Half Hour Chicken Creole: A Flavorful, Quick-Cooking Delight
Prepare to delight your taste buds with this quick and easy Half Hour Chicken Creole recipe, a perfect blend of savory spices and tender chicken. Ideal for busy weeknights or a delicious weekend meal, this dish brings a touch of Creole flavor to your table in just 30 minutes. 🍗🌿
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Pan:
- Lightly coat a deep skillet with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
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Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the skillet over high heat until it’s hot. Add the extra virgin olive oil.
- Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them, stirring regularly, until they are lightly browned and no longer pink inside.
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Add Vegetables and Herbs:
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced green bell pepper, celery, chopped onion, green onions, and minced garlic to the skillet.
- Sprinkle in the fresh parsley, basil, and thyme, along with the dried basil and thyme. Toss everything together and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the vegetables start to soften and become aromatic.
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Incorporate the Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, ensuring that all ingredients are well combined.
- Season with cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to mix everything evenly.
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Simmer to Perfection:
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to absorb all the delicious spices.
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Final Touches:
- After simmering, carefully remove the bay leaves from the skillet.
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Serve:
- Serve the Chicken Creole hot over freshly cooked rice or pasta. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors that come together in this delightful dish.
Variations:
For a seafood twist, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp. Use 1-1/2 pounds of unpeeled raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cut in half lengthwise. Reduce the initial cooking time from 3-5 minutes to 2-3 minutes to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.
This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a quick, flavorful meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. Share this recipe with your family and friends for a meal that’s sure to impress. 🌟🍲
Enjoy making this delicious Half Hour Chicken Creole and savor the burst of Creole flavors in every bite!