Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Louisiana! This Joe Bob's Creole Chicken recipe is not just another chicken dish - it's a flavor explosion that combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, spicy sauce that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds. Whether you're a spice lover or just looking to add some excitement to your weekly meal rotation, this recipe promises to deliver a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Creole
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped bell pepper, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and 1 cup of chicken broth.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and allow it to heat until shimmering.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side down. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown.
- Flip the chicken thighs and sear the other side for an additional 5 minutes. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the Cajun seasoning. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and incorporate any browned bits from the chicken.
- Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This will allow the chicken to cook through and absorb the flavors.
- After 30 minutes, check the chicken for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If needed, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The sauce can be spooned over the chicken when plating.
- Serve Joe Bob's Creole Chicken over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work best for this recipe as they remain incredibly moist and absorb flavors beautifully.
- Don't Rush the Searing: Take your time browning the chicken. A good sear develops deep, rich flavors that are crucial to the dish's overall taste.
- Spice Level Control: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to match your heat preference. Start with less and add more if needed.
- Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: While the recipe uses dried Cajun seasoning, adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley at the end can brighten the entire dish.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over steamed white rice, dirty rice, or with crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 277kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 80mg
