Go Back
+ servings
Chicken Étouffée

Savory Chicken Étouffée: Comfort Food with a Cajun Twist

This Chicken Étouffée is a delightful dish of tender chicken thighs and creamy Cajun sauce, perfect for those seeking a comforting meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless Chicken Thighs Provides protein and rich flavor; bone-in thighs yield even more depth.
For the Roux
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Essential for a flavorful roux; never substitute with margarine.
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour Thickens the stew beautifully; use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
For Seasoning and Flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning Adds depth and spice; adjust based on your heat preference.
  • 1 tablespoon Browning Sauce Deepens color and flavor; optional but recommended for richer taste.
For the Holy Trinity
  • 1 medium Onion Provides a foundational flavor; fresh onions are key for aromatic depth.
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper Classic ingredient in Cajun dishes; adds sweetness and crunch.
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Enhances sweetness and color; fresh peppers bring the best flavor.
  • 2 stalks Celery Contributes crunch and earthiness; should be finely chopped for even cooking.
For the Broth and Base
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth Acts as the stew base; warm broth helps to meld flavors.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Boosts the savory flavor; fresh garlic is optimal for the best taste.
For Garnishing
  • 1/4 cup Parsley Leaves Adds freshness and vibrant color; measure loosely packed.
  • 2 stalks Green Onions Perfect for garnish, adding a fresh kick.
For Serving
  • 4 cups Cooked White Rice Ideal to soak up the rich Chicken Étouffée sauce; fluffy rice complements the dish wonderfully.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • cutting board
  • knife
  • whisk

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken Étouffée
  1. Begin by finely chopping the onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, celery, and green onions. Mince the garlic and set everything aside. Season the boneless chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated for maximum flavor.
  2. In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet and sear them for about 3-5 minutes on each side, until they achieve a golden-brown color. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a clean plate, allowing the flavorful drippings to remain for the roux.
  3. Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add unsalted butter to the drippings in the pan. Once melted, whisk in all-purpose flour and continue to cook, stirring constantly for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the color; it should turn a rich medium brown, similar to peanut butter.
  4. Add the chopped onions, green and red bell peppers, and celery—the Cajun holy trinity—into the roux. Sauté these vegetables for about 10 minutes while stirring frequently. Once they begin to soften, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  5. Gradually whisk in warmed chicken broth to the vegetable-roux mixture, stirring until the combination is smooth and well incorporated. Next, add a touch of browning sauce for extra depth. Reintroduce the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the broth. Continue to simmer the Chicken Étouffée over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens and the chicken becomes tender.
  6. Once the chicken is tender, carefully remove it from the pot. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the stew. Stir in freshly chopped parsley and adjust the seasoning if necessary for the perfect balance.
  7. Ladle the rich Chicken Étouffée over a mound of fluffy white rice on each plate. Garnish with the remaining chopped green onions for a pop of color and added freshness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for five days or frozen for six months; reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!