Description
Creole Chicken and Gravy is a comforting Southern-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich, savory gravy made with onions, bell peppers, celery, garlic, and bold Creole seasonings. This hearty meal is perfect served over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp Creole seasoning
- Salt to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Gravy Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry and season them evenly with the Creole seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Set aside to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and brown them for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and start to caramelize.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to form a light roux that will thicken the gravy.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth ensuring the mixture is smooth. Then, stir in Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and black pepper to enrich the gravy’s flavor.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the browned chicken thighs to the pan. Cover and reduce heat to low. Let the chicken simmer gently for 25–30 minutes until completely cooked through and tender, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the finished dish. Serve the Creole chicken and gravy hot over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs if preferred, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful.
- Add sliced mushrooms during the vegetable sauté step for additional earthiness and texture.
- Leftovers improve in flavor after a day, making this dish great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Creole
