Creole Chicken

My husband really liked this. Spice it up if you like by adding more cayenne pepper and paprika. Maybe even some tabasco sauce.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs chicken, cut into 1" cubes
•  salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 1  teaspoon  vegetable oil
• 1  cup  finely chopped onion
• 1⁄2 cup  sliced celery
• 1⁄2 cup  diced green pepper
• 2  cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14 1/2ounce) can tomatoes, cut up
• 1⁄2 water
• 1  teaspoon water
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons paprika
• 1⁄8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1  bay leaf
• 2  teaspoons cornstarch
• 3  cups  hot cooked rice

Directions

1. Salt and pepper the chicken.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown chicken in oil; remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, saute the onion, celery, green pepper, and garlic until tender.
4. Stir in tomatoes, 1/2 c water, paprika, cayenne pepper, bay leaf and a little salt; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Add chicken.
7. Combine cornstarch and remaining water until smooth; stir into chicken mixture and bring to a boil.
8. Simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes.
9. Discard bay leaf.
10. Serve over rice.