Creole Chicken and Andouille Sausage with Okra

Chicken with a kick!  This recipe is bursting with Louisiana low-country flavor.  You control the heat by adding more or less of the spice blend.  Be a little daring, you won't be disappointed!
Servings: 4 yield(s)
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Ingredients
    Spice Blend
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tbsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tbsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tbsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tbsp dried thyme
  • Tomato Sauce
  • 2 1/2 lb fresh tomatoes (chopped)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar
  • 6 oz can tomato paste
  • Creole Chicken
  • 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut in 1" pieces)
  • 12 oz andouille sausage or polish kielbasa (sliced)
  • 2 cup fresh (or frozen) okra (chopped)
  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 1 bell pepper (diced)
  • 8 oz mushrooms (sliced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • prepared tomato sauce
  • 2 1/2 tbsp spice blend (start here, add more to taste)
  • olive oil (for sauteing)
Instructions
    Spice Blend
  1. Combine all ingredients for spice blend. You will have some leftover. Store in an airtight container to use at a later date.
  2. Tomato Sauce
  3. Add chopped tomatoes, water, salt and vinegar to saucepan.
  4. Simmer until reduced by one third.
  5. Puree with an immersion blender or in a regular blender.
  6. Add tomato paste and continue to simmer until slightly thickened.
  7. Set aside.
  8. Creole Chicken and Andouille with Okra
  9. Heat oil in large saute pan.
  10. Add onions, garlic and bell pepper. Saute until slightly soft.
  11. Add chicken and sausage. Saute until chicken is no longer pink.
  12. Add okra and mushrooms. Saute for about 2 minutes.
  13. Add spice blend and saute another 2 minutes.
  14. Add saved tomato sauce and simmer on low for about 10 minute.
  15. Adjust seasoning as needed. I used a total of 3 tbsp.
  16. Serve over white rice or egg noodles, garnish with some chopped parsley and enjoy!