Louisiana Chicken Gumbo

Craving a true taste of Louisiana? This easy chicken gumbo recipe brings the comfort right to your kitchen! Hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Get the recipe now!

May 29, 2025
By Emily Collins.

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered what a hug in a bowl tastes like? This chicken gumbo recipe is it! Honestly, it's a soul-satisfying dish with a rich, smoky flavor that'll transport you straight to Louisiana.

Brief Overview

Gumbo's roots are deep in louisiana's history, blending african, european, and native american culinary traditions. our version is a medium-difficulty affair, taking about 2.

5 hours from start to finish. this favorite gumbo recipe yields 6-8 servings, perfect for a family dinner or a gumbo new orleans -style gathering.

Main Benefits

This creamy gumbo recipe is packed with protein and comforting goodness. chicken gumbo is perfect for a cozy sunday supper, any game day, or when you just need a little southern comfort.

What makes this recipe special? it's adaptable! add more spice, different proteins, whatever floats your boat!

Louisiana Chicken Gumbo Recipe Card

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Preparation time:30 Mins

Cooking time:02 Hrs

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup/150g)
• 2 stalks celery, chopped (about 1 cup/120g)
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup/150g)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 8 cups (1.9L) chicken broth
• 1 pound (454g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound (454g) Andouille sausage, sliced (optional, can substitute with other smoked sausage)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) black pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 cup (50g) chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions:

• Make the Roux: Melt butter in the pot over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour, stirring constantly until the mixture turns a dark reddish-brown (peanut butter color). This will take about 20-30 minutes.
• Sauté the Vegetables: Add vegetable oil to the pot with the roux. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
• Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Stir in garlic, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute more.
• Build the Gumbo: Gradually whisk in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add chicken, sausage (if using), bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer: Bring the gumbo to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1.5 hours, or up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
• Adjust Seasoning: Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
• Serve: Ladle gumbo over cooked white rice and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy this delicious chicken gumbo recipe.

The Magic Begins: Chicken Gumbo Recipe

Ok, so i didn't grow up in louisiana. but i visited a few times, you know? each time, i fell more in love with the food, especially gumbo louisiana recipe .

This is a southern gumbo recipe louisiana at heart that will be a new staple.

The key to great gumbo is the roux, honestly. It takes patience, but it's so worth it. Now, remember, you can tweak this easy gumbo recipe authentic to your liking.

We're using chicken thighs for extra flavor and andouille sausage, but feel free to sub in other smoked sausage. gumbo and rice is the way to go, but don't skimp on the garnishes.

Fresh parsley makes all the difference! new orleans food recipes dinners doesn't get much better than this!

Alright, let's talk shop about what you need to make a champion chicken gumbo recipe . honestly, getting the right stuff makes all the difference.

Think of it like building a house – you need good bricks!

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Gumbo Arsenal

Okay, before we even think about lighting the hob, let's gather our supplies for this favorite gumbo recipe . trust me, having everything ready makes the whole process way smoother.

I will outline the main ingredients, talk seasoning, and run through the necessary equipment.

Main Ingredients

Right, here's the shopping list for our Southern Gumbo Recipe Louisiana . Measurements are crucial, mind you!

• For the Roux:
  • Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (113g) . Get the good stuff. It really impacts the flavour.
  • All-Purpose Flour: ¾ cup (90g) . Plain flour is fine.
• For the Gumbo:
  • Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Any neutral oil will do.
  • Yellow Onion: 1 large (about 1 cup/150g) , chopped. Should be firm and without blemishes.
  • Celery: 2 stalks (about 1 cup/120g) , chopped.
  • Green Bell Pepper: 1 (about 1 cup/150g) , chopped. Should be firm and without blemishes.
  • Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, always.
  • Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Aromatic and earthy.
  • Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Adds a slight bitterness that balances the richness.
  • Cayenne Pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) . Adjust this to your taste!
  • Chicken Broth: 8 cups (1.9L) . The flavour base of your gumbo.
  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: 1 pound (454g) , cut into bite-sized pieces. Thighs stay nice and juicy, you know?
  • Andouille Sausage: 1 pound (454g) , sliced (optional). Get it from a good deli if you can!
  • Bay Leaf: 1 . Adds depth and complexity.
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon (5ml) , or to taste.
  • Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) , or to taste.
  • Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup (50g) , chopped. For garnish.
  • Cooked White Rice: For serving.

Seasoning Notes

Now, seasoning is where the magic happens in this Gumbo Recipe Louisiana . Here are some pointers:

• Essential spice combinations: Thyme, oregano, and cayenne are your core spices. This creates a warm, earthy flavour profile.
• Flavor enhancers and aromatics: Garlic is essential. It adds a pungent, savoury note. The bay leaf provides a subtle, almost medicinal aroma, honestly.
• Quick substitution options: No Andouille? Use Kielbasa! Feeling lazy? Pre-mixed Cajun seasoning is your friend. It’s great to use a creamy gumbo recipe .

Equipment Needed

Right, let's get practical. You really don't need fancy gadgets for this Gumbo New Orleans , I swear.

• Large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. This is essential for even heat distribution. Prevents burning.
• Wooden spoon. For stirring that roux patiently .
• Cutting board. For chopping all those veggies.
• Chef's knife. A good knife makes prep work a breeze.

That's it! with these ingredients and tools, you're ready to cook up this easy gumbo recipe authentic . let’s get cooking, shall we? you’ll be making new orleans food recipes dinners like a pro.

Don’t forget to serve your gumbo and rice .

Alright, let's talk about chicken gumbo recipe , proper, like! i remember my first attempt. honestly, it was a bit of a disaster! the roux burnt, the chicken was dry, but hey, we learn, right? now, i reckon i've cracked it.

Prepping Like a Pro for the Best Gumbo Louisiana Recipe

This ain’t just chucking stuff in a pot, you know? mise en place is your friend. chop all your veggies – onion, celery, and bell pepper.

Get your chicken thighs cut into bite-sized bits. if you're using andouille, get that sliced too. it saves so much time later, trust me.

Oh, and a little tip? i love using pre-cooked chicken sometimes.

Organization is Key

Get everything measured out and ready to go. Like, herbs and spices in a small bowl. Broth measured. This means, no scrambling about when the roux is screaming for attention!

Let's Get Cooking: Your Step-by-Step Favorite Gumbo Recipe

Right, here's the magic. This easy gumbo recipe authentic isn't complicated. Just follow these steps.

1. Roux Time: Melt ½ cup (113g) butter in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Gradually whisk in ¾ cup (90g) flour. Now, stir constantly until it turns a dark, reddish-brown, like peanut butter. This takes about 20- 30 minutes . Don't burn it!
2. Veggie Power: Add 1 tablespoon (15ml) oil, then your chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 8- 10 minutes , until soft.
3. Aromatics In: Stir in minced garlic, 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried thyme, 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) cayenne pepper (or more, if you like a kick!). Cook for 1 minute .
4. Broth and Bits: Slowly whisk in 8 cups (1.9L) chicken broth. Add chicken, sausage (if using), 1 bay leaf , 1 teaspoon (5ml) salt, and ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) pepper.
5. Simmer Down: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 1.5- 2 hours , stirring occasionally. Longer simmering equals richer flavor!
6. Taste and Tweak: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve . Ladle over rice (Gumbo and Rice)

Cracking the Gumbo Code: Pro Tips for a Southern Gumbo Recipe Louisiana

Honestly, the Gumbo New Orleans is all about the details.

Flavor Secrets

Don't rush the roux! it is the most important thing, trust me, if it is burned, you will have a bad taste in your gumbo.

And good broth makes a massive difference. get the best you can find.

Avoid Common Gumbo Mishaps

Burning the roux is the biggest sin! Low and slow is the way. Also, don't be shy with the seasoning! But add it gradually.

Make ahead option for Gumbo Louisiana Recipe

Creamy gumbo recipe is actually amazing the next day. the flavors meld together beautifully! make a big batch on sunday, and you've got lunches sorted.

And i mean the flavor are so good the next day, so don't hesitate.

Alright, so you've got your pot simmering with that gorgeous chicken gumbo recipe . but before you grab a spoon, let's chat about the little details, yeah? honestly, they can make all the difference.

We all want to make the best favorite gumbo recipe , don't we?

Recipe Notes: Gumbo Goodness!

These are a few notes to ensure you have the best possible experience while trying out our southern gumbo recipe louisiana .

It's been a blast testing this recipe with friends and family. i'll share the best of what i've learned in the process.

Plating Like a Pro

Okay, so presentation does matter. ladle that glorious gumbo recipe louisiana over a bed of fluffy rice. i like to use a shallow bowl to show off all those lovely ingredients.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top? chefs kiss! maybe a single bay leaf for that 'rustic' vibe? honestly, your creamy gumbo recipe will make anyone happy!

For drinks, think classic Southern: sweet tea, lemonade, or even a cold beer. On the side? Cornbread is a must, obviously! Some people like a bit of potato salad too, which is amazing! It's all about the New Orleans Food Recipes Dinners experience, innit?

Storing Your Leftovers

So, you’ve somehow managed not to finish the whole pot of that fantastic gumbo louisiana recipe at once. don't worry, it happens (rarely, but it happens!).

Once it's cooled down (about an hour or so), chuck it in an airtight container and it'll be grand in the fridge for 3-4 days.

You can also freeze it! just be sure to use a freezer-safe container. when you're ready to tuck in again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the hob.

Easy peasy!

Gumbo: The Remix!

Want to mix things up? if you're avoiding gluten, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend for a gluten free gumbo! boom! for a veggie option, skip the chicken and sausage and load up on okra, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash.

Delicious! seasonally, during autumn, consider adding a bit of butternut squash for a slightly sweet, nutty flavour. it really works!

Nutrition Nitty-Gritty

I'm no nutritionist, but each serving of this gumbo new orleans (estimated) clocks in around 450 calories. you are also looking at 35g protein, 25g fat, and 20g carbs.

It's a proper meal! plus, all those veggies mean you're getting vitamins and fibre. winner winner gumbo and rice dinner! the star of the show is that it's so flavourful.

It is the easy gumbo recipe authentic you will want!

Listen, making chicken gumbo recipe isn't rocket science. have a go, experiment, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. that's how you learn, yeah? and honestly, even if it's not perfect , it'll still be delicious.

So get in the kitchen and whip up some magic! you got this!