Chicken Gumbo – This Louisiana classic is a delightful combination of tender chicken, smoky sausage, onion, celery, and bell pepper, and a bold blend of spices. Perfect for a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish.
What is Chicken Gumbo?
Chicken Gumbo is a thick, flavorful stew with origins in Louisiana cuisine. It typically features:
- Chicken: Usually cooked in the pot and shredded for texture.
- Andouille Sausage: Adds a smoky, savory depth.
- Roux: A flour-and-fat mixture cooked to a rich brown that forms the base.
- Holy Trinity Vegetables: Onion, celery, and bell peppers.
- Okra or Filé Powder: Both are traditional thickeners that add authenticity.
This dish is traditionally served over white rice, making it the ultimate comfort food.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Gumbo
- Master the Roux:
- The key to a great gumbo is a dark, nutty roux. Cook it slowly over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches a deep chocolate color. Patience is essential!
- Use Quality Ingredients:
- Opt for fresh vegetables, high-quality chicken thighs, and authentic andouille sausage. If andouille isn’t available, kielbasa or smoked sausage works well.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer:
- Allow the gumbo to simmer for at least an hour to meld the flavors fully.
- Add Heat Wisely:
- Use cayenne pepper and hot sauce to control spice levels. Start small and adjust to taste.
- Skim the Fat:
- As your gumbo cooks, skim off excess fat for a cleaner, balanced flavor.
Variations of Chicken Gumbo
While classic Chicken Gumbo is unbeatable, here are some variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:
- Seafood Gumbo: Swap the chicken and sausage for shrimp, crab, and crawfish.
- Vegetarian Gumbo: Use vegetable broth and replace the meat with mushrooms, jackfruit, or tofu.
- Duck and Andouille Gumbo: A richer take using duck instead of chicken.
- Gluten-Free Gumbo: Use gluten-free flour for the roux and skip filé powder if needed.
How to Serve Chicken Gumbo
Chicken Gumbo is best served over freshly steamed white rice. Here are some accompaniments to elevate your meal:
- Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread pairs beautifully.
- Potato Salad: A Southern classic that complements gumbo’s richness.
- Crusty French Bread: Perfect for sopping up the flavorful broth.
- Hot Sauce: Let guests add an extra kick to their bowls.
For an authentic experience, serve gumbo family-style in large bowls, letting everyone customize their plates.
How to Store Chicken Gumbo
Gumbo often tastes better the next day as the flavors develop. Here’s how to store it properly:
- Refrigeration: Cool the gumbo to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze gumbo in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Leave out the rice before freezing, as it doesn’t reheat well.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen gumbo overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Chicken Gumbo in advance?
Absolutely! Gumbo tastes even better when made ahead of time. Prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge.
What is the difference between Creole and Cajun gumbo?
Creole gumbo often includes tomatoes, while Cajun gumbo traditionally does not. Both versions are delicious, so it comes down to personal preference.
Can I make gumbo without a roux?
While a roux is traditional, you can use okra or filé powder as a thickener if you’re short on time or want to avoid the extra fat.
What’s the best type of chicken to use?
Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for flavor and texture. You can also use a whole chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
How can I thicken my gumbo if it’s too thin?
Let it simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water. Another option is to stir in a bit more roux or a small amount of filé powder.
Chicken Gumbo
Chicken Gumbo - This Louisiana classic is a delightful combination of tender chicken, smoky sausage, onion, celery, and bell pepper, and a bold blend of spices. Perfect for a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, or thigh
- 2 quarts water, to cook the chicken
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 cups diced canned tomatoes
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 pound okra, 1" pieces, or frozen
- ½ cup water
- 1 ½ cup yellow onion, ¼" dice
- 1 ½ cup bell pepper, ¼" dice, green and red
- ⅓ cup celery, ¼" dice
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme,
- 12 ounces andouille sausage, cooked, ½" slices
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon gumbo filé, Zatarain's
Instructions
- Boil chicken in 2 quarts of water until tender (20–25 minutes). Reserve the broth, shred the chicken, and set aside.
- Simmer okra with ½ cup water until tender (7–9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Cook butter and flour over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it turns a deep chocolate brown (about 15 minutes). Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Add onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic to the roux. Cook until softened (8–10 minutes).
- Stir in okra, tomatoes, and sausage. Let it cook for about 10 minutes.
- Add bay leaf, thyme, basil, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir in 4 cups of reserved chicken broth. Simmer over medium-low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mix in shredded chicken and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the gumbo filé. Avoid boiling after adding it to prevent stringiness. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Scoop the gumbo over steamed rice and enjoy the bold, comforting flavors of Louisiana in every bite!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 746Total Fat 42gSaturated Fat 18gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 20gCholesterol 246mgSodium 967mgCarbohydrates 24gFiber 5gSugar 8gProtein 67g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
Chicken Gumbo is more than just a dish; it’s a connection to the rich culinary heritage of Louisiana. With its bold flavors, versatility, and heartwarming qualities, it’s no wonder this classic has a special place in kitchens worldwide. Whether you’re making it for the first time or the hundredth, following these tips will ensure your gumbo is always a hit.
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