Are you craving a taste of authentic New Orleans cuisine? Then look no further! This Dooky Chase Stewed Chicken recipe brings the vibrant flavors of the iconic Dooky Chase's Restaurant right to your kitchen. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to experience a delicious, comforting dish brimming with history and flavor. It's a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, proving that homemade cooking doesn’t have to be complicated.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into 8 pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Building the Flavor:
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Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
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Add the chopped onion, green bell peppers, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper; cook for another minute until fragrant.
Simmering to Perfection:
- Return the chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and add the chopped tomatoes and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or until the chicken is very tender.
Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour with a little bit of cold water to form a smooth slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering stew, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions:
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over a bed of fluffy rice.
Cooking Tips for the Best Stewed Chicken:
- For deeper flavor, consider using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when browning the chicken; work in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- If you prefer a less spicy stew, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
- For a richer sauce, use a combination of chicken broth and white wine.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or okra to the stew.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or sour cream at the end for a richer, creamier stew.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This Dooky Chase inspired stewed chicken recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined to create a truly delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy the taste of New Orleans, cooked with love in your own kitchen! It's a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. Share your culinary creations with us!