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Bowl of Chicken Étouffée served with white rice and garnished with herbs and peppers.

Chicken Étouffée


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Authentic Chicken Étouffée is a rich and hearty Louisiana chicken stew, made with tender chicken thighs, a deep brown Cajun roux, and aromatic vegetables — all simmered into one soul-warming dish. Serve it over rice for a comforting Southern classic that tastes like it’s straight out of New Orleans.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds boneless chicken thighs

  • 23 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or vegetable oil

  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 large onion, finely chopped

  • 1 green bell pepper, diced

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • 2 stalks celery, chopped

  • 5 green onions, sliced (divided)

  • 6 cloves garlic, minced

  • 3 cups chicken broth, warmed

  • 1 teaspoon browning sauce (optional)

  • ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped

  • Cooked white rice, for serving


Instructions

  1. Prep the ingredients: Finely chop the onion, bell peppers, celery, green onions, and parsley. Mince the garlic. Season chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning.

  2. Sear the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil, then sear the chicken thighs in batches for 3–5 minutes per side until browned. Set aside.

  3. Make the roux: Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter, then whisk in the flour. Cook, stirring constantly, for 10–15 minutes until the roux is medium-brown, like peanut butter.

  4. Sauté vegetables: Add onions, bell peppers, celery, and half of the green onions to the roux. Cook for 10 minutes until softened, stirring frequently. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

  5. Add broth and simmer: Gradually whisk in the warmed chicken broth to avoid lumps. Stir in browning sauce if using. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer on low for 30 minutes until sauce thickens.

  6. Finish and serve: Remove chicken, chop into bite-size pieces, and return to the pot. Stir in parsley and more seasoning if needed. Serve hot over white rice, topped with remaining green onions.

Notes

Make it spicier with extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.
Browning sauce adds richness but can be skipped if unavailable.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner , lunch
  • Method: stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun / Southern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 485 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 155 mg