Chicken Etouffee

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3 pounds), cut into 8 pieces
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 green bell peppers, chopped (about 2 cups)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can chicken broth
• 1 (12-ounce) bottle of beer (any light lager or ale)
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup cooked rice, for serving

Preparation Time:

30 minutes

Cooking Time:

1 hour 30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

3 out of 5 (Intermediate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
3. Add the chicken pieces and brown on all sides, about 10 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
5. Add the onion, celery, and green bell peppers to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
7. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
8. Gradually whisk in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, beer, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
9. Return the chicken pieces to the pot and bring to a simmer.
10. Cover and place in the oven.
11. Bake for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
12. Serve over cooked rice.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving (1 cup etouffee, 1/2 cup rice):

• Calories: 550
• Fat: 20 grams
• Saturated Fat: 5 grams
• Cholesterol: 100 milligrams
• Sodium: 1000 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 50 grams
• Fiber: 4 grams
• Sugar: 15 grams
• Protein: 30 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and flavorful
• With a balance of spicy and savory flavors
• Moist and tender chicken
• Comforting and satisfying

User Comments:

• "This was the best etouffee I've ever had! The flavors were incredible." - Sarah
• "I love that this recipe is so easy to make and it tastes like something you'd get at a fancy restaurant." - John
• "Perfect for a cold winter night. So warm and comforting." - Mary

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to taste, depending on your desired spice level.
• If you don't have beer, you can substitute with additional chicken broth or water.
• Make sure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) before serving.