Creole Chicken Breast Recipe – Easy Skillet & Tomatillo Salsa

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Creole Chicken Breast Recipe – Easy Skillet & Tomatillo Salsa

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this Creole Chicken Breast recipe with you. It’s become a real weeknight favorite in my kitchen – quick, flavorful, and seriously satisfying. I first stumbled upon a similar dish during a trip to New Orleans, and I’ve been trying to recreate that magic ever since. This version, with its vibrant tomatillo salsa, is pretty darn close! It’s a little spicy, a little tangy, and a whole lot delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. Plus, it only uses a handful of ingredients, many of which you might already have on hand. The best part? The incredible flavor! The Creole seasoning gives the chicken a beautiful warmth, and the tomatillo salsa adds a bright, fresh kick. It’s a surprisingly easy way to bring a little bit of Louisiana sunshine to your table.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Creole Chicken Breast:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup tomatillo salsa
• Creole seasoning (to taste)
• Olive oil
• Chicken stock (as required)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a couple of key ingredients to make sure you get the best results.

Creole Seasoning: This is where the magic happens! Creole seasoning isn’t just one thing, you know? It’s a blend that originated in Louisiana, drawing from French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences. You’ll typically find paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and black pepper. You can find pre-made blends at most grocery stores, or easily make your own. I like to add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth.

Tomatillo Salsa: Tomatillos are these little green fruits with a papery husk. They have a slightly tart, almost citrusy flavor. You can use store-bought tomatillo salsa to save time, but if you can find fresh tomatillos, making your own salsa is so worth it! The heat level can vary quite a bit, so taste as you go and adjust accordingly. If you’re sensitive to spice, look for a mild salsa or remove the seeds from the tomatillos before making your own.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place your ovenproof skillet inside to heat up. This is key for getting a nice sear on the chicken.
2. While the skillet is heating, coat the chicken breasts with a generous drizzle of olive oil. Then, rub them all over with the Creole seasoning. Don’t be shy!
3. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Roast skin-side up for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Now, turn the heat on under the skillet to medium.
5. Pour the tomatillo salsa into the hot skillet, scraping up all those lovely browned bits from the bottom. Those bits are flavor gold!
6. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. If it gets too thick, add a splash of chicken stock to thin it out.
7. Finally, plate the chicken breasts and spoon the tomatillo sauce over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way to help you nail this recipe:

• Crispy Skin: Make sure your skillet is really hot before adding the chicken. This helps to create a beautiful, golden-brown crust.
• Preventing Sticking: Using an oven-safe cast iron skillet is ideal, but if you don’t have one, make sure your skillet is well-seasoned or use a non-stick option.
• Adjusting Seasoning: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the Creole seasoning to your liking. A little extra cayenne pepper never hurt anyone!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level Adjustments: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the tomatillo salsa for extra heat. Or, use a milder salsa if you prefer.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based chicken breasts! There are some really great options available now.
• Gluten-Free Considerations: Double-check that your Creole seasoning blend is gluten-free. Many store-bought blends contain wheat flour.
• Festival Adaptations: My friend Sarah makes this every Mardi Gras! She adds a little bit of andouille sausage to the sauce for an extra festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

This Creole Chicken Breast pairs beautifully with so many sides. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Rice: A classic choice! Basmati or jasmine rice would be lovely.
• Potatoes: Roasted potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes are always a good idea.
• Vegetables: Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a simple salad would complete the meal.

Thinking a little outside the box? Try serving it with some jeera rice (cumin rice) or a side of spiced dal for a fun fusion twist! The warm spices in the dal complement the Creole flavors surprisingly well.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

FAQs

Let’s answer a few common questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be even more flavorful and tender. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

What if I don’t have an oven-proof skillet? No problem! You can sear the chicken in a regular skillet and then transfer it to a baking dish to finish cooking in the oven.

How can I make the tomatillo salsa less spicy? Remove the seeds from the tomatillos before making the salsa, or use a milder salsa.

Can this be made ahead of time? You can prepare the tomatillo salsa a day or two in advance.

What is the best way to store leftover Creole chicken? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.