Chicken A La Creole
Creamy and flavorful Chicken A La Creole features tender chicken simmered with vegetables and spices, then baked to perfection. Ideal for hearty family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the chicken until the meat falls from the bone.
- Take the liquid, which should be one quart or more, and add chopped celery, green peppers, and onions. Cook until tender.
- Add diced chicken, salt, Worcestershire sauce, pimentos, mushrooms, and cheese.
- Allow the mixture to age in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.
- Bake slowly in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Serve hot, yielding 12 to 14 servings.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Chicken A La Creole, consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves during cooking. For a lighter version, you can substitute the hen with cooked turkey or even a vegetarian option like chickpeas for a hearty meal. If you prefer a spicier kick, incorporate some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken A La Creole with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish. Pairing it with a light white wine can also enhance the flavors. For a comforting dessert, try serving with slices of Maine'S Melt-In-Your-Mouth Blueberry Cake to complete the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken A La Creole contains roughly 40 calories, with 4g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (95% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 770mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the meat and add it to the broth mixture as you would with the cooked hen. It will still provide a delicious flavor and save you cooking time.
Is it necessary to let the mixture age in the refrigerator?
While it's not strictly necessary, allowing the mixture to age in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours helps the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a more flavorful dish. If you're short on time, you can still enjoy it fresh, but the aging process enhances the overall taste.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt Chicken A La Creole into a vegetarian recipe. Substitute the hen with cooked mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This will maintain the dish's essence while accommodating a vegetarian diet.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).