Gumbo Style Chicken Creole Recipe

Cook Time: 45 minutes

This savory chicken dish is a perfect combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and bold seasonings. A quick and easy recipe that delivers big on flavor!

Ingredients

• cup vegetable oil
• cup all-purpose flour
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, with liquid
• 1 (4.5 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• teaspoon salt
• teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 dashes hot sauce, or to taste
• cup chicken broth, or as needed (optional)

Directions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat.
2. Stir in the flour and cook, constantly stirring, for about 5 minutes or until the mixture turns the color of a copper penny.
3. Reduce the heat to low and add the chopped bell pepper and onion. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the chopped chicken, canned diced tomatoes with green chile peppers (including the liquid), sliced mushrooms, fresh parsley, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, soy sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce. Stir to combine.
5. Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
6. If the mixture becomes too thick for your liking, you can add chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	137
Total Fat	9g (12% DV)
Saturated Fat	2g (8% DV)
Cholesterol	1mg (0% DV)
Sodium	735mg (32% DV)
Total Carbohydrate	12g (4% DV)
Dietary Fiber	2g (7% DV)
Total Sugars	3g
Protein	2g (4% DV)
Vitamin C	23mg (25% DV)
Calcium	30mg (2% DV)
Iron	1mg (6% DV)
Potassium	200mg (4% DV)

History of Gumbo Style Chicken Creole

Gumbo Style Chicken Creole is a dish that blends the rich culinary traditions of Louisiana, a state known for its vibrant Creole and Cajun cultures. Gumbo itself originated in Louisiana, with roots tracing back to French, African, and Native American cooking. The word "gumbo" is believed to derive from the African word for okra, "gombo," which is often a key ingredient in the dish. While gumbo in its traditional form includes seafood, sausages, and meats, Chicken Creole offers a variant that focuses more on chicken and a rich tomato-based sauce.

Over time, the dish has evolved, reflecting the diverse influences of the region's inhabitants. Today, it stands as a beloved comfort food, symbolizing the melting pot of cultures that defines Louisiana's cuisine.

Regional Variations

While Chicken Creole is often associated with the New Orleans area, gumbo itself is a dish that can vary significantly across Louisiana. In Cajun cooking, you might find a heartier, more rustic version with darker roux, while Creole gumbo, like the Chicken Creole recipe, tends to feature a tomato-based broth and a wider array of spices. Some regions may include more seafood or sausage, while others prefer a simpler chicken version.

One notable feature of Gumbo Style Chicken Creole is its incorporation of Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce, adding depth to the flavor profilea twist often found in Creole versions of gumbo. This regional flair enhances the umami taste, differentiating it from the spicier, more straightforward Cajun versions.

What Makes it Unique?

Chicken Creole stands out from similar dishes like traditional gumbo or jambalaya due to its tomato-based sauce. While gumbo can vary from thick stews to lighter broths, Chicken Creole offers a more stew-like consistency, often with a slightly tangy edge due to the tomatoes and the inclusion of ingredients like Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce.

Additionally, while jambalaya is a rice dish cooked together with the other ingredients, Chicken Creole is typically served over rice, allowing the rice to soak up the flavorful broth. Gumbo, on the other hand, may or may not be served with rice, as the dish itself often incorporates the starch within the stew.

Where is it Typically Served?

Gumbo Style Chicken Creole is a staple in Louisiana, particularly in New Orleans, where it is often served at family gatherings, festive occasions, or as a comforting meal after a long day. It is also commonly found in Creole and Cajun restaurants, especially in the French Quarter and other areas with deep cultural roots in the region.

In terms of occasions, this dish is often associated with gatherings and celebrations. Its warm, hearty nature makes it a popular choice for cool evenings or holiday feasts. The dish is usually enjoyed with a side of French bread or cornbread to help scoop up the delicious sauce.

Interesting Facts About Gumbo Style Chicken Creole

• The famous "holy trinity" of Cajun and Creole cookingonions, bell peppers, and celeryis often a key base for this dish, providing aromatic flavors that infuse the sauce.
• In many traditional gumbo recipes, okra is used to thicken the broth, but in Chicken Creole, the thickening is achieved with a roux (flour and fat mixture), which gives the dish its signature richness.
• Fil powder, made from ground sassafras leaves, is sometimes added to the dish as a seasoning or thickening agent, though it is optional in this recipe.
• Despite its French origins, gumbo and its variations, including Chicken Creole, are heavily influenced by the African and Native American cultures in Louisiana, who contributed key ingredients like okra and spices.
• Although gumbo can take hours to prepare, the "style" of this dish allows for a quicker version without sacrificing the bold, comforting flavors that make gumbo a Southern favorite.

FAQ about Gumbo Style Chicken Creole Recipe

Comments