This Creole Stew is loaded with tender chunks of chicken, smoky andouille sausage, and juicy shrimp; all simmered in a rich gravy with fresh veggies and bold spices. It’s hearty, a little spicy, and full of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients
- olive oil divided (half for sauteeing veggies, half for browning)
- celery coarsely chopped
- carrots coarsely chopped
- medium onion diced
- garlic minced
- chicken broth
- crushed tomatoes
- Rotel tomatoes (sub diced tomatoes + green chiles if unavailable, and choose desired heat level)
- tomato paste
- red beans rinsed and drained (or sub kidney beans)
- cilantro finely chopped
- black pepper
- salt
- dried oregano
- dried thyme
- Creole seasoning (adjust for spice preference)
- honey
- andouille sausage sliced into ¼-inch medallions
- chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- green bell pepper coarsely chopped
- jalapeno pepper (deseed for less heat)
- shrimp peeled, deveined, tail off (added last to avoid overcooking)
How to Make Creole Stew
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat 1½ tbsp olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat.
- Add celery and carrots; sauté for 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Toss in onion, cook for 2 minutes, then add garlic (just until fragrant, ~1 minute).
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
- Reduce heat to medium. Pour in chicken broth, then add crushed tomatoes, Rotel, tomato paste, red beans, honey, cilantro, and all seasonings.
- Bring to a gentle boil, stirring frequently. Reduce to a simmer, add sliced sausage, and cover.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
- In a separate pan, heat the remaining 1½ tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and sear until lightly browned. Transfer to the stockpot.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
- Let the pot simmer, covered, for 45 minutes to meld flavors.
Step 5: Add Peppers and Finally, Shrimp
- Stir in bell pepper and jalapeño; simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add shrimp and cook for 15 minutes (until opaque and cooked through).
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Creole Stew
- Thicken it up: Mash a few beans against the pot during simmering for a richer gravy.
- Depth of flavor: Let leftovers sit overnight—the spices meld even more! For a smokier taste, add ½ tsp smoked paprika with the seasonings.
- Spice control: Remove jalapeño seeds completely for mild heat, or leave a few (or add another jalapeno) for extra kick.
- Shrimp hack: Add frozen shrimp straight to the pot (no thawing needed)—just simmer 2–3 minutes longer.
Serving Suggestions
- Over rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime) or with crusty bread for soaking up the gravy.
- Garnish options: Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, a squeeze of lime, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Pair with: A simple green salad, buttery cornbread, or grilled zucchini for a lighter side.
Creole Stew
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil divided
- 3 stalks celery coarsely chopped
- 2 cups carrots coarsely chopped
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 14-15 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 10 oz can Rotel tomatoes
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 15.5 oz can red beans rinsed and drained
- 2 Tablespoons cilantro finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 Tablespoons creole seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 14 oz andouille sausage sliced into ¼-inch medallions
- 2 chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper coarsely chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper sliced into ⅛-inch medallions
- 1 lb shrimp peeled, deveined, tail off
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, add 1½ tbsp olive oil. Sauté celery and carrots for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add onion and sauté for 2 minutes, then add garlic and sauté for 1 minute (until fragrant).
- Build the Base: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, Rotel, tomato paste, red beans, honey, cilantro, and all seasonings (black pepper, salt, oregano, thyme, Creole seasoning). Bring to a gentle boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to a simmer, add sausage, and cover.
- Brown the Chicken: In a separate pan, heat the remaining 1½ tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and sauté until golden brown. Transfer chicken to the stockpot.
- Simmer: Let the pot simmer, covered, for 45 minutes.
- Add Peppers & Shrimp: Stir in chopped bell pepper and jalapeño; simmer for 30 minutes. Finally, add shrimp and simmer for 15 minutes (or until shrimp are opaque and cooked through).
- Serve: Enjoy as-is or over rice. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.
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