Go Back
–+ servings
Chicken Étouffée

Savory Chicken Étouffée: Comfort Food to Savor at Home

Delight in the rich, comforting flavors of Chicken Étouffée, a beloved Louisiana dish perfect for gatherings and weeknight meals.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun, Creole, Southern
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 lb Chicken can substitute with diced turkey or beef
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 2 tbsp Oil any neutral oil, or clarified butter
For the Roux and Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Flour gluten-free flour can be used
  • 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika or regular paprika for milder taste
  • 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning can substitute with creole seasoning
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste or pureed tomatoes if needed
For the Holy Trinity
  • 1 medium Onion
  • 2 stalks Celery
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper any color
  • 3 cloves Garlic fresh preferred, but garlic powder can work
Herbs & Spices
  • 1 tsp Thyme or dried thyme for substitute
  • 2 Bay Leaves remember to remove before serving
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper adjust according to spice preference
For the Finish
  • 4 cups Chicken Stock or vegetable stock for vegetarian
  • 1/4 cup Parsley fresh herbs for garnish
  • 1/4 cup Green Onions for garnish

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Étouffée
  1. Season your chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning. Heat oil in a large pot and sear chicken for 5–7 minutes until browned. Set aside.
  2. Add more oil to the pot and create a roux by stirring equal parts flour and oil for 10-15 minutes until deep brown.
  3. Introduce diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the roux. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Gradually pour in chicken stock while stirring. Return seared chicken to the pot and bring to a simmer.
  6. Cover and reduce heat to low, simmering for 35-45 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  7. Remove bay leaves and stir in parsley and green onions. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Serve over steamed white rice with extra green onions or hot sauce on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This dish celebrates traditional Louisiana flavors and brings family and friends together for a comforting meal.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!