Chicken and Sausage Gumbo is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with tender chicken, savory sausage, and a rich, spiced broth. Simmered to perfection with a medley of vegetables like bell peppers, celery, and onions. Served over a bed of fluffy rice, this gumbo is the ultimate cozy meal.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Gumbo
- Be patient with the roux: A well-cooked roux is the backbone of a great gumbo. Don’t rush this step – the darker it gets, the deeper the flavor.
- Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor: If you want a richer broth, consider using bone-in chicken thighs or even adding chicken wings for that added depth of flavor.
- Adjust the heat: The amount of cayenne pepper can be adjusted based on your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder gumbo, leave it out or reduce the amount.
- Let it sit: Gumbo is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. If you have time, make it a day ahead, letting the flavors meld overnight.
Variations of Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
While the classic chicken and sausage gumbo is amazing on its own, there are several ways to customize it:
- Seafood Gumbo: Add shrimp, crab, or oysters in place of the chicken or sausage for a seafood-inspired gumbo.
- Vegetarian Gumbo: Skip the meat entirely and load up on vegetables like zucchini, squash, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
- Gumbo with Bacon: For an added smoky flavor, incorporate crispy bacon in place of or alongside the sausage.
- Spicy Gumbo: If you like your gumbo with a serious kick, add a few more dashes of cayenne or even some chopped fresh jalapeños.
How to Serve Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
Chicken and sausage gumbo is best served over a bed of steamed white rice. The rice soaks up the rich broth and balances the heat and flavor of the gumbo. For an authentic Southern touch, serve it with cornbread or a side of crispy French bread for dipping.
How to Store Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
Gumbo stores really well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers:
- In the fridge: Store leftover gumbo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat over low heat on the stove, adding a bit of extra water or broth to thin it out if necessary.
- In the freezer: Gumbo can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they tend to be drier. For a more flavorful and tender gumbo, chicken thighs are recommended.
2. What type of sausage is best for gumbo? The traditional choice is Andouille sausage, which adds a smoky, spicy flavor. However, if you can’t find it, any smoked sausage will work well.
3. Is gumbo supposed to be thick or thin? Gumbo should have a relatively thick consistency, but it should still flow over the rice when served. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out with a little more chicken broth or water.
4. Can I make gumbo without okra? Yes, while okra is a traditional ingredient that helps thicken the gumbo, it’s not essential. You can skip it or use a substitute like filé powder to thicken the broth.
5. How can I make gumbo ahead of time? Gumbo actually gets better with time, as the flavors continue to develop. Prepare the dish a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Chicken And Sausage Gumbo
Chicken and Sausage Gumbo is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with tender chicken, savory sausage, and a rich, spiced broth. Simmered to perfection with a medley of vegetables like bell peppers, celery, and onions. Served over a bed of fluffy rice, this gumbo is the ultimate cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 2 quarts water (for cooking chicken)
- 1 pound okra, sliced into 1-inch pieces (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup water (for cooking okra)
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 1 ½ cup diced bell peppers (green and red)
- ⅓ cup diced celery
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 cups diced canned tomatoes
- 12 oz cooked andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp gumbo filé (Zatarain's)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Start by adding the chicken to a medium pot, covering with water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Strain the broth and set it aside.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken has cooled, shred it into small pieces and set aside.
- Cook the Okra: In a separate pot, bring okra and ½ cup water to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for about 7–9 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a large Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until it turns a dark brown color, about 15 minutes. Keep stirring during the last 5 minutes to avoid burning.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add the onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until tender, about 8–10 minutes.
- Cook the Sausage: Stir in the cooked okra, tomatoes, and sausage slices. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Seasonings: Toss in the bay leaf, thyme, basil, cayenne, salt, and black pepper, and mix well.
- Simmer the Gumbo: Pour in 4 cups of reserved chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
- Add the Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken and let everything simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
- Finish with Gumbo Filé: Turn off the heat and slowly stir in the gumbo filé. Be careful not to reboil, as this can make the gumbo stringy. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Add more broth for a thinner gumbo.
- Serve: Serve your delicious gumbo over steamed rice and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 899Total Fat 65gSaturated Fat 16gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 45gCholesterol 277mgSodium 2273mgCarbohydrates 26gFiber 3gSugar 6gProtein 56g
Dinnerfocus.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.
Final Thoughts
Chicken and Sausage Gumbo is a dish that embodies the heart and soul of Southern cuisine. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Whether you’re following the traditional recipe or adding your own spin, this dish is sure to warm your heart and your stomach. Don’t forget to serve it with a generous helping of rice and some good company – gumbo is best enjoyed with loved ones around the table.
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