Chicken Gumbo: Louisiana Recipe

Chicken Gumbo is a hearty and flavorful dish that originates from Louisiana. It’s a perfect one-pot meal that will warm you up on a chilly day. This recipe is easy to follow and takes around 50 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cups chicken broth
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
3 cups cooked white rice
Optional: sliced scallions and parsley for garnish

Instructions:

In a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the oil over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and continue to stir until the mixture becomes a dark brown color, for about 20-30 minutes. This step is called making the roux, which is the base of the gumbo.
Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook and stir for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables soften.
Add the chicken to the pot and cook for 5 minutes or until browned on all sides.
Pour in the chicken broth and can of diced tomatoes, and stir well.
Add the Cajun seasoning, bay leaf, dried thyme, and salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
To serve, spoon a scoop of cooked white rice into each bowl, and ladle the gumbo on top, including plenty of broth and vegetables. Garnish with sliced scallions and parsley if desired.

Verdict:

This Chicken Gumbo recipe is a classic and delicious dish for all occasions. The blend of spices, vegetables, and chicken is the perfect combination that will delight your senses. Serve it with some fresh bread or cornbread for a complete meal.