Mouth-Watering Chicken & Turkey Sausage Gumbo Recipe
Greetings, my fellow gastronomes! Today I bring to you a recipe that will not only tantalize your taste buds but also warm your body and soul. I present to you the Chicken and Turkey Sausage Gumbo, a flavorful and hearty stew that has been perfected over generations.
The origins of this dish can be traced back to New Orleans, where it was first created by blending the diverse culinary traditions of the city. The result is a delicious concoction that is both spicy and aromatic. Whether you are a beginner or an expert in Cajun cuisine, this recipe is sure to impress.
Now, some of you may be wondering why you should bother trying yet another gumbo recipe. Allow me to convince you otherwise. This version of the dish has a unique twist – the use of chicken and turkey sausages. Not only does this make it a healthier option, but it also adds a delectable smokiness to the stew.
Moreover, this recipe has been adapted to meet the dietary requirements of our Weight Watchers community. You can enjoy this hearty meal without feeling guilty about its impact on your waistline. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into the ingredient list and discover how easy it is to make this sausage gumbo!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fellow food lovers, believe me when I say that this Chicken and Turkey Sausage Gumbo is something you’ll love. What’s not to love about a rich stew that is packed with spicy and savory flavors? This gumbo recipe is not only delicious but also Weight Watchers-approved, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
The combination of boneless chicken thighs and turkey sausage lends the dish its meaty richness, while cuts of green bell pepper and celery bring a delicate sweetness to complement the bold cajun seasoning. I cannot stress enough how the diced tomatoes add a layer of tanginess that perfectly balances the heat from the spices.
And what sets this gumbo apart are the frozen corn kernels and frozen cut okra – two ingredients that give the dish a distinct texture, making every spoonful an adventure for your taste buds. Plus, with a recipe as versatile as this, it’s easy to add your spin on it – perfect for those who like to get creative in the kitchen!
This slow cooker Chicken and Turkey Sausage Gumbo can be served fresh out of the pot or stored as leftovers. It pairs flawlessly with brown rice or can stand-alone as it is. So if you want to impress your guests or just satisfy your comfort food cravings without ruining your diet, I highly recommend this recipe!
Trust me; you won’t regret diving into this spicy goodness. So grab those ingredients from our list and let’s start cooking!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious Chicken & Turkey Sausage Gumbo Recipe:
- 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 1 lb turkey sausage
- 1 lb smoked chicken or turkey sausage
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups cold water
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 can diced fire-roasted tomatoes, drained
- 2 celery ribs, chopped (Note: For an extra kick of flavor, use celeriac instead)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups frozen cut okra (Note: Avoid canned okra as it can turn slimy)
- 2 cups frozen corn kernels
- Cajun seasoning to taste
Optional (depending on your preference):
– Andouille sausage
– Peppers and onions
– File powder
You may use your favorite brand of Cajun seasoning or make your own blend at home. It is essential in creating an authentic gumbo recipe. Also, if you’re following a Weight Watchers diet plan, this recipe is perfect as it only contains ~13 ounces of points.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get started with making this delicious Chicken and Turkey Sausage Gumbo!
Prep Work
Firstly, you need to gather all the required ingredients as listed in the ingredient list. Then, you need to chop 1 onion, 1 green bell pepper, and 3 celery ribs into small pieces. Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs and 13 oz turkey sausage links into 1-inch pieces.
Making the Roux
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Slowly add â…” cup of all-purpose flour while whisking continuously until the mixture turns brown and has a nutty aroma. This is what we call a roux. Be patient in making it as it may take around 15-20 minutes to attain the dark brown color needed for your gumbo.
Creating The Gumbo
Once your roux looks perfectly browned, add in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Continue to cook while stirring for about 5 minutes until they are tender. Next, add in 4 cups of chicken stock, 1 can of diced fire-roasted tomatoes, ½ cup of frozen corn kernels, ½ cup of frozen cut okra, and 1 tablespoon of cajun seasoning. Mix everything well and bring it to a boil.
Once boiled, lower the heat to medium-low then add the chicken and turkey sausage pieces that we prepared earlier. Simmer for around 30 minutes until both meats are fully cooked.
Thickening The Gumbo
To thicken our Chicken and Turkey Sausage Gumbo further, mix in a quarter cup of cold water with another third cup of all-purpose flour in a separate bowl. Slowly add this mixture into your gumbo while stirring continually to prevent lumping. Simmer again for another ten minutes.
Serving Time!
The Chicken and Turkey Sausage Gumbo tastes best when served hot over warm cooked rice such as brown rice. Add some additional seasoning like Cajun spice if desired for more kick! So go ahead and dig in!
Substitutions and Variations
You can mix and match ingredients to make your own variation of this gumbo recipe. Here are some suggestions for substituting and varying the ingredients to suit your taste.
– Turkey sausage: You can use chicken sausage or andouille sausage instead of turkey sausage. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using smoked chicken or turkey smoked sausage for a different flavor.
– Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used in place of chicken thighs. You could also use leftover cooked chicken or turkey from another meal.
– Frozen vegetables: Use any combination of frozen vegetables that you like. Instead of frozen corn kernels and cut okra, try adding frozen peas, green beans, or lima beans.
– Cajun seasoning: Use your favorite store-bought Cajun seasoning blend, or make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
– Brown rice: Instead of serving the gumbo over brown rice, you could try serving it over white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to reduce the calorie count.
For those following recipes ww (Weight Watchers), this recipe is already a points-friendly option. However, if you need to adjust the recipe further to meet certain dietary needs or restrictions, feel free to experiment with different substitutions and variations until you find the perfect combination.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this delightful Chicken & Turkey Sausage Gumbo, the possibilities are endless. This Southern classic can be enjoyed as a hearty main course, and it is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
I highly recommend serving it with a side of brown rice to soak up all the delectable flavors and textures of the gumbo. Not only will the rice complement the dish, but it also adds a nice texture to the meal.
For those who love spice, feel free to add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to each bowl, according to your preference. This will give the gumbo an added kick and add more depth to its taste profile.
Another way to enjoy the Chicken & Turkey Sausage Gumbo is by pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed with some vinaigrette dressing. The refreshing flavors of the salad would complement the richness of the gumbo, making it perfect for a summer meal.
Lastly, this savory gumbo can be enjoyed with a fresh slice of buttered bread or some cornbread muffins for that Southern comfort food vibe. The bread complements the rich flavors in this gumbo and adds additional texture as well.
No matter how you serve and pair this Chicken & Turkey Sausage Gumbo, be sure to enjoy it as much as I do!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Dear readers, one of the best things about this Chicken & Turkey Sausage Gumbo recipe is how convenient it is to make ahead of time, store, and reheat. This dish not only saves time, but it also allows for delicious leftovers that taste just as good the next day.
To start, you can easily make this recipe ahead of time by preparing and cooking the gumbo a day or two in advance. Once the gumbo has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When it comes time to reheat the gumbo, simply transfer it to a pot over medium heat. If the gumbo has become too thick after being in the refrigerator, add some cold water before reheating to help loosen it up. Keep stirring occasionally until heated through.
For those who prefer to meal prep for the week, this Chicken & Turkey Sausage Gumbo recipe also freezes well. After cooking, divide the gumbo into individual portion sizes and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your pre-made gumbo, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop. This dish is perfect paired with hot cooked rice or crusty bread.
Overall, whether you choose to make ahead or freeze for later, this Chicken & Turkey Sausage Gumbo is a delicious and versatile recipe that can be enjoyed anytime!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making chicken and turkey sausage gumbo, there are several tips and tricks that can help you achieve the perfect results. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, follow these helpful tips to create a delicious and satisfying dish.
First and foremost, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients when making this recipe. Opt for fresh, boneless skinless chicken thighs and turkey sausage instead of canned or pre-packaged options. This will make a big difference in terms of flavor and texture.
Another key tip is to properly season your meat before cooking. A blend of cajun spices or your own homemade spice mix can make all the difference in bringing out the flavors of the chicken and turkey sausage. Don’t be afraid to add additional seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process.
In terms of cooking, using a slow cooker is highly recommended for this recipe. This will ensure that all of the ingredients are cooked evenly and that the flavors have time to meld together. Be sure to follow your slow cooker’s instructions closely, including cooking times and recommended temperatures.
When it comes to adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, celery ribs, frozen corn kernels, and frozen cut okra, it’s important to cut them into uniform pieces. This will help ensure that they cook evenly and provide a consistent texture throughout the dish.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with substitutions and variations to make this recipe your own. Consider trying different types of sausage such as chicken-turkey sausage or smoked sausage. You can also switch up the vegetables by adding chopped fire-roasted tomatoes or using different colored bell peppers.
Following these tips and incorporating your own creative touches can help you create a delicious sausage gumbo that will be sure to impress your family and friends.
FAQ
As you prepare to tackle this delicious Chicken and Turkey Sausage Gumbo recipe, you may have some questions. That’s why we’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help guide you through the cooking process. Whether it’s how to store leftovers or which ingredients you can substitute, we’ve got you covered with all the answers you need. So, before you begin cooking, take a moment to review our FAQs for this sausage gumbo recipe.
What is the secret ingredient in gumbo?
According to some esteemed sources, chicken stock is the secret ingredient that can elevate your chicken and sausage gumbo to a whole new level of deliciousness. This flavorful liquid is said to be an essential component in making gumbo that is truly phenomenal. So, if you’re looking to take your gumbo game to the next level, consider incorporating some homemade chicken stock into your recipe.
Is chicken stock or broth better for gumbo?
Adding stock – whether it be chicken or vegetable, store-bought or homemade – can tremendously enhance the flavor profile of your gumbo, giving it a greater level of richness and intricacy.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this delicious Chicken & Turkey Sausage Gumbo (Ww) Recipe is an excellent option for those who enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for those who follow a healthy lifestyle, low-calorie diet, or weight watchers program. The combination of the turkey and chicken sausage, along with green bell pepper and celery ribs, delivers a perfect taste that will leave you wanting more.
What’s more, this recipe is flexible and easy to customize to your liking. You can easily adjust it by adding your choice of beef, seafood, or vegetables. Moreover, this dish is budget-friendly, and you can use any type of sausage you desire.
Additionally, this recipe’s slow-cook method allows the ingredients to simmer in their flavor, providing a unique depth and richness that is sure to please. It’s also effortless to make – all you have to do is combine the ingredients in a slow cooker and let it cook away while you go about your day.
Finally, the best part of this recipe is that it fills your belly without stretching your waistline! So if you want to experience the flavors of New Orleans in a healthy way, give this recipe a try today. I promise; you won’t be disappointed!
Chicken & Turkey Sausage Gumbo (Ww) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 3/4 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 3/4 lb turkey sausage, cut into bite sized pieces (preferably cajun)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
- salt and pepper
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 14 1/2 ounces diced fire-roasted tomatoes (1 can)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 10 ounces frozen cut okra
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
Instructions
- Combine onion, bell pepper, and celery in a 6 quart slow cooker. Place chicken and sausage on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and salt (I use about a teaspoon of kosher salt at this point). Top with stock and tomatoes.
- Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours, or on high for about 4 hours until the meat and vegetables are fork tender.
- In a small bowl, mix together the flour and cold water to form a loose paste. Add 1/4 cup of the hot liquid from the slow cooker, mixing until well combined. Add the mix into the slow cooker, and stir to mix well.
- Add the okra and corn, and cook on high for 45 minutes to an hour; until the gumbo is bubbling and thickened. Taste for seasoning, and salt or pepper or more Cajun seasoning as needed before serving.
Your own notes
Nutrition
Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.