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Chicken Étouffée

Savory Chicken Étouffée: A Comforting Cajun Classic

Experience the warmth of Chicken Étouffée, a comforting Cajun classic that blends tender chicken and vibrant vegetables in a rich sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Boneless Chicken Thighs Substitute with bone-in thighs for extra richness.
For the Roux
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Base for the roux.
  • 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour Essential for thickening.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 large Onion Do not substitute.
  • 1 large Green Bell Pepper Can use other bell peppers.
  • 1 large Red Bell Pepper Enhances sweetness.
  • 2 stalks Celery Part of the holy trinity.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Use fresh for best results.
For the Flavor
  • 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning Adjust to taste.
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth Warm it before adding.
  • 1 tbsp Browning Sauce Can be omitted for a lighter dish.
For the Garnish
  • 2 tbsp Green Onions Chives can be a substitute.
  • 2 tbsp Parsley Leaves Cilantro can be used if preferred.
Serve With
  • 4 cups Cooked White Rice Essential for soaking up flavors.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Whisk
  • cutting board
  • knife

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken Étouffée
  1. Finely chop the large onion, green and red bell peppers, celery stalks, garlic cloves, and parsley leaves. Pat the boneless chicken thighs dry and season them generously with Cajun seasoning. Set everything aside in organized bowls for easy access during cooking.
  2. In a large skillet, heat avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and sear them for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Lower the heat to medium, melt unsalted butter in the same skillet, and whisk in all-purpose flour, stirring continuously for 10-15 minutes until a medium brown color is achieved.
  4. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet, sauté for about 10 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  5. Gradually whisk in warm chicken broth ensuring a smooth mixture. Add browning sauce, return seared chicken to skillet, and simmer for about 30 minutes.
  6. Remove skillet from heat, chop chicken into bite-sized pieces, return to pot, stir in chopped parsley, and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Serve Chicken Étouffée over warm cooked white rice and garnish with chopped green onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Stir the roux constantly to achieve a nutty, golden-brown color without burning. Adjust the heat as needed during cooking.

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