Twenty Minute Chicken Creole
A quick and flavorful chicken Creole loaded with tomatoes, peppers, and herbs, perfect for busy weeknights and those craving bold Southern-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 medium chicken breast halves (1 to 1 1/2 lb.) skinned, boned and cut into 1 inch strips ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can chopped tomatoes with juice ⓘ
- 1 c. low-sodium chili sauce ⓘ
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil, crushed ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Spray a large skillet with nonstick coating spray and heat on high.
- Add chicken strips and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until no longer pink.
- Reduce heat to medium; add chopped tomatoes with juice, chili sauce, chopped green bell pepper, chopped celery, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped basil, chopped parsley, crushed red pepper, and salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Serve over rice or whole wheat pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, use pre-chopped vegetables or frozen bell peppers and onions. If you prefer a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes to taste. You can substitute the chicken with turkey or tofu for a different protein option. For a thicker sauce, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Creole over fluffy white rice or whole wheat pasta for a hearty meal. Pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition. This dish also goes well with crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce. For a complete experience, consider serving it alongside Aunt Vivian'S Chicken Bake for a delightful dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. This dish also freezes well; just thaw and reheat for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Twenty Minute Chicken Creole contains roughly 144 calories, with 4g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (181% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 659mg 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Chicken Creole ahead of time. Simply cook the chicken and sauce as instructed, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of chili sauce?
If you don't have chili sauce, you can substitute it with a mix of ketchup and hot sauce for a similar flavor profile. Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your heat preference.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Chicken Creole is perfect for meal prep. It keeps well in the fridge and can be portioned out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just remember to store it in individual containers for convenience.
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).