Gumbo-Style Chicken Creole

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1/2 pound okra, sliced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes or until the mixture is a golden brown color.
2. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, oregano, thyme, Creole seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in the chicken broth and tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the okra and chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve over cooked white rice.

Interesting Facts

• Gumbo-style chicken creole is believed to have originated in Louisiana in the early 1800s.
• The dish is a combination of French, African, Native American, and Caribbean cuisines.
• Okra is a common ingredient in gumbo-style recipes and is believed to help thicken the sauce.