In the world of Southern cuisine, gumbo is a staple that has elevated to a level of sophistication that renders it an all-time classic. With roots dating back to the Creole and Cajun regions of Louisiana in the US, gumbo is traditionally made with a combination of meat or fish, vegetables, and a roux-based gravy served over rice. The flavorful concoction perfectly blends spices and herbs to create a dish that has inspired foodies around the world.

In this recipe, we take you on a journey to create an unforgettable Chicken and Sausage Gumbo. This savory stew is a feast for the senses – tender morsels of chicken thighs and smoky Andouille sausage swimming in a thick tomato-based broth seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices. The rich seafood flavors are enhanced with filé powder, bringing together all the ingredients harmoniously.

Our version of this delicious gumbo boasts ingredients such as Bell Peppers, Okra, Tomatoes, Garlic, Onions, and Celery that are incorporated into the recipe to create an aromatic base that’s packed with different flavors. Each mouthful packs a punch – warming your soul from within and leaving you yearning for more.

Without further ado here’s our recipe to help you create the ultimate Chicken and Sausage Gumbo!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a dish that’s hearty, satisfying and full of flavor, look no further than the Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Recipe. This timeless classic is a Cajun favorite that’s been passed down through generations of proud Louisiana cooks. With its comforting aroma of rich aromatic spices mixed with tender chicken, smoky sausage and crunchy vegetables, Chicken and Sausage Gumbo will transport your taste buds straight to the Bayou.

What sets this recipe apart is its perfect balance of savory ingredients like andouille sausage, fresh chicken and okra mixed with classic base flavors like onion, garlic, celery, and bell pepper. The gumbo is then thickened with a classic roux made from flour and oil or butter that adds a delicious nutty flavor to the overall recipe.

Adding to the authenticity of this gumbo is the use of ingredients like Cajun spices; thyme, bay leaf, cayenne pepper, salt and your choice on the type of garlic.

Not only does Chicken and Sausage Gumbo taste amazing, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. All you need is one pot and some basic kitchen skills to create a wholesome meal that you’ll be proud of every time you serve it. Whether you are feeding just yourself or a large family gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.

So whether you’re looking for ways to switch up your everyday menu or trying to impress guests at your next dinner party – Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Recipe is always a delicious option.

Ingredient List

Savory and spicy Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Before diving into the exciting world of gumbo, let’s take a look at what ingredients we need. This dish is a perfect representation of Louisiana, incorporating many signature ingredients and flavors of the state. Here is the ingredient list for our delicious chicken and sausage gumbo recipe:

For the Roux:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¼ cups vegetable oil

For the Gumbo:

1 pound andouille sausage, sliced into ¼ inch thick slices
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch thick slices
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp thyme
1 bay leaf
4 cups chicken stock
4 cups water
1 cup onions, finely diced
1 cup celery, finely diced
1 cup bell pepper, finely diced
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
8 oz tomato sauce
2 cups okra
2 tbsp gumbo file

With these ingredients on hand, we will create a classic recipe that is sure to please any palate. Now that we have covered the ingredients let’s move onto how to make this flavorful dish.

The Recipe How-To

Warm up with a bowl of this cozy Cajun classic

Preparation

Before starting with the recipe, prepare all your ingredients so you won’t have a tough time during the cooking process. Peel and dice 1 medium onion, 1 bell pepper, 2 garlic cloves, and 2 celery stalks. Cut 1 pound of chicken andouille sausage into thick slices. Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Measure out ¾ cup vegetable oil and 1 cup all-purpose flour. Gather salt, cayenne pepper, thyme, bay leaf, chicken stock, gumbo file, tomato sauce, and can of diced tomatoes. Set aside 4 cups of water.

Step-by-Step Guide

Make the Roux: Start by making a roux by heating a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add vegetable oil gradually to the pot and whisk in flour to create a smooth paste. Keep stirring until the roux turns into a dark chocolate color.
Add Vegetables: Add diced onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the roux, stirring continuously for 5 minutes until all elements are mixed well.
Add Meat: Add sliced sausage to the pot and continue stirring for another 5 minutes until cooked through.
Stir In Liquid Ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, water, cayenne pepper, gumbo file powder, thyme sprigs, bay leaves and then add kosher salt to taste.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil then lower heat to low-medium heat and simmer it for approximately an hour.
Add Chicken: Add bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot halfway through cooking.
Add Okra: During the last thirty minutes of cooking add one pound of okra sliced into discs or slit down the middle to make it thinner.
Adjust Seasoning: Before taking off from heat check seasoning levels as necessary.

Enjoy Your Delicious Gumbo

Serve this hot dish over steamed rice or accompany with freshly baked bread rolls. Enjoy your tasty homemade chicken sausage gumbo with your family or friends!

Substitutions and Variations

Fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of Gumbo

Variety is the spice of life, and the same can be said for gumbo. There are several substitutions and variations you can make to this recipe to switch up the flavor and suit your preferences.

For starters, if you don’t have access to andouille sausage, you can substitute it with kielbasa or any other smoked sausage you prefer. For those who would like to make a healthier version of this dish, chicken sausage can be used instead of other types of sausage with less fat. You can even experiment with using shrimp as your protein or combining seafood like shrimp, crab, and crawfish for a seafood gumbo.

If okra isn’t your favorite, you can leave it out or try using file powder as a thickener instead. File powder is made from ground sassafras leaves and provides a slightly different texture than okra but still thickens the gumbo beautifully.

If you prefer a more cajun-style gumbo, bump up the cayenne pepper in the recipe or add some extra paprika for smokiness. For those who like their gumbo with a bold tomato flavor, consider swapping some of the chicken broth for canned tomatoes or tomato juice.

Lastly, if you want to save time on prep work, you can use a slow cooker to make this dish. Simply toss in all your ingredients (except the roux) and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the roux in during the last hour of cooking.

Overall, there are many variations and substitutions for this chicken and sausage gumbo recipe that makes it flexible to cater to different taste preferences – there’s no wrong way to make it!

Serving and Pairing

Chicken and Sausage are a match made in Gumbo heaven!

Once your chicken and sausage gumbo is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and pair it to make the most of its flavors. This savory dish pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, which helps to balance out the spiciness of the cayenne pepper and the thyme. Feel free to add a little extra gumbo file on top of each serving, as this traditional gumbo seasoning adds a nutty flavor and silky texture that will delight your palate.

If you want to add even more umami goodness to your meal, you can serve your gumbo with some flakes of smoked maldon salt on top. This way, you’ll get a rich and smoky taste that will be sure to make your taste buds sing.

In terms of liquid pairing, this hearty soup fares well with a variety of drinks. A cold glass of beer or iced tea is an excellent option on a hot day, although especially bold red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec can also complement the spicy flavors of the gumbo quite nicely.

Gumbo is a perfect food for sharing with family and friends, so if you’re planning on entertaining guests or hosting a dinner party, why not try pairing your gumbo with some homemade cornbread? The sweetness of cornbread is an ideal match for the rich flavors of the chicken and sausage gumbo, creating a winning combination in every bite.

Whether you’re looking for something warm on a cold winter night or are simply in search of flavorful comfort food, this chicken and sausage gumbo recipe truly delivers. With these tips, you will be able to savor every aspect of this Southern classic.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

When it comes to gumbo, the flavors only get better as time goes on. This is a great recipe to make ahead of time and enjoy later in the week or even freeze for later use.

To make ahead: After the gumbo has cooked and cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the gumbo over medium heat in a heavy-bottomed pot until heated through. Be sure to stir occasionally as it reheats.

For long-term storage: Allow the gumbo to cool completely before storing it in freezer-safe containers. Label them with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, allow the gumbo to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as stated above.

To reheat individual portions: Transfer one serving of gumbo to a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

When reheating gumbo, be sure to add some additional chicken stock or water if needed to keep the desired consistency. Gumbo tends to thicken as it sits, so additional liquid may be necessary for perfect results.

With these tips, you can enjoy your delicious gumbo long after the first time you made it. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need something comforting but don’t have time to cook from scratch.

Tips for Perfect Results

This Gumbo recipe will transport you straight to New Orleans

Cooking the perfect gumbo can be a challenging task, but with the right technique and some helpful tips, you can achieve delicious results every time. Here are some tips that will make your chicken and sausage gumbo recipe shine.

Firstly, it’s important to use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Make sure to buy fresh chicken and sausage from a trusted source, as well as fresh vegetables like bell pepper, celery, and onion.

Next, when making the roux for your gumbo, it’s essential to stir constantly to prevent burning. This will take time and patience but it is important for achieving the smooth texture that we all love in gumbo. You can also add a bit of vegetable oil if you find that the mixture is getting too dry.

Using cajun seasoning and spices like cayenne pepper, thyme, bay leaf, and gumbo file will give your dish an authentic flavor. Be sure to adjust the seasoning to your tastes and preferences, but remember that a little bit goes a long way when it comes to cajun spices.

When cooking the chicken and sausage, it’s crucial to not overcook or undercook them. Overcooking the chicken will result in tough meat, while undercooking the sausage can lead to a less appealing texture. To ensure even cooking of both meats, consider cooking them separately before adding them back into the pot.

Finally, allow your gumbo ample time to simmer so that all of the flavors can meld together beautifully. This stew-like dish benefits from low and slow cooking techniques.

By following these tips, you can create a flavorful and comforting chicken and sausage gumbo every time – one that rivals any classic cajun dish you’d find in New Orleans or Louisiana.

FAQ

As with any recipe, it is common to have questions or concerns about certain ingredients or cooking processes. In this section, we will provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Recipe. From substituting ingredients to adjusting spice levels, we aim to provide all the information you need to make a successful gumbo dish in your own home kitchen. Keep reading for expert advice on creating a delicious and flavorful gumbo experience.

What is the secret ingredient in gumbo?

Chicken stock is the key to elevating your chicken and sausage gumbo according to many trusted friends. This secret ingredient is said to be crucial in creating a truly delicious and exceptional gumbo. So, if you’re looking to take your gumbo recipe to the next level, consider adding some flavorful chicken stock.

Is chicken stock or broth better for gumbo?

If you want to add richness and complexity to your gumbo recipe, using either homemade or store-bought chicken or vegetable stock is a great way to achieve it.

What are the 2 rules of gumbo?

In crafting a delicious gumbo, it is important to adhere to certain rules. For instance, it’s widely advised to avoid using tomatoes in this recipe. Additionally, only authorized vendors should provide the sausage for your gumbo – any other type of sausage is not suitable for this dish.

Should you cook sausage before adding it to gumbo?

Now, let’s move onto the meat of our gumbo recipe! Start by browning some sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure to turn it frequently so it’s evenly cooked on all sides. Once it’s got a nice, crispy exterior, add it to your gumbo pot. Give your gumbo a taste and, if needed, sprinkle a bit of salt over it to bring out the flavors. Then, let everything simmer together for a couple of hours to really meld the flavors together.

Bottom Line

As a final word, I cannot emphasize enough the power of a good gumbo recipe. A great gumbo recipe is an invitation to experience a melting pot of flavors and culture, all in one delicious bowl. It’s one of those meals that brings people together and creates cherished memories.

The chicken and sausage gumbo recipe that I have shared with you today, is not just any gumbo. It’s a classic southern dish, refined over generations. The kind of dish that has stood the test of time and can make your taste buds dance with joy.

So why not give it a try? Whip up a batch in your kitchen to share with your family and friends or indulge in it all by yourself – let this hearty and flavorful dish warm your soul as it pleases your palate. Trust me, once you’ve created your own chicken and sausage gumbo recipe, there will be no going back. You’ll forever find comfort in this Cajun-inspired dish, rich with homey flavors.

In conclusion, enjoy the process of creating this masterpiece, from collecting the ingredients to having fun in the kitchen cooking the dish to perfection. With my tips and recommendations at hand, you’re sure to succeed. So don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations or substitutions – just have fun! Remember Thou Shalt always pursue culinary adventures with confidence.

Now, go ahead- chop those veggies, slice that sausage! Get cookin’ and relish every spoonful of this scrumptious Chicken and Sausage Gumbo recipe!

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Tony

At Taos Burgers and Beer, Tony has developed a menu that features a variety of burgers and sandwiches, as well as specialty beers and craft cocktails. He is passionate about creating unique and delicious dishes that will keep customers coming back for more. He now keeps sharing his secrets on the website.

Hearty and Savoury: Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Recipe