat.
Remove chicken from the bag and set aside the excess flour mixture.
In a large skillet, warm 1 tbsp of butter with oil over medium-high heat until the butter is melted.
Add the chicken and cook until it is browned all over, approximately 7 minutes.
Remove chicken from the skillet and cover loosely to keep warm.
Add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter to the skillet and heat until melted.
Add the garlic and the reserved dredging mixture. Cook, stirring, until the flour is no longer visible, about 1 minute.
Add tomatoes and their juice, chicken broth, scallions, celery, bell pepper, hot pepper sauce, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, dice the sausage.
Return the stew to a boil over medium-high heat.
Return the chicken (and any juices that have accumulated on the plate) to the skillet along with the sausage. Heat until the chicken is cooked through, about 3 minutes.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Variations

For a spicier version, add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the stew. You can also experiment with different types of sausage, such as andouille or chorizo, for a unique flavor twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure tender and juicy chicken, be sure not to overcook it. Brown the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can cause the chicken to steam rather than brown. For extra flavor, you can use a combination of chicken thighs and breasts in this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious stew over cooked rice or with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a successful chicken stew is to brown the chicken pieces before simmering them in the sauce. This helps to seal in the juices and develop a rich flavor. Be sure to stir the stew occasionally while it simmers to prevent sticking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sausage on hand, you can substitute with diced ham or smoked turkey for a different flavor profile. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a more tender result.

Make Ahead Tips

This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the stew in individual bowls garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme. You can also serve it family-style in a large serving dish with a side of rice or bread.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this hearty stew with a crisp green salad or a side of steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A glass of red wine, such as a Pinot Noir or Merlot, complements the rich flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the stew in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Stew New Orleans-style contains approximately 350 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Stew New Orleans-style contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbohydrates come from the vegetables and flour used to thicken the sauce.

Fats

This dish is moderate in fat, with each serving containing around 12 grams of fat. The fats come from the butter, oil, and sausage used in the recipe.

Proteins

Chicken Stew New Orleans-style is a protein-rich dish, with each serving providing about 30 grams of protein. The chicken and sausage are the main sources of protein in this recipe.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the bell peppers and tomatoes. It also contains iron from the chicken and sausage, as well as potassium from the vegetables.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the flour used to coat the chicken. It also contains dairy from the butter. The sausage may contain allergens such as soy or sulfites, so be sure to check the label if you have allergies.

Summary

Overall, Chicken Stew New Orleans-style is a balanced and nutritious meal option. It provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals to fuel your body.

Summary

Chicken Stew New Orleans-style is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings a taste of the South to your table. With a rich tomato-based sauce, tender chicken, and spicy sausage, this stew is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with rice or bread for a satisfying meal that will warm you from the inside out.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a cold winter day in New Orleans, and I was walking through the bustling French Quarter when I stumbled upon a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant that seemed to be calling my name. The smell of simmering spices and savory meats wafted out of the open door, beckoning me inside.

As I sat down at a small table in the cozy dining room, I couldn't help but notice the warm, inviting atmosphere of the place. The walls were lined with old-fashioned black and white photographs of jazz musicians and Mardi Gras celebrations, and the sound of smooth jazz music floated through the air. I felt like I had stepped back in time to a simpler, more elegant era.

I perused the menu, my eyes landing on a dish called Chicken Stew New Orleans-style. The description made my mouth water - tender chunks of chicken simmered in a rich, flavorful broth with onions, bell peppers, and Cajun spices. It sounded like the perfect comfort food for a chilly day.

When the dish arrived at my table, I was not disappointed. The aroma alone was enough to make my stomach growl in anticipation. I took a bite, savoring the tender chicken and the spicy, smoky flavors of the broth. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before - a perfect blend of savory and spicy, with just the right amount of heat.

I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. I couldn't let such a delicious recipe go to waste. So, after finishing my meal, I approached the chef and asked if he would be willing to share his recipe with me.

To my surprise, the chef was more than happy to oblige. He invited me back into the kitchen, where he showed me all of the ingredients and walked me through the cooking process step by step. I watched intently as he chopped the vegetables, browned the chicken, and simmered everything together in a big, steaming pot.

As the stew bubbled away on the stove, filling the kitchen with its mouthwatering aroma, the chef shared with me the story behind the recipe. He told me that it had been passed down through his family for generations, originating from his great-great-grandmother who had immigrated to New Orleans from France.

According to him, the secret to the dish was in the spices - a carefully curated blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and bay leaves that gave the stew its distinctive flavor. He also emphasized the importance of cooking the dish low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop over time.

After several hours of simmering, the stew was finally ready. The chef ladled a generous portion into a bowl for me to try, and I couldn't wait to dig in. The first bite brought back all of the memories of that chilly day in the French Quarter, and I felt a sense of satisfaction in knowing that I had mastered the recipe for myself.

From that day on, Chicken Stew New Orleans-style became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, or just for a cozy night in with a good book. Each time I cooked it, I would think back to that charming little restaurant in the French Quarter and the kind chef who had shared his recipe with me.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, stirring a pot of Chicken Stew New Orleans-style on the stove, I can't help but feel grateful for the culinary adventures that have brought me to this moment. The recipe may have originated from a small restaurant in New Orleans, but it has become a cherished part of my own family's traditions, passed down through the generations to be enjoyed by all. And for that, I will always be thankful.