Quick Creole Chicken

Quick Creole Chicken Recipe - A Delicious and Flavorful Dish from the USA

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

Introduction

Quick Creole Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with a mix of vegetables, beans, and Cajun seasoning. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family.

History

Creole cuisine is a blend of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences that originated in Louisiana. This Quick Creole Chicken recipe takes inspiration from traditional Creole flavors and ingredients, such as Cajun seasoning, bell peppers, and tomatoes.

Ingredients

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
cajun seasoning, to taste
extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
0.5 large green pepper, chopped
8 cloves garlic, chopped
0.25 cup dry white wine
1 cup chicken broth
1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz / 425 g)
1 packet success rice, opened
1 can Louisiana style beans
1 dash hot pepper sauce (optional)

How to prepare

Place chicken cubes in a plastic zippered bag. Add Cajun seasoning and shake to coat. You can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken until lightly browned. Set it aside.
Heat more oil over medium-high heat. Add onions, peppers, and celery. Sauté until the onions are transparent.
Add garlic and the previously cooked chicken. Stir until you can smell the garlic.
Add wine and simmer until it reduces by half.
Add broth, tomatoes, and rice. If you prefer a thicker mixture, you can also add a little tomato paste.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Add beans and mix well.
Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer until the rice is cooked, approximately 10 minutes.
Serve with salad, garlic bread, and a lighter Merlot such as Lindemans.

Variations

Substitute shrimp or sausage for the chicken for a different flavor profile.
Add okra or corn for a Southern twist on the dish.
Use different beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, for added protein and fiber.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Cajun seasoning for up to 24 hours before cooking.

- Use a mix of green and red bell peppers for added color and flavor.

- Adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce to suit your spice preference.

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

Serving Suggestions

Serve Quick Creole Chicken with a side of steamed rice, cornbread, or a fresh green salad. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the vegetables until they are soft but still slightly crisp for the best texture.

- Simmer the dish on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of chicken breasts.

- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the dish.

- Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a different grain option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the Cajun seasoned chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook. You can also chop the vegetables ahead of time to save on prep work.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Quick Creole Chicken in a large serving bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Quick Creole Chicken with a light red wine, such as Merlot or Pinot Noir. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with iced tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 32g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 45% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Iron: 15% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Alergens

Contains: None known allergens

Summary

Quick Creole Chicken is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is relatively low in calories and does not contain any known allergens.

Summary

Quick Creole Chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings together the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine in a simple and convenient recipe. With a mix of protein, vegetables, and spices, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Quick Creole Chicken. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Lorraine, in her quaint little kitchen in the heart of New Orleans. Mrs. Lorraine was known throughout the neighborhood for her delicious Creole dishes, and I was eager to learn one of her secrets.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the tantalizing aroma of spices and herbs. Mrs. Lorraine was busy chopping up onions, bell peppers, and celery, all the key ingredients in Creole cooking. She smiled warmly at me and handed me a glass of sweet tea before getting down to business.

"Today, I'm going to teach you how to make my famous Quick Creole Chicken," Mrs. Lorraine said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations, and I know you're going to love it."

I watched intently as Mrs. Lorraine began to season the chicken with a blend of Creole spices – paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano. She explained to me the importance of layering flavors in Creole cooking, building upon the rich history of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences that make up this unique cuisine.

As the chicken sizzled in the skillet, Mrs. Lorraine added in the holy trinity of vegetables – onions, bell peppers, and celery – along with garlic and tomatoes. The colors and aromas filled the kitchen, and my mouth began to water in anticipation.

Next, Mrs. Lorraine poured in some chicken broth and a splash of Worcestershire sauce, letting the flavors meld together into a fragrant sauce. She then covered the skillet and let the chicken simmer until it was tender and juicy, absorbing all of the delicious flavors.

Finally, Mrs. Lorraine served up the Quick Creole Chicken on a bed of fluffy white rice, garnished with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon. With the first bite, I was transported to a world of bold flavors and comforting spices – it was a taste of the deep South that I would never forget.

From that day on, Quick Creole Chicken became a staple in my own kitchen. I would often make it for family gatherings and special occasions, sharing the recipe with friends who were eager to taste a bit of New Orleans magic.

Over the years, I continued to refine and perfect the recipe, adding my own twists and modifications to suit my taste. Sometimes I would add in some shrimp or sausage for an extra kick, or switch up the spices to create a new variation.

But no matter how many times I made Quick Creole Chicken, the memories of that day in Mrs. Lorraine's kitchen always stayed with me. It was a moment of culinary discovery and friendship, a bond forged through the love of food and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

And so, whenever I cook up a batch of Quick Creole Chicken, I am reminded of the warmth and hospitality of Mrs. Lorraine, and the rich culinary heritage of the Creole cuisine that continues to inspire me to this day.