CHICKEN CREOLE

For 4 servings you will need:
2 whole chicken breasts, skinned and boned
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 Tbsp. oil
FOR THE SAUCE:
3 Tbsp. oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely sliced celery
1/2 cup finely diced green bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 (14 1/2 oz.) can whole peeled tomatoes
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. salt
Dash cayenne pepper
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. cornstarch
1 Tbsp. cold water
Minced celery leaves, for garnish, optional

Wash chicken. Trim off any excess fat. Pat dry. With kitchen shears, cut chicken into 1-inch pieces. Toss with salt and pepper.

In a large skillet, heat oil. Add chicken and cook over medium-high to high heat about 5 minutes, or until chicken is opaque on all sides and very slightly golden, tossing chicken frequently. Remove chicken and juices; set aside.

In same skillet, heat oil. Add onion, celery, green pepper and garlic and sauté until vegetables are tender.

Stir in tomatoes and their liquid. Break up with a spoon. Stir in 1/2 cup water, paprika, salt, cayenne pepper and bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over low to medium heat for about 10 minutes. Stir in chicken and juices.

Blend together cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water. Stir into chicken mixture. Uncover and simmer over low heat 10 to 15 minutes, or until chicken is done and tender.

TO COOK IN A MICROWAVE:
Wash and trim chicken. Cut into 1-inch pieces.

Add oil to micro-safe dish. Microwave at HIGH power 1 minute to heat.

Stir in chicken. Microwave at HIGH power for 4 minutes. Stir chicken well after each minute of cooking. Remove chicken and juices. Set aside.

In same dish, stir together oil, onion, celery, green pepper and garlic. Microwave at HIGH power for 10 minutes, stirring once after 5 minutes of cooking.

Stir in tomatoes and their liquid, Break up with a spoon. Stir in water, paprika, salt, cayenne pepper and bay leaf. Microwave at HIGH power for 5 minutes, stirring twice. Stir in chicken and juices.

Blend together cornstarch and water. Stir into chicken mixture.
m Microwave at MEDIUM LOW power for 3 to 4 minutes, or until chicken is done, stirring once after 2 minutes of cooking. Stir. Cover and let stand 5 minutes.

Source: Great American Recipes Cards, Group 13, Card #104, 1988

Hi Carol,

It's been a while, but here is the recipe!

Happy Cooking,

Betsy