Chicken Etouffee

Chicken Etouffee

Cajun style smothered chicken

Reviewed by Arturs Arnicans
Prep Time: 10m
Cook Time: 45m
Total Time: 55m
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
5.0 (3 Reviews)
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Ingredients

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Nutritional Information

480
calories
16,1g
fat
60,2g
carbohydrates
22,1g
protein
69mg
cholesterol
1298mg
sodium
Chicken Etouffee

Recipe Description

Have you ever tasted the vibrant joys of Cajun cooking? Let me introduce you to something truly amazing: chicken etouffee. This dish embodies the essence of Louisiana cuisine, serving up a hearty meal that embraces you with warmth and flavor. My own version takes the classic ingredients and adds a little twist, becoming a family favorite.

What Makes the Chicken Etouffee Recipe Special?

Picture a dish that pays homage to tradition while allowing you to be creative. That’s chicken etouffee in a nutshell. The word etouffee comes from French, meaning smothered, and perfectly describes the cooking style. Traditionally, etouffee uses seafood, especially crawfish. But when you swap in chicken, you get a different yet just as tasty experience. Chicken is easier to find and kinder to your wallet, so you can enjoy this anytime.

The charm of this dish lies in its ease. Imagine tender chicken cubes, seasoned gently with flour and a hint of cayenne pepper for a little kick. You control the spice level; add more cayenne if you love heat. Yet, the true magic comes from making a tasty paste from the chicken drippings. This paste creates the foundation for your etouffee, enveloping veggies and chicken in a savory sauce that’s simply hard to resist. Just watch that paste, so it does not burn—believe me, it is worth the extra attention.

Where Did I Try Chicken Etouffee for the First Time?

I will never forget my first taste of this incredible dish in Louisiana. Imagine this: a cozy, busy restaurant right in New Orleans, the sound of a jazz band mixed with the delicious scent of Cajun spices. That was where chicken etouffee first captured my heart. The waiter suggested it with a knowing smile, and from the first bite, I was hooked.

Every bite felt like a discovery, happy combinations of textures and strong flavors echoing generations of Cajun cooking. The chicken was so tender it nearly melted in my mouth, and the rich sauce had me reaching for my water glass again and again. It was warmth at first taste, and I knew then that I had to learn this recipe.

Back in my kitchen, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the dish was to make. It brought a piece of Louisiana into my home without any hassle. Now, each time I cook it, the aroma takes me back to that small restaurant in New Orleans, making me smile.

Is Chicken Etouffee Healthy? Customization Tips

You may wonder if this dish fits into a healthy lifestyle. The answer is a firm yes, with a few careful tweaks! Chicken is a lean protein, and combined with the right veggies, this dish can be both good for you and tasty. If you want to cut down calories, try using less oil or using whole wheat flour in the paste.

If you want plant-based options, swapping the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh can be an exciting choice. I’ve made it with tofu, and while it is different from the original, it is delicious in its own way. The trick is to press the tofu well and even sear it quickly before adding it to the sauce.

Do not hesitate to add extra vegetables—bell peppers, celery, and onions not only boost flavor but also improve the dish’s health. I’ve tried sliced okra for that Southern flair; it works great! Feel free to experiment with these changes while keeping the recipe’s core intact to suit your dietary needs or likings.

TOP Ingredients for Chicken Etouffee Recipe

  • Chicken: Lean and packed with protein, chicken is the star, providing a hearty and satisfying base.
  • Cayenne Pepper: This spice adds heat and depth to the flavor, warming the dish with its gentle kick.
  • Onions: Sweet and savory, onions build the dish’s flavor base, soaking up the delicious paste and enriching each bite.
  • Bell Peppers: Colorful and crunchy, bell peppers add both texture and a hint of sweetness that balances the spicy notes.
  • Celery: Often underappreciated, celery brings an earthy touch that balances the flavors, adding depth to the sauce.

With these ingredients ready, chicken etouffee is more than a meal; it is an experience waiting to happen in your kitchen. Give it a try and let the spirit of Louisiana fill your home with every delightful bite! Who knows? It might just become your new favorite comfort food, just like it has for me.

To make Chicken Etouffee, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients for Chicken Etouffee

Recipe Features

Steps to make

  1. 1

    Heat butter and oil

    5 min
    Step 1 - Chicken Etouffee

    Heat the butter and oil in a large pan or skillet.

  2. 2

    Season the chicken

    5 min
    Step 2 - Chicken EtouffeeStep 2 - Chicken Etouffee

    In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Place the chicken cubes in the bowl and until they are evenly coated.

  3. 3

    Cook the chicken

    10 min
    Step 3 - Chicken EtouffeeStep 3 - Chicken Etouffee

    Fry the chicken in the hot oil and butter for about 10 minutes until it is golden on the outside and no longer pink on the inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set to one side.

  4. 4

    Make a flour paste

    10 min
    Step 4 - Chicken EtouffeeStep 4 - Chicken Etouffee

    Turn the heat down to low. Add 1 tablespoon of the leftover seasoned flour mix to the oil and butter which remains in the skillet. Stir constantly for 10 to 15 minutes until the mixture forms a paste and has turned to the color of dark caramel.

  5. 5

    Add vegetables and more butter

    10 min
    Step 5 - Chicken EtouffeeStep 5 - Chicken Etouffee

    Mix the bell pepper, onion, celery, garlic, and 2 more tablespoons butter to the flour paste. Toss well to coat the vegetables evenly with the butter and browned flour mixture. Cook for about 10 minutes until the veggies have softened.

  6. 6

    Add water and bay leaves

    5 min
    Step 6 - Chicken Etouffee

    Pour in water to cover the vegetables. Add bay leaves and simmer.

  7. 7

    Return chicken

    10 min
    Step 7 - Chicken EtouffeeStep 7 - Chicken Etouffee

    Return the chicken to the pan and cook for about 10 more minutes.

  8. 8

    Serve

    Step 8 - Chicken Etouffee

    This dish should be served with cooked rice.

This cajun-style Chicken Etouffee will be a big hit in your house - it is quick and easy to make and tastes absolutely delicious. Try it soon and come back to leave a review!

About the author

Jelena Mardere

Jelena is an interior designer and young mom! As a busy working mom, her time is precious so she’s always looking for a quick and efficient way to get things done. Jelena is very creative, but has a strong practical side. She loves trying new things and travels a lot, especially around Europe. The kitchen is Jelena’s safe space, where she can let her creative side out and dedicate herself to her favorite hobby - cooking!

Recipe Reviews

Have you made this recipe? Share your experience and help other cooks!

★★★★★
★★★★★
5.0 out of 5 (3 reviews)
John
October 18, 2023
Verified

Superb

Zach
July 10, 2019
Verified

I tried this chicken etouffee recipe last week and it was a total winner. I remember tasting etouffee in New Orleans, and now I can recreate that magic at home. It was so simple to make and packed with flavor. Thank you for this gem!

Athina
May 14, 2019
Verified

Well done! Verified!

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