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New Orleans-Style Stewed Chicken

New Orleans-Style Stewed Chicken
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New Orleans-Style Stewed Chicken is a rich, slow-cooked dish bursting with vibrant spices, smoky undertones, and tender bone-in chicken pieces. This comforting stew perfectly blends paprika, garlic, bell peppers, and crushed tomatoes to create an authentic Southern meal full of bold yet balanced flavors. It’s easy to make with simple pantry staples and is versatile enough to accommodate personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks (about 3 lbs)

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 bell peppers, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Sauces

  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Spices and Herbs

  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Ingredients for Variations

  • Hot sauce (to increase spiciness)
  • Flour or cornstarch slurry (to thicken sauce)
  • Additional vegetables: okra, zucchini, or sweet potatoes
  • Alternative herbs: thyme, oregano, or bay leaf

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Season chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken on all sides until golden to lock in juices and develop flavor.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, forming the aromatic base of the stew.
  3. Add liquids and spices: Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Sprinkle cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir well, scraping browned bits from the bottom of the pot to add depth to the sauce.
  4. Simmer the chicken: Return browned chicken pieces to the pot, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer gently over low heat for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and flavors are well blended.
  5. Final touches: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in chopped fresh parsley just before serving to add freshness and color.

Notes

  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for richer flavor and moistness.
  • Take time to brown the chicken thoroughly for a flavorful crust.
  • Simmer slowly on low heat to tenderize chicken and meld flavors.
  • Add spices gradually and taste to achieve your preferred balance.
  • Let the stew rest off heat for 10 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: New Orleans, Stewed Chicken, Creole, Southern Cooking, Comfort Food, Slow Cook, Spicy Chicken, One Pot Meal

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/new-orleans-style-stewed-chicken/