Poulet à la Créole (Creole-Style Chicken)
A flavorful chicken dish simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices, often featuring bell peppers and onions, reflecting Mauritian Creole influences.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken pieces(bone-in, skin-on thighs and drumsticks recommended)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 400 g Tomatoes(chopped, or 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes)
- 2 medium Bell peppers(any color, deseeded and chopped)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 sprigs Thyme sprigs
- 1 leaf Bay leaf
- 1 tbsp Curry powder
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- 0.25 tsp Chili flakes(or to taste)
- 150 ml Chicken broth
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
- Fresh coriander(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensuring the chicken is dry helps with browning. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides in batches, then remove and set aside.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes - 3
Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly golden.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 4
Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Stir in the curry powder, turmeric powder, and chili flakes. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
⏱️ 30 seconds - 6
Add the chopped tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes), bell peppers, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
- 7
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth.
- 8
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
⏱️ 40 minutes💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 9
Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- 10
Garnish with fresh chopped coriander before serving.
💡 Tip: Serve hot with rice or rougaille sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a spicier dish, add more chili flakes or a chopped fresh chili pepper.
- ✓A splash of white wine can be added after sautéing the onions for extra depth of flavor.
- ✓This dish can also be made with other meats like pork or lamb.
🔄 Variations
- Add a can of drained chickpeas for extra texture and protein.
- Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the tomatoes for a richer sauce.
- Incorporate a pinch of ground cinnamon or cloves for a more complex spice profile.