Mardi Gras Creole Chicken
Mardi Gras Creole Chicken offers a rich blend of flavors with tender chicken, sweet prunes, and a savory tomato-based sauce seasoned with herbs. Perfect for a hearty, flavorful meal that celebrates Creole spices, it suits those who enjoy bold, comforting dishes with a touch of New Orleans flair.
Ingredients
- 6 oz. pitted prunes, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. hot chicken bouillon ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 3 lb. broiler-fryer chicken pieces ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 c. green pepper squares (about 1-inch) ⓘ
- 1 large clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 15 or 16 oz. can whole peeled tomatoes, broken up ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine prunes and hot chicken bouillon; set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken pieces and brown for 5 minutes on each side.
- Transfer chicken to a shallow baking dish. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the skillet.
- Add chopped onions, green pepper squares, and minced garlic to the skillet.
- Cook and stir for 5 minutes.
- Stir in broken-up tomatoes, salt, basil, pepper, and thyme.
- Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes.
- Pour the tomato mixture evenly over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 minutes.
- Pour the prune mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken pieces in the bouillon and prunes mixture for a few hours before cooking. If prunes are unavailable, dried apricots or figs can serve as a sweet substitute. Adjust the spice level by adding a dash of cayenne pepper if you prefer a little heat. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken Rice Pilaf(Djaj Mah Ruz M'Falfal).
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Creole chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A light green salad or steamed vegetables would complement the dish well. For a festive touch, consider pairing it with classic Southern sides like coleslaw or cornbread, enhancing the Mardi Gras theme.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Mardi Gras Creole Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mardi Gras Creole Chicken contains roughly 934 calories, with 32g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (234% of the Daily Value), protein (65% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1085mg per serving (47% 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 boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking. Boneless pieces may require less time to brown and bake, so check for doneness earlier.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them before baking when ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I serve with Mardi Gras Creole Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, but you can also serve it over pasta or quinoa for a different twist. For a complete meal, add a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the rich flavors.
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).