New Orleans-Style Stewed Chicken
Experience the soulful flavors of New Orleans with this authentic Creole New Orleans-Style Stewed Chicken recipe. Juicy bone-in chicken pieces simmered in a vibrant medley of bell peppers, onions, celery, tomatoes, and a lively blend of Creole spices offer a comforting, richly flavored one-pot meal perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients and customizable to your spice preference, this stew brings the heart of Southern cooking right to your table.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stewing
- Cuisine: Creole, Southern, New Orleans
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- Bone-in chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks), about 3 pounds
Vegetables
- 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth (ensure gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tablespoons Creole seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, thyme, and other spices)
- 2 bay leaves
- Oil for browning (such as vegetable or canola oil)
- Hot sauce, to taste (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Prep Your Chicken and Vegetables: Rinse and pat dry the chicken pieces. Season all sides generously with Creole seasoning for deep flavor. Chop the bell peppers, onion, celery, and mince the garlic so they are ready to cook.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until golden, about 5-7 minutes per batch. This step locks in juices and builds a rich stew base. Remove browned chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic during the last minute to release aroma without burning.
- Combine and Simmer: Return browned chicken to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, ensuring most ingredients are covered. Add bay leaves and additional Creole seasoning if desired. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender and sauce thickens slightly.
- Final Touches and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, removing bay leaves before serving. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for brightness. Offer hot sauce on the side for extra heat.
Notes
- Brown the chicken thoroughly to maximize flavor depth.
- Simmer the stew on low heat to ensure tender chicken and a well-developed sauce.
- Use fresh vegetables for authentic texture and vibrant color.
- Adjust Creole seasoning and hot sauce levels based on your preferred spice tolerance.
- Skim excess fat from the stew surface for a cleaner finish if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cup stew with 1-2 chicken pieces)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: New Orleans stewed chicken, Creole chicken stew, Southern stewed chicken, one pot chicken, spicy chicken stew, comfort food, gluten free stew