New Orleans Style Creole Chicken
A flavorful New Orleans-inspired Creole chicken dish packed with bold spices, vegetables, and that signature Creole flavor, perfect for those who enjoy hearty, spicy Southern cuisine.
Ingredients
- 4 (7 oz.) boneless and skinless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. white pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground thyme ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. gumbo file powder ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green bell peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cups tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and white pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil until very hot.
- Place chicken breasts in the oil and brown, about 3 minutes per side, then remove and keep warm in a 250°F oven.
- Reduce heat in the skillet and add chopped onion, green onions, chopped bell peppers, chopped celery, minced garlic, ground thyme, cayenne pepper, and gumbo file powder; sauté until onions are clear.
- Add water and chopped tomatoes; simmer for about 4 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over buttered rice and sprinkle with chopped green onions.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, try marinating the chicken breasts in a Low-Fat Marinade for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have gumbo file powder, you can substitute with a mix of equal parts dried thyme and oregano. For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper or toss in some diced jalapeños during sautéing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Creole chicken over buttered rice, which absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully. Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. This dish also goes well with cornbread for a true New Orleans experience. For more chicken recipes, explore our collection.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through, ensuring the chicken remains moist. You can also add a splash of water to prevent drying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Orleans Style Creole Chicken contains roughly 1421 calories, with 59g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 92g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (151% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (134% of the Daily Value), and iron (127% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1342mg per serving (58% 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 bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Bone-in pieces will take longer to cook through, so simmer until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What can I substitute for the green bell peppers?
If you don't have green bell peppers, red or yellow bell peppers can be used for a sweeter flavor. Alternatively, you could use chopped zucchini or asparagus for a different texture and taste.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of returning the chicken to the skillet, then cool and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently and simmer until warmed through.
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).