Chicken Gumbo Recipe: A Flavorful Southern Classic

Chicken Gumbo is a hearty, flavorful dish rooted in Southern cuisine, especially Louisiana. This recipe combines tender chicken, savory vegetables, and rich spices to create a soul-warming meal perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into making this comforting classic.

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What Is Chicken Gumbo?

Gumbo is a thick, flavorful stew that features a combination of proteins (like chicken, sausage, or seafood), vegetables, and a thickening agent such as roux, okra, or filé powder. It’s typically served over rice and is a staple in Southern cooking.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients for the perfect Chicken Gumbo:

For the Roux

• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup all-purpose flour

For the Gumbo

• 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup sliced okra (fresh or frozen)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons filé powder (optional)
• Cooked white rice for serving
• Sliced green onions for garnish

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How to Make Chicken Gumbo

# Step 1: Make the Roux

The roux is the foundation of gumbo’s rich flavor.

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Slowly whisk in the flour, stirring continuously.
3. Cook the roux until it turns a deep brown color (about 15-20 minutes). Pro Tip: Stir constantly to prevent burning! If it burns, you’ll need to start over.

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# Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Sausage

1. In a separate skillet, brown the chicken pieces and sausage slices over medium heat.
2. Remove and set aside once cooked through.

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# Step 3: Build the Gumbo Base

1. Add the onions, bell pepper, and celery (known as the “Holy Trinity” of Cajun cooking) to the pot with the roux. Sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
2. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

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# Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, okra, bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Return the chicken and sausage to the pot.

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# Step 5: Simmer the Gumbo

1. Bring the gumbo to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

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# Step 6: Final Touches

1. If desired, sprinkle in filé powder to thicken the gumbo and enhance its flavor.
2. Remove bay leaves before serving.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve your Chicken Gumbo over a bed of fluffy white rice and garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Add a side of cornbread or crusty French bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Gumbo

• Don’t rush the roux. Achieving the perfect brown color is essential for depth of flavor.
• For an authentic kick, use Cajun or Creole seasoning in place of salt.
• Okra not your thing? Replace it with extra filé powder as a thickener.
• Leftovers taste even better! Gumbo develops a richer flavor after sitting overnight.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Gumbo is:

• Rich in flavor from its deep roux base.
• Customizable, so you can adjust the heat and ingredients to your liking.
• A crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

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Make this Chicken Gumbo recipe and bring a taste of Louisiana to your kitchen. Bon appétit, y’all!