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Delicious Chicken Etouffee Recipe

Delicious Chicken Etouffee Recipe
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Delicious Chicken Etouffee is a comforting Cajun dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich, savory roux-based sauce with classic Southern herbs and spices. Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients, this one-pot meal delivers deep, authentic flavors perfect for cozy dinners and is customizable to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Roux Base

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Seasonings

  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnishes & Serving

  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Roux: Melt butter with oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for about 10-15 minutes until it turns a deep golden-brown color. This dark roux is the foundation of your etouffee’s rich flavor.
  2. Sauté the Holy Trinity and Garlic: Add chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper to the roux and cook until softened and fragrant. Then add minced garlic and sauté for another minute to build the aromatic base.
  3. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to combine with the roux. Stir in tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to gently simmer to develop its rich flavor.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken thighs to the simmering sauce, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through, absorbing all the savory goodness.
  5. Finish and Garnish: Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasonings as needed, then stir in chopped green onions and parsley. Serve hot over cooked white rice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Watch the roux carefully: stir constantly and keep heat moderate to prevent burning and bitterness.
  • Use dark meat like chicken thighs for juicy and flavorful results.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper gradually to control the spice level.
  • The etouffee tastes better the next day after flavors meld overnight.
  • Never skip the holy trinity (onion, celery, bell pepper) for authentic Cajun flavor.
  • For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken etouffee, Cajun recipes, comfort food, one-pot meal, Southern cooking, gluten-free Cajun dish, spicy chicken stew

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/delicious-chicken-etouffee-recipe/