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If you’re craving a hearty and flavorful meal that wonโt weigh you down, look no further than this One Pot Chicken Creole recipe! Inspired by the rich culinary heritage of New Orleans, this dish combines the โholy trinityโ of onions, green bell peppers, and celery with tender chicken simmered in a zesty tomato sauce. Not only is it packed with bold flavors from a blend of spices, but itโs also made with mostly Zero Point ingredients, making it a guilt-free dinner choice at just zero WW points per serving.
Ingredients In Chicken Creole:
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For One Pot Chicken Creole, gather 4 chicken breasts (about 680 g) as the main protein. Start by crushing 2 garlic cloves and seasoning the chicken with 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin, salt, and optionally, black pepper. Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil (5 mL) in a large pot, then add 1 medium red onion (about 1 cup, 150 g) and 1 green bell pepper (1 cup, 150 g), cooking until softened. If desired, include 2 small green chilis, finely chopped, and add 2 chopped celery stalks (1/2 cup, 50 g) for extra flavor and crunch. Pour in 1 can of tomato sauce (15 oz, 425 g) and season with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 2 bay leaves, and the prepared chicken. Add a mixture of 1 teaspoon of cornstarch (5 g) dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water (30 mL) and ยฝ cup of water or chicken broth (120 mL) to create a savory sauce. Cook everything together until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through, resulting in a flavorful and easy dinner!
Marinate the Chicken
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Begin by marinating the chicken breasts. In a large bowl, mix together the crushed garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Generously rub this spice mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring theyโre well coated. Set the marinated chicken aside for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors infuse while you prep the other ingredients.
Sear the Chicken
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Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they develop a lovely golden-brown crust. Don’t worry about fully cooking them at this stage; theyโll finish cooking in the sauce. After searing, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Prepare the Sofrito
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In the same skillet, using the flavorful oil and bits left from the chicken, add the chopped red onion, green bell pepper, green chilis (if youโre using them), and celery. Sautรฉ the vegetables over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes, until they soften and the onion becomes translucent. This blend of veggies is known as the โHoly Trinityโ in Creole cuisine and builds a solid flavor base for your dish.
Make the Sauce
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Once the vegetables are softened, pour in the tomato sauce, dried oregano, bay leaves, and 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth. Stir everything together, scraping the bottom of the skillet to incorporate any flavorful bits left from the chicken. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Thicken the Sauce
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After the sauce has simmered, add the cornstarch mixture (1 teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water) to the skillet. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. If you find the sauce is too thick, you can easily add a little more water or broth to reach your preferred consistency.
Cook the Chicken in the Sauce
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Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the flavorful sauce. Cover the skillet and allow the chicken to cook in the sauce over low heat for about 20 minutes, or until itโs cooked through and tender. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165ยฐF (74ยฐC) for safety.
Serve
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Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the bay leaves from the skillet and discard them. Serve your delicious One Pot Chicken Creole hot, and enjoy a flavorful and easy dinner!
Variations and Substitutions
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You can customize Chicken Creole to suit your taste by making it as spicy, sweet, or savory as you like. For seafood lovers, swapping out the chicken for shrimp or crab enhances the dish’s Creole flavor, and adding sausage creates a delightful combination. If you prefer a traditional touch, consider using okra instead of cornstarch, as it naturally thickens the sauce without adding unnecessary starch or calories while also providing satisfying texture. To spice things up, add a dash of Tabasco sauce or a sprinkle of Jamaican pepper, but be sure to taste as you go to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
Tips and Tricks for Making Chicken Creole
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When making Chicken Creole, take your time with the searing process to achieve a nice golden crust on the chicken; don’t worry if some bits stick to the pot, as the tomatoes will help deglaze and lift that flavor into the sauce. For quicker cooking while retaining all the flavors, consider using an Instant Pot; simply use the sautรฉ function to brown the chicken and cook the vegetables before sealing the lid for pressure cooking. Traditionally served over rice, Chicken Creole can also be paired with mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice, or quinoa for a different twist. To maximize convenience, prepare large batches for quick meals throughout the week, and remember that this dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
