Description
Authentic New Orleans Chicken Etouffee is a rich, comforting easy dinner packed with tender chicken, Cajun vegetables, and a silky roux-based sauce spooned over fluffy rice. This easy recipe is full of bold Southern flavor and makes a satisfying weeknight meal, cozy family dinner, and one of those classic food ideas everyone wants to make again.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
2 celery stalks, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 bay leaf
3 cups cooked white rice
2 tablespoons sliced green onions
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
hot sauce, optional
Instructions
1. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes, then transfer to a plate.
3. Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same pan. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 6 to 8 minutes until the roux turns a light caramel color.
4. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
5. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf.
6. Return the chicken and any juices to the pan. Simmer on low for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened.
7. Remove the bay leaf and taste for seasoning.
8. Serve over warm white rice and top with green onions, parsley, and hot sauce if desired.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for the juiciest texture and deepest flavor.
Stir the roux constantly so it browns evenly without burning.
Add a splash of extra broth when reheating if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 105mg