Spicy Chicken Creole
Spicy Chicken Creole is a flavorful, hearty dish with tender chicken simmered in a spicy tomato sauce, perfect for those who enjoy bold, comforting flavors. Ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced ⓘ
- 1 large can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil ⓘ
- dash of garlic salt ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 jar salsa ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp sugar ⓘ
- cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped bell pepper, celery, and onion in vegetable oil until the onion is translucent.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salsa, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, chili powder, and sugar. Stir until blended and bubbling.
- Add diced chicken to the sauce, cover, and simmer for 40 to 45 minutes until the chicken is tender.
- Serve the creole over cooked rice, accompanied by crackers and salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Worcestershire sauce and chili powder for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute the diced chicken with shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add an additional tablespoon of tomato paste or reduce the liquid by simmering longer. Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or diced jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spicy Chicken Creole over a bed of fluffy cooked rice for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for balance. For a delightful twist, try serving it alongside Spanish Rice Ajo Style for a flavorful combo. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can enhance the dish as well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through. This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Chicken Creole contains roughly 382 calories, with 16g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (85% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1084mg 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be prepared ahead of time. Simply complete the cooking process and let it cool before storing it in the refrigerator. It can be made a day in advance and reheated when you're ready to serve, which helps the flavors meld together even further.
What can I substitute for chicken?
You can easily substitute the chicken with shrimp or firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Both work well with the spices and sauce, providing a delicious alternative. Adjust cooking times accordingly; shrimp cooks faster, while tofu may need a few extra minutes to absorb the flavors.
Is there a way to make it spicier?
Absolutely! To increase the heat level, add more chili powder or incorporate diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also use a spicier salsa for an extra kick. Just be sure to taste as you go to achieve your desired spice level.
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).