Mardi Gras is a raucous celebration in New Orleans with parties and parades; thousands of tourists flock to that city to celebrate. Of course, we can't all be in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, but it's also fun to celebrate at home. Cajun food is an absolute must. Since we're all busy, you can make the following Cajun Chicken & Grits in your slow cooker; it will be ready when you are. The versatile Basic Creole Sauce Module is a huge timesaver; hopefully it's in your freezer, but if not, it's easily made in the slow cooker. The recipe starts with frozen chicken tenders; they are covered with the Creole sauce as well as frozen okra and andouille sausage. Although it's hard to imagine getting along with only one slow cooker, the grits can be cooked on the stove is two slow cookers aren't available; however, grits cooked in slow cooker are not only a no-brainer that requires no hands-on time from the cook, they come out extremely creamy and perfect every time. If you're looking for a good excuse to pick up another slow cooker, this may be the time; having several in different sizes and shapes allows you to cook several dishes at once.

Although you can substitute frozen chicken breasts that have been cut into strips, the chicken tenders seem to come out moister and more tender (I have no idea why). Serve with freshly baked French bread.

8 Servings

2 pounds chicken tenderloins
8 ounces andouille sausage, quartered lengthwise and sliced
3 cups frozen sliced okra, or sliced fresh okra
4 cups basic Creole Sauce from the Basic Creole Sauce module

1 cup stone ground grits, or regular grits - not quick cooking or instant
1 teaspoon salt
5 cups water

1. Place the chicken tenders in the bottom of a 3-4 quart slow cooker.
2. Top with the sausage and okra; stir to mix, then pour the Creole sauce over.
3. Cover, set the slow cooker to low, and let cook 4-6 hours.
4. Meanwhile, mix the grits, salt, and water in a 2-3 quart slow cooker.
5. Cover, set the slow cooker to high, and let cook one hour.
6. Stir, turn the slow cooker down to low, and let cook 4-6 hours, or until thick and creamy. Alternately, cook the grits on the stovetop according to the directions on the box.
7. To serve, place a generous serving of grits on each serving plate; top with the chicken mixture.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 357 Calories from Fat 127
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 35% Protein 38% Carb. 26%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 14 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Cholesterol 97 mg
Sodium 924 mg
Total Carbohydrate 24 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 34 g

Vitamin A 6% Vitamin C 13% Calcium 0% Iron 11%