Chicken in Creole Sauce Recipe
Overview
This Chicken in Creole Sauce recipe brings together vibrant Creole flavors with tender chicken breasts, creating a hearty dish perfect for any occasion. Inspired by a classic from “The Joy of Cooking” and adapted over time, this version is sure to impress with its rich flavors and spicy kick.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients
- 2 1/2 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 celery rib, chopped
- 1/2 green pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 green olives, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup chili sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp thyme leaves
- 1 tsp parsley flakes
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp dry sherry
- 1 slice deli ham, optional (for rolling chicken)
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken:
- If using ham, cut it into strips. Pound the chicken breasts to flatten them slightly. Place a slice of ham over each chicken breast and roll up, securing with toothpicks if necessary. Place the rolled chicken pieces in a large baking dish, seam side down.
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Make the Creole Sauce:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, green pepper, and minced garlic. Saute until softened and aromatic, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add Remaining Ingredients:
- Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili sauce, green olives, bay leaf, thyme leaves, parsley flakes, brown sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add dry sherry. Adjust seasoning to taste.
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Simmer and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the Creole sauce over the rolled chicken pieces in the baking dish. Cover the dish with foil or a lid.
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Cook in the Oven:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
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Serve:
- Remove the toothpicks from the chicken if used. Serve the Chicken in Creole Sauce hot, over a bed of hot cooked rice. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
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Ham Variation: If you prefer a ham-stuffed version, roll the flattened chicken breast around a slice of deli ham before baking. This adds a savory depth to the dish.
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Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your preference for spiciness. Start with a smaller amount if you prefer mild flavors, or increase for more heat.
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Serve with: This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice, which absorbs the flavorful Creole sauce. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 493.9
- Total Fat: 34.1g
- Saturated Fat: 8.8g
- Cholesterol: 158.9mg
- Sodium: 692.7mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10.4g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.3g
- Sugars: 6.5g
- Protein: 34.5g
Keywords
Pork, Poultry, Rice, Meat, Creole, Very Low Carbs, Potluck, Spicy, Oven, Stove Top, Less than 4 Hours
This Chicken in Creole Sauce recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors that promises to bring a taste of the South to your table. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, it’s a dish that will surely become a favorite.