Chicken Tchoupitoulas is a famous chicken dish that originated in New Orleans. The name comes from the French word “chou,” meaning turnip, and the Spanish word “tapa” refers to a communal pot used to cook over an open fire.
The origins of Chicken Tchoupitoulas are unknown despite being around for more than 50 years. Creole cooks might have been invented or adapted from another local dish like Coq au Vin or Bouillabaisse.
Chicken Tchoupitoulas is a traditional Creole dish from New Orleans consisting of chicken, sausages, and beef served with potatoes in a rich, spicy sauce finished with an aromatic white wine.
How To Make Chicken Tchoupitoulas?
Ingredients
- Six skinless chicken thighs, cut into portions
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 leeks, washed and chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped finely
- 1 tsp thyme leaves
- 4 cup butter
- 4 white boiling potatoes, cut into 8 pieces each
Making Process
Step 1: In a kettle, add the bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Boil on medium heat until the liquid evaporates.
Step 2: In a large pot, heat 6 cups of water and 1 tbsp olive oil.
Step 3: Add in the chicken along with 1/4 tsp salt. Oregano and thyme for flavor. Cook for about 5 minutes to get rid of any excess moisture from the chicken thighs.
Step 4: Add in the chopped onion and leeks. Let it cook until the onions are tender.
Step 5: Add in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 6: Remove the bay leaves from the kettle and add them to your potatoes.
Step 7: Season with a pinch of salt and bring it to a boil for about 10 minutes or until potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork through their soft flesh.
Step 8: In a frying pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add in a pinch of salt and cook until it starts to foam.
Step 9: Add the meat mixture and the potatoes to the butter. Mix well for about 5 minutes. Add more butter if needed.
Step 10: Add in 2 cups of white wine that you have cooked earlier. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer until the potatoes are soft and the liquid is mostly evaporated.
Step 11: Top with more butter, red pepper flakes, and parsley if desired.
Chicken Tchoupitoulas is now ready to serve.
Nutrition Fact
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290.3 |
| Fat | 16.4 g |
| Sugar | 6.1 g |
| Sodium | 1755.9 mg |
| Carbs | 23.9 g |
| Protein | 26.2 g |
7 Amazing Healthy Nutrition of Chicken Tchoupitoulas
1. Amazing Source of Iron
Iron is needed to make hemoglobin, the part of our blood (red blood cells) that carries oxygen throughout the body.
Low iron levels can cause anemia and fatigue, leading to low energy levels and depression. It is also essential for the proper functioning of the immune system.
2. High in Vitamins B6 and B12
Vitamin B6 is vital for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, which includes helping to make red blood cells, promoting healthy immune function, and alleviating PMS symptoms.
Vitamin B12 levels are highest in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and poultry. Chicken Tchoupitoulas is an outstanding source of protein as well as vitamin B12.
3. Good Source of Niacin
Niacin, or Vitamin B3, is essential for metabolizing fat, amino acids, and carbs into energy that the body can use. It also helps maintain and restore the health of the skin and nervous system.
4. Rich in Selenium
Selenium is an essential trace element needed by the body to produce chemicals that protect human cells from damage caused by oxygen free radicals. Our bodies can’t make it, so we need to get it from our diet.
5. Rich in Potassium
Potassium is an essential mineral that strengthens bones and muscles. Normal muscle function depends on creating energy out of nutrients, including carbohydrates and protein.
The body also needs potassium for co-operation between cells, the contraction and relaxation of those muscles, secretion of cellular fluids, nerve transmission, and transmission of messages between the nervous system and muscles
6. Good Source of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin whose primary function is to maintain and support the health of the body’s connective tissue. It is also essential for the synthesis and metabolism of collagen.
Scurvy, a disease resulting in the weakening of connective tissue that causes bleeding gums and points, occurs when a person does not get enough Vitamin C in their diet. Chicken Tchoupitoulas provides an impressive source of vitamin C.
7. Rich in Protein
Chicken is a good source of protein. The role of protein for the human body is to maintain and build muscles, provide energy, and help the body recover from illness and injury.
Chicken Tchoupitoulas offers an impressive 30g of protein per serving that can help you build bulk.
Have Any Side Effects Of Chicken Tchoupitoulas?
Chicken Tchoupitoulas is a delicious dish, but some people might experience some side effects.
According to studies, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid this dish because it contains a high amount of sodium (roughly 6g/serving for women), which can affect blood pressure and eventually lead to blood clots.
Can Kids Eat Chicken Tchoupitoulas?
Chicken Tchoupitoulas can be served to children at an adult’s risk, but it should be limited to once a month or less per day.
The reason is that sodium in this recipe can affect blood pressure and lead to blood clots, which can be very dangerous for kids.
Chicken Tchoupitoulas combines several ingredients that contain many calories, which might not fit all kids’ diet plans, significantly growing kids.
How Can Store It?
Chicken Tchoupitoulas is a summer dish, best to be served fresh. However, since it is a rich dish, you can’t just eat one doing at a time.
So if you have leftovers after your meal, place them in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat them with low heat when ready to eat.
Bottom Line
Chicken Tchoupitoulas is a killer recipe for Creole Cuisine. It is a very delicious dish and high in nutrition, but it can cause side effects to your health.
It is also high in sodium and energy, so you should limit yourself to eating once a month or less per day if you want to maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure.
