Creole Chicken and Zucchini

Creole Chicken and Zucchini Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Creole Chicken and Zucchini is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines tender chicken quarters with zucchini, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. This dish is perfect for a comforting meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

Creole cuisine is a blend of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences that originated in Louisiana. This dish showcases the bold flavors and rich history of Creole cooking, with its use of tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices.

Ingredients

vegetable cooking spray
4 chicken quarters
1 medium onion, chopped
0.25 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 x 16 oz (454 g) cans stewed tomatoes, undrained
1 lb (454 g) zucchini, chopped (about 3 medium)
0.25 cup sherry wine
1 bay leaf
1 tsp celery salt
0.5 tsp ground black pepper
0.5 tsp curry powder
0.25 tsp dried basil
4 cup hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Heat a large Dutch oven coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat until hot.
Add the chicken and cook for about 10 minutes or until brown, turning occasionally.
Remove the chicken from the pan and spoon off any excess fat.
Add the onion and green pepper to the pan and cook for 5 minutes or until the onion is tender.
Stir in the tomatoes and their juice, zucchini, sherry, bay leaf, celery salt, black pepper, curry, and basil.
Arrange the chicken over the tomato mixture, cover, and simmer over medium-low heat for 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Remove the bay leaf.
Serve the dish over hot rice.

Variations

Substitute chicken thighs or breasts for the chicken quarters.
Add shrimp or sausage for a different twist on this dish.
Use different vegetables, such as okra or eggplant, to change up the flavors.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken before adding it to the tomato mixture to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences, adding more or less curry powder and black pepper as desired.

- Serve the dish over hot cooked rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Creole Chicken and Zucchini with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before simmering it in the tomato mixture helps to develop the flavors of the dish.

- Simmering the chicken and vegetables together allows the flavors to meld and creates a rich and savory sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken broth or water instead of wine if desired.

- Substitute fresh tomatoes for the canned stewed tomatoes.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Creole Chicken and Zucchini with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Creole Chicken and Zucchini with a glass of white wine or a cold beer to complement the bold 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 Creole Chicken and Zucchini contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Creole Chicken and Zucchini contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Creole Chicken and Zucchini contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Creole Chicken and Zucchini contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the bell peppers and zucchini, as well as potassium from the tomatoes.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check for any specific allergens in the ingredients you use.

Summary

Creole Chicken and Zucchini is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Creole Chicken and Zucchini is a delicious and satisfying dish that showcases the flavors of Creole cuisine. With tender chicken, zucchini, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to make. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Marie in her cozy little home in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Marie was a master in the kitchen, and she always had a new dish to share with me whenever I came to visit.

As soon as I walked through the door, I was hit with the delicious aroma of spices and herbs wafting through the air. Marie was busy chopping vegetables and seasoning a large pot on the stove. I couldn't help but ask her what she was making.

"Oh, cherie," Marie exclaimed with a twinkle in her eye, "I'm making my famous Creole Chicken and Zucchini! You are going to love it."

I watched intently as Marie worked her magic in the kitchen, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that to the pot. The smell was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the Creole Chicken and Zucchini. The flavors exploded in my mouth - spicy, savory, and perfectly balanced. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

"Marie, this is incredible!" I exclaimed, my taste buds singing with delight.

Marie smiled, her eyes twinkling with pride. "I'm so glad you like it, cherie. This recipe has been passed down in my family for generations, and I am honored to share it with you."

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. Marie graciously agreed to show me the recipe, and we spent the rest of the afternoon cooking together in her kitchen.

She taught me the secret to making the perfect Creole seasoning blend - a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of thyme. She showed me how to sear the chicken to lock in the juices and how to sauté the zucchini until it was tender and flavorful.

But the most important lesson Marie taught me was to cook with love. She explained that the key to making a truly delicious dish was to put your heart and soul into every step of the process.

After that day, I made Creole Chicken and Zucchini for my family and friends whenever I could. It quickly became a favorite in our household, and I was always happy to share the recipe with anyone who asked.

Years passed, and I continued to cook this dish with love and passion, savoring every bite and remembering the day I learned to make it from my dear friend Marie.

Now, as I sit in my own cozy kitchen, I can't help but smile as I prepare Creole Chicken and Zucchini once again. The familiar smells and flavors transport me back to that warm summer day in New Orleans, and I am grateful for the memories and the recipes that have been passed down to me over the years.

Cooking has always been my passion, and I am forever thankful for the friends and family who have shared their recipes and their love with me. Each dish tells a story, and each recipe holds a special place in my heart.

As I take a bite of the Creole Chicken and Zucchini, I am reminded of the joy and warmth that food can bring to our lives. It is a simple pleasure that connects us to our past and nourishes our souls in the present.

And so, I will continue to cook with love, sharing my recipes and my stories with those around me. Because food is more than just sustenance - it is a gift that brings us together and fills our hearts with joy.