Southern Skillet Chicken Creole
A hearty Southern dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a savory tomato and vegetable sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Crisco
- 2 1/2 to 3 pounds chicken legs ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic or 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 (28 ounce) can whole tomatoes or 1 quart fresh tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup uncooked rice ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the chicken in Crisco in a skillet.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet.
- In the remaining oil, sauté the onion, green pepper, mushrooms, and garlic.
- Stir in the tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Place the browned chicken on top of the vegetable mixture.
- Cover and simmer for 35 minutes or until the chicken and rice are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or some diced celery to the sautéed vegetables. If you're short on time, you can substitute the chicken legs with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Additionally, using pre-cooked rice can significantly cut down on cooking time. For a healthy twist, try using Low-Fat Chicken instead of regular chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Southern Skillet Chicken Creole over a bed of fluffy rice, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with Cajun Chicken Vegetable Soup for a hearty dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and rice mixture in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until heated through, ensuring the chicken stays moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Skillet Chicken Creole contains roughly 278 calories, with 9g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (52% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 661mg per serving (29% 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 different cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, feel free to use other cuts like chicken breasts or thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly since different cuts may require more or less time to cook thoroughly. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
What can I substitute for rice if I want a low-carb option?
If you're looking for a low-carb alternative, consider using cauliflower rice or quinoa. Both options will absorb the flavors well and maintain the dish's integrity without the extra carbs from traditional rice.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or other spicy peppers into the vegetable mix. You can also add cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to enhance the overall flavor profile.
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).