Chicken Creole
Chicken Creole is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and spicy tomato sauce, enhanced by the aromas of garlic, onion, and green pepper. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is best served over hot cooked rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1/4 c. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/4 c. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes, stewed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 or 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 3 dashes hot sauce ⓘ
- hot cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet until hot.
- Stir in 1/4 cup flour.
- Stir constantly until mixture is about the color of a copper penny, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat.
- Add pepper and onion; cook until tender, about 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add chicken, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, soy sauce, sugar, pepper, salt, and hot sauce.
- Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Serve over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
When making Chicken Creole, ensure the roux (flour and oil mixture) reaches a deep copper color for enhanced flavor. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little more flour. For a twist, substitute the chicken with shrimp or sausage, reflecting the versatility found in many chicken recipes. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can elevate the dish's freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Creole over hot cooked rice for a hearty meal. A side of crusty bread or a fresh salad can complement this dish well. For a complete dinner, consider pairing it with a refreshing Oriental Chicken Salad, which balances the rich flavors of the Creole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the Chicken Creole gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. It can also be microwaved, but stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Creole contains roughly 640 calories, with 12g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), protein (24% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. You'll need about 6-8 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped. Cook them down until they release their juices, which will enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they're properly softened.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
You can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully as it sits. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving, and consider making extra rice for easy serving.
What can I do if the dish is too spicy for my taste?
If the Chicken Creole turns out too spicy, you can balance the heat by adding a little sugar or a splash of cream. Serving it over rice or with a side of dairy-based dishes can also help mellow the spice. Adjust the amount of hot sauce next time based on your preference.
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).