Easy Haitian Poule Creole Recipe

The Haitian Poule Creole recipe (or Haitian Creole Chicken) is a tasty and fragrant chicken dish. This meal is representative of the unusual fusion of African, French, Spanish, and indigenous Tano influences that have defined Haiti’s culinary tradition. Delicious and comforting, Haitian Poule Creole has become an integral component of Haiti’s culinary scene and continues to captivate the tastes of foodies throughout the world.

---

Want more ideas to round-out your Haitian Recipe Box?
A lot of great options are in these posts!

• 25 Great Haitian Foods And Easy Haitian Recipes

---

The Haitian Poule Creole recipehas its roots in the African culinary traditions that enslaved Africans brought to the island during the colonial period. Haitian cuisine is characterized by a colorful combination of flavors and techniques from a wide variety of sources, including the French, Spanish, and indigenous Tano communities.

---

You May Want to Join The World Recipes With Our Big Escape

Share your own recipes in our Facebook Group. Find recipes from all over the world. Learn more about International Cuisine and how you can surprise your family with new and exciting foods from all over the world.

For More Photos Visit Our Instagram at World Recipes Daily

---

In order to get the distinctive and delectable flavor of the Haitian Poule Creole recipe, the chicken is marinated in a mixture of herbs, spices, and citrus. The chicken is often simmered or stewed after being marinated, letting the flavors to develop and mix over time. The soft, juicy chicken is complemented by the rich, savory sauce made from ingredients like garlic, onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, and Scotch bonnet peppers. Fresh herbs, such parsley or cilantro, are sometimes sprinkled on top to give the meal a bright and refreshing final note.

To complement the rich sauce, classic Haitian Poule Creole recipes are served with a selection of starches, such as rice and beans, fried plantains, or warm bread. The meal works equally well for laid-back family dinners as it does for formal events with friends and extended relatives. Because of its warming and filling qualities, it is often served at Sunday dinners, when families gather together to eat well and spend quality time together.

Haitian Poule Creole recipe are an interesting and flavorful meal that exemplifies the many cultures that have influenced Haiti’s cuisine. This meal is a sensory joy, thanks to the succulent chicken and fragrant sauce. Haitian Poule Creole is a popular and enduring staple in Haitian cuisine because it is both adaptable and comfortable, making it appropriate for both special occasions and everyday meals at home.

3 Reasons People Love the Haitian Poule Creole Recipe

1. Rich and Flavorful Taste: One of the main reasons why so many people adore the Haitian Poule Creole recipe is because of its rich and savory taste. The chicken in this meal is particularly juicy and flavorful because it has been marinated in a mixture of herbs, spices, and citrus.

The chicken is enhanced by the flavorful sauce made from a blend of ingredients including garlic, onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, and Scotch bonnet peppers. A balanced and enjoyable meal is achieved via the use of fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro. Haitian Poule Creole’s rich and complex flavors making it a delectable treat that can satisfy a variety of palates.

2. Comforting and Versatile Meal: Another reason the Haitian Poule Creole recipe is so well-liked is that it is a satisfying and adaptable dish that works equally well for relaxed family meals as it does for parties and festivities. Traditional accompaniments include starchy foods like rice and beans, starchy foods like fried plantains, and warm bread to sop up the flavorful sauce.

On Sundays, when families gather together to relax and enjoy each other’s company over a hearty meal, Haitian Poule Creole is often on the menu. Because of its adaptability, it has remained a popular component of Haitian cuisine over the years.

3. Connection to Haitian Culinary Heritage: Being a dish with deep roots in Haitian cooking tradition, poule creole is highly prized. This meal is representative of the unusual fusion of African, French, Spanish, and indigenous Tano influences that have defined Haiti’s culinary tradition. Haitian Poule Creole is a dish that has been passed down through the generations, maintaining and growing Haiti’s rich culinary culture.

How To Make Our Haitian Poule Creole Recipe

Ingredients: (8 Servings)

8 chicken drumsticks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 teaspoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups chicken broth
1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

2. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes per side. Remove chicken from pot and set aside.

3. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken broth and stir to combine.

5. Return the chicken to the pot. If using, add the scotch bonnet pepper.

6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

7. Stir in the chopped parsley, if using.

8. Serve hot with rice or plantains.

Nutritional Information For the Haitian Poule Creole Recipe

Calories: 230
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 540mg
Potassium: 570mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Pots, Pans, and Cooking Equipment Needed for the Haitian Poule Creole Recipe

Large pot or Dutch oven
Cooking spoon or spatula
Knife and cutting board

Best Way to Store Leftovers For the Haitian Poule Creole Recipe

The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the desired amount in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Possible Substitutions For the Haitian Poule Creole Recipe

Chicken drumsticks: chicken thighs or breasts, tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version
Scotch bonnet pepper: habanero or jalapeño pepper
Chicken broth: vegetable broth for a vegetarian version

Ingredients to Substitute for a Vegetarian Version of the Haitian Poule Creole Recipe

2 cups of chopped vegetables, such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, and zucchini
2 cups of vegetable broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 teaspoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

Tips and Tricks for Easier Creation

Use a large pot or Dutch oven to make the recipe as it helps to cook the ingredients evenly.
Brown the chicken before cooking it with the rest of the ingredients to add more flavor to the dish.
If you prefer a spicier version, add more scotch bonnet pepper or other hot peppers to the recipe.
Serve the dish with rice or plantains to make a complete meal.

Possible Side Dishes and Desserts to Serve With the Haitian Poule Creole Recipe

Rice or plantains
Fried plantains
Haitian pikliz (spicy slaw)
Haitian sos pwa (black bean sauce)
Haitian douce (sweet potato pudding)
Haitian pain patate (sweet potato bread)

How To Serve the Haitian Poule Creole Recipe

Scoop the Haitian Poule Creole into individual serving bowls.
Serve with rice or plantains on the side.
Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve with additional Haitian side dishes or desserts.

FAQs About the Haitian Poule Creole Recipe

What is Poule Creole?
Poule Creole is a Haitian dish that consists of chicken, onions, peppers, and tomatoes, and is seasoned with spices such as thyme and paprika. It is typically served with rice or plantains.

What makes the Haitian Poule Creole recipe unique?
Haitian Poule Creole is unique because of its blend of Caribbean and African influences. The dish is flavorful and spicy, and the use of scotch bonnet peppers adds a distinct heat to the dish.

How spicy is Poule Creole?
The spiciness of the Haitian Poule Creole recipe can vary depending on the amount of scotch bonnet pepper used. The recipe typically calls for one scotch bonnet pepper, which is relatively spicy. If you prefer a milder version, you can use a milder pepper or reduce the amount of scotch bonnet pepper used.

Can you make Poule Creole ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Poule Creole ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. The dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

What are some variations of Poule Creole?
Variations of Poule Creole may include different types of meat such as shrimp, beef, or pork. Some recipes also call for okra or other vegetables. Additionally, some versions of the dish may include a roux or other thickener to create a thicker sauce.

Final Thoughts

I was immediately taken by Haiti’s vivid culture, welcoming people, and delicious food. I’ve had many wonderful meals on my travels, but the Haitian Poule Creole recipe stands out as my favorite. Let me tell you a few reasons why you shouldn’t pass up the chance to enjoy this delicious food if you haven’t already.

First and foremost, the Poule Creole from Haiti has an incomparable taste. The chicken is marinated in a combination of herbs, spices, and citrus, which imparts a robust and intriguing taste to the flesh while yet keeping it delicate and moist.

The chicken is cooked in a delectable sauce made from garlic, onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, and Scotch bonnet peppers, which fills the kitchen with a tantalizing perfume while it cooks. To make each mouthful even more refreshing and enjoyable, try adding some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Haitian Poule Creole has an unrivaled richness and depth of taste that will leave you wanting more.

During my time in Haiti, I was treated to authentic Haitian Poule Creole recipes at a wide range of social events, from relaxed family meals to raucous festivities. It became clear that this meal could be served at every event, since its wonderful tastes never failed to unite people.

Because of its homey and filling character, Haitian Poule Creole is the perfect dish to enjoy with loved ones and celebrate the spirit of community and hospitality that permeates Haitian society.

I was able to fully experience the exquisite combination of African, French, Spanish, and indigenous Tano influences in Haitian cuisine by trying the country’s signature dish, the Haitian Poule Creole recipe.

My experience of eating this dish made me feel like I was contributing to the upkeep of Haiti’s culinary heritage, which has been passed down from generation to generation for millennia. Because of this, I now have a better respect for the perseverance, ingenuity, and fervor with which the people of Haiti have elevated a once-humble food to the status of a national treasure.

After falling in love with Haitian Poule Creole on my travels, I can say without reservation that you must give it a try. You won’t just be impressed by the deliciousness of this meal; you’ll also feel its soothing warmth and appreciate how well it adapts to any event.

Don’t pass up the chance to eat an Haitian Poule Creole recipe the next time you’re in Haiti or at a Caribbean or Haitian restaurant. I promise you won’t be let down, and you may even find yourself as enamored with this amazing meal as I am.