Chicken Sausage Gumbo: 12 Comforting Ingredients to Try

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Chicken Sausage Gumbo is a delicious and hearty dish that brings the warmth of Cajun cooking into your kitchen. It features tender chicken and smoky Andouille sausage simmered in a richly spiced broth, complemented by traditional ingredients like bell peppers, onions, and celery. With fire-roasted tomatoes and jalapeños adding a kick, this dish is perfect for cozy evenings. Served over rice, it’s a comforting meal that truly sticks to your ribs.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Sausage Gumbo

This Chicken Sausage Gumbo is not just delicious; it’s a meal that brings people together. Here are a few reasons why it stands out:

Comfort Food: It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights.
Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a deep, satisfying flavor profile.
Versatile: You can adjust the heat level to suit your taste, making it suitable for everyone.
Easy to Prepare: This recipe is great for beginners who want to learn how to make chicken sausage gumbo.
Healthy Options: Using lean chicken thighs and plenty of vegetables, it can be a nutritious choice.
Meal Prep Friendly: It stores well, making it perfect for meal planning.

This Chicken and sausage gumbo recipe offers an easy way to enjoy a classic Cajun dish, providing a taste of Southern cooking right at home.

Ingredients for Chicken Sausage Gumbo

Gather these items:

12 ounces Andouille pork sausage
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or to taste)
2 cups yellow onion (diced small)
1 medium green bell pepper (seeded and diced small)
2 celery ribs (diced small)
1 small jalapeño (seeded and diced)
4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
10 ounces canned diced fire-roasted tomatoes with juice
6 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or to taste)
1 teaspoon dried oregano (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
1 cup sliced okra (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

How to Make Chicken Sausage Gumbo Step-by-Step

Step 1: To a large pot, add the sausage and heat over medium-high to brown it. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Add the chicken to the pot and brown for 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Reduce heat to low, add butter, and melt. Scrape up any brown bits.
Step 4: Sprinkle flour over butter and whisk constantly until a dark chocolate color forms, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Add smoked paprika and mix in.
Step 6: Add onion, bell pepper, celery, jalapeño, and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 7: Add garlic and stir for 1 minute.
Step 8: Add tomatoes with juice and stir to combine.
Step 9: Slowly add the chicken broth, Worcestershire, bay leaves, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Stir to combine.
Step 10: Add the sausage and chicken back into the pot.
Step 11: Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 50-60 minutes.
Step 12: In the last 15 minutes, add okra.
Step 13: Remove bay leaves, add parsley, and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 14: Serve with white rice or cornbread.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Sausage Gumbo

Keep these in mind:

Use clarified butter or ghee for a higher smoking point.
Adjust spice levels to taste.
Okra is essential for thickening.
For a spicier chicken sausage gumbo, feel free to add more jalapeños or cayenne pepper!

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Sausage Gumbo

This dish is best served hot over a bed of fluffy white rice. You can also pair it with cornbread for a delightful Southern experience. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top not only adds flavor but also a pop of color to your bowl.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Sausage Gumbo

To store leftover gumbo, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth if it’s too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Sausage Gumbo

What’s the secret to perfect Chicken Sausage Gumbo?

The secret lies in the roux! Cooking it to a dark chocolate color ensures a rich flavor. This step is crucial for that authentic taste.

Can I make Chicken Sausage Gumbo ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this gumbo tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Sausage Gumbo?

Make sure to stir your roux constantly to prevent burning. Additionally, taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process for the best flavor.

Variations of Chicken Sausage Gumbo You Can Try

There are many delicious variations to explore, such as:

Gluten-Free Chicken Sausage Gumbo: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Chicken andouille sausage gumbo: Use andouille sausage for a spicier kick.
Vegetable Chicken Sausage Gumbo: Add more vegetables like zucchini and carrots for a nutritious twist.
Healthy Chicken Sausage Gumbo: Use skinless chicken breast and reduce the amount of butter for a lighter version.

With these variations, you can customize your gumbo to meet your dietary needs while still enjoying the essence of this beloved Cajun dish.

Chicken Sausage Gumbo: 12 Comforting Ingredients to Try - Chicken Sausage Gumbo - main visual representation

For more delicious recipes, check out Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs or Creamy Italian Meatball Soup.

Chicken Sausage Gumbo: 12 Comforting Ingredients to Try - Chicken Sausage Gumbo - additional detail

For more information on Cajun cooking techniques, visit Serious Eats.

To learn more about the health benefits of okra, check out Healthline.