Here’s how to make a Tasty chicken gumbo recipe in the simplest of language so you can make it in the comfort of your own kitchen by keeping a few important tips in mind.
How to Make Delicious Chicken Gumbo Recipe (Step-by-Step Method)
Meta Description:
In this easy recipe, learn how to make delicious chicken gumbo that’s perfect for a cozy dinner, full of Southern tradition and bold flavors. Cooking is made super easy with the right information and strategies.
Table of Contents
Introduction (A Southern Comfort Classic Chicken Gumbo)
Tasty Chicken Gumbo is considered the ultimate Southern comfort food recipe, rooted in the Creole and Cajun cuisines of Louisiana. It combines delicious, tender chicken, a deeply flavored roux with bold seasonings and tasty vegetables.
Whether you’re new to this recipe or you’ve always loved it, chicken gumbo is a must-have in your home-cooked meal collection. The complete chicken guide will help you make a great homemade chicken gumbo recipe using easily available ingredients and a simple method. Whether you are a seasoned beginner or a complete beginner, you will surely be able to make a delicious stew that will delight your family or friends. And believe me, homemade is way better than the store bought.
Let’s get to know the ingredients and the recipe.
Ingredients:
Protein:
- 1½ pounds boneless, chicken breast or chicken thigh (skinless) (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 pound andouille sausage (optional, chopped)
Vegetables:
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
Optional for heat – 1 to 2 jalapenos
Ingredients for the roux:
- 1/2 cup butter or vegetable oil
- Flour to serve 1/2 purposes
For the seasonings and liquids:
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 (14 ounce) can chopped tomatoes
- Salt to taste
- 1 to 2 bay leaves
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional hot sauce to taste
Thickener:
- 1 teaspoon gumbo filet powder, this is for thickening and for a traditional flavor
To serve:
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- Sliced green onion and crown parsley for garnish
Step by step instructions to make chicken gumbo:
1. Prep the ingredients
- Gather all the ingredients before cooking. Prep any vegetables and protein you have. Chop the celery, onion, and bell peppers.
- Chop the chicken into cubes and if you use sausage, slice them. Having everything prepped makes cooking a breeze and you don’t have to scramble around for anything.
2. Making the Flavor Base, the Roux
The roux is the heart of any gumbo. It gives the stew a deep, rich, and rich flavor and a deep color.
- Take a heavy pot or large oven and heat 1/2 cup of oil over medium heat.
- Add the flour slowly to avoid lumps. Adding too quickly can cause lumps.
- Use a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to stir and scrape the bottom to avoid burning.
- Cook the roux for 25 to 30 minutes until the roux is dark brown. This will make for a delicious chicken gumbo.
Note – do not move the roux around as it can burn very quickly and you may have to start over.
3. Roast the Vegetables
- Once the roux is ready, immediately add the bell peppers, onion, and celery.
- Let the vegetables cook for 6 to 7 minutes until soft.
- Add the optional jalapenos and garlic, then sauté for another 2 minutes
4. Brown the chicken and sausage
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a separate skillet.
- Add the chicken and sausage, then season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 6 to 7 minutes on both sides to brown the gumbo. Note that thorough cooking finishes the gumbo.
5. Stir and bring to a boil
- Add the browned chicken and sausage to the pot with the vegetables and roux.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and chicken broth, then stir.
- Add the paprika, Cajun seasoning, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer on low.
- Be sure to cover and cook for 50 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Longer cooking times will tenderize the chicken, and long cooking times are essential for creating the perfect flavor, allowing the flavors to meld together nicely.
6. Stir in optional gumbo seasoning
- If you use filé powder, thicken the gumbo a little more and stir it in at the end of the 10 minutes of cooking to add some Southern depth. Tasty chicken gumbo is even better.
Adjust seasoning
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. Adjust pepper, salt, and hot sauce as needed for seasoning and balance.
How to Serve Chicken Gumbo:
The traditional way to serve chicken gumbo is to serve it in a bowl with a scoop of steamed white rice. Then top with chopped green onions and fresh parsley for freshness and color.
Serving Tips:
Pair it with potato salad, gum corn bread or simply any salad to make a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Use the refrigerator to store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
- Refrigerate the gumbo to make it look great and store it in a freezer safe container for 2 to 3 months.
To Reheat:
You can use the microwave or stovetop and reheat it gently, adding a little broth if it’s too thick.
For a change in flavor:
Swap up the protein:
Use shrimp, turkey or a mix of chicken and seafood.
If you like a smoky flavor, try smoked sausage, kielbasa or bacon.
Add veggies:
Use corn, okra or zucchini for extra texture and a different nutrient.
For low carb:
Skip the rice and serve the cauliflower with rice.
- Why this tasty chicken gumbo recipe works:
- For bold Southern flavors: It adds layers of seasoning and the depth of a dark roux in a wonderful way.
- Simple ingredients: Ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores.
- One pot mill: Makes cleanup easy, with very satisfying and delicious results.
- For versatility: Meals are great to prepare and refrigerate and then reheat quickly.
Top tips for the best chicken gumbo:
Never rush the roux as it is the basis for flavour.
Always use dark meat – chicken thighs are wonderfully juicy and tender.
Seasoning the crust – taste first then adjust.
Letting it rest – resting ensures that the gumbo is super flavourful and full of flavour the next day and is all the better for it.
Frequently Asked Questions for Chicken Gumbo:
What is the difference between Cajun Gumbo and Creole Gumbo?
Cajun Gumbo does not use tomatoes and relies heavily on a dark roux, but Creole always uses tomatoes and is therefore more flavorful.
Can delicious Chicken Gumbo be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! After making the roux and browning the meat, just add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low.
Is Gumbo spicy?
Yes. But you can customize the spice. If someone prefers a milder flavor, use less hot sauce and jalapeño.
Final thoughts
Make Chicken Gumbo the Southern way today. Homemade chicken gumbo is a delicious seasoning that connects you to the age-old Southern tradition. This easy chicken gumbo recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a cozy Sunday lunch, or a kid’s day out.
The savory texture and bold flavors make this a must-try recipe for a homemade collection of foods.
After making this, do share this recipe with your family and friends so that they forget about the store-bought ones. Let us know in the comments how you liked this chicken gumbo.