Get ready to transport your kitchen to the vibrant streets of New Orleans with this mouthwatering Chicken Creole Gumbo Style recipe! This isn't just another chicken dish - it's a flavor explosion that captures the soul of Cajun cuisine in every single bite. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly seasoned and simmered in a rich, aromatic broth that tells a story of culinary tradition and passion. Whether you're a spice lover, a comfort food enthusiast, or someone looking to impress dinner guests, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes, finely chopping onion, green bell pepper, and celery, and mincing garlic cloves.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Brown chicken pieces in the hot oil for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until they develop a golden-brown exterior. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables become soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning and return browned chicken to the pot.
- Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45-50 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to become tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot over rice or with crusty bread.
Tips
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- Don't rush the browning process for the chicken - those golden-brown edges create incredible depth of flavor.
- Fresh ingredients make a huge difference, especially with the holy trinity of Cajun cooking: onions, bell peppers, and celery.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your heat tolerance - you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
- Let the gumbo rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to fully develop and meld together.
- Serve over white rice or with crusty French bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth if possible.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
