Sunday, March 8, 2009

Quick & Easy Creoleesque Chicken & Shrimp

I don't usually wake up too late on the weekends, but for some reason Daylight Savings really did a number on me. After taking a nice long stroll around Lake Miramar, hubby and I went to grab some groceries for the week. Upon returning home, I couldn't keep my eyes awake and proceeded to pass out for 2 hours...on the ground...like an animal! I enjoy naps and all but typically those of the 15 minute variety. Waking up from a 2 hour nap just leaves me groggy and crabby.

Chicken & Shrimp CreoleNeedless to say I wanted to make something quick and easy for dinner. Chicken & Shrimp Creole is an old standby that I love to make, especially after a long day at work. Or... a long day of sleeping on the ground. It's easy, flavorful and I usually have everything on hand. Well, maybe not the okra, but I feel that's an expendable ingredient if you have to omit. I served this on top of short grain brown rice, but it's equally as tasty with some noodles or even just a hunk of bread.

PS. I don't claim that this is in any way "authentic" Creole. I just don't really have a better name for it :)

Quick Creoleesque Chicken & Shrimp

nonstick cooking spray
1 pound chicken breast tenders, chopped into cubes
Montreal chicken seasoning
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
1 cup frozen cut okra, thawed
3/4 cup thinly sliced celery
1/2 cup frozen sweet corn
3/4 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 lb medium shrimp, peeled & deveined
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon butter

1. In a medium bowl, season the chicken with Montreal Chicken Seasoning. Stir to combine evenly.

2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add chicken; cook 3 minutes on each side or until browned. Add red bell peppers, okra, corn and spices (sugar through ground red pepper), stirring to combine. Pour tomatoes over chicken mixture; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Uncover; stir in shrimp and cook until just turning pink, about 3 minutes. Add parsley and butter, stirring until butter melts.

30 comments:

Dewi said...

Sounds delicious, and also easy to make. It will be perfect supper during the week, especially after long day at work.
Cheers,
elra

MrOrph said...

Actually, it's very Creole. What's authentic anymore anyway? And, who cares. Ladle me some of that please.

Culinary Wannabe said...

I fell asleep on the couch yesterday for a few hours as well. Love these kinds of meals that you can throw together quickly and still get yummy results.

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

What a gorgeously vibrant dish!!

Anonymous said...

looks yummy and healthy .. weekend naps are lovely. :)

Leslie said...

I LOVE my naps! But I perfer the 2 hour type!!! :)

Katherine Roberts Aucoin said...

A very wonderful dinner. Something quick and easy so you can relax!

kat said...

Yummy!

Maria said...

I love quick and easy!

Laura said...

I am still groggy myself from the time change. Even though I prefer the way it is now (lighter later).

Man are you a shrimp fiend--I wish I could send my husband over to your house for dinner since I don't eat shrimp. He would go crazy!

The Blonde Duck said...

Long naps make me cranky too. But I love little 15 minute cat naps!

Anonymous said...

Looks great! I always struggle with naming dishes of questionable authenticity, but I love your approach of adding "esque" at the end. Might have to use that one:-)

Snooky doodle said...

what an interesting dish. Surely it looks delicious :)

Esi said...

Too funny. I don't really nap, but I agree, a long one would make me feel groggy and crabby too. This looks like a great dish though!

Anonymous said...

I'm a 10 minute napper, anything longer and I wake up annoyed.

This looks really good~ love the creolesque-ness,

La Bella Cooks said...

Authentic or not, it looks and sounds delicious! I am all for quick meals when you really aren't in the mood to cook. Where is that maid when you need her?? ;)

Sophie said...

I'm the same way when it comes to extra long naps, I always wake up with a headache and not refreshed when they're past the 15 minutes :).

Yum yum! I need to make this; I don't know that I've ever even tried anything creole, horrible I know!

pigpigscorner said...

Looks really delicious! I love simple meals, perfect for weekdays!

grace said...

creoleesque is a new and fabulous word. also fabulous is what you've made here--i'm loving the vibrant colors especially!

Pam said...

I love quick and easy meals that are as tasty as this...it looks so good.

La Cuisine d'Helene said...

I always have a hard time adjusting to time change. You prepared a great meal.

Bunny said...

This is a wonderful quick dinner Sharon, I know what you mean about the time change, it kicked my butt at work Sunday morning too!

gluten free pammy said...

great looking blog, mind if I follow along

MaryBeth said...

This sounds delish and looks wonderful Sharon, Great job!!

Joie de vivre said...

I hate napping during the day too. Not only do I wake up grouchy, but then I can't fall asleep at night!

Ana Powell said...

Hi
Perfect dinner, especially after a long walk or working day.
Beautiful photo dish x

Emily said...

Mmm, this sounds delicious and flavorful.

Lady, you need to sleep on the couch next time! The floor is no place for naps. Although, I admit I've done the same thing before.

Joie de vivre said...

Thanks so much for visiting! It was lovely having you over. :)

vanillasugarblog said...

isn't that funny you say that, as I cannot take any kind of naps; I wake up cranky from them. 10 minutes or 2 hours, I'm a BITCH. so no naps for me. isn't that weird? I've always wondered why that happens and people like my hubby can be perfectly fine after 10 minutes.
anywho, this dish would not make me cranky

Danielle said...

I made this last night and it was great! I left out the chicken and added more shrimp and it was amazing!! Thanks!