This Classic Cajun Gumbo is the ultimate comfort food, combining bold and savory flavors with rich textures. Featuring tender chicken, smoked andouille sausage, and a flavorful roux, this gumbo is packed with layers of depth. With a variety of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and spices, it’s simmered to perfection for a deliciously satisfying meal. Perfect for any occasion, this gumbo can be enjoyed with a scoop of white rice, a sprinkle of fresh scallions, and a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. This dish is sure to warm up your soul!
Classic Cajun Gumbo: A Hearty Southern Delight!
6
servings30
minutes1
hour30
minutes450
kcalIngredients
- For the gumbo:
1 medium green bell pepper (1 1/2 cups), diced
1 medium yellow onion (1 3/4 cups), diced
3 stalks celery (1 1/2 cups), diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 bunch fresh parsley (optional), chopped
2 to 3 tablespoons salt-free Cajun seasoning (see recipe notes), divided
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, plus more as needed
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or 1 rotisserie chicken)
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
14 ounces andouille sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil (such as canola or vegetable), divided
6 cups (48 ounces) low-sodium chicken broth, at room temperature
2 teaspoons filé powder (optional, see notes below)
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- For serving:
1/2 bunch medium scallions, sliced
3 cups cooked white rice
Crystal or Tabasco hot sauce
Directions
- Prepare the vegetables:
– Dice 1 green bell pepper, 1 yellow onion, and 3 celery stalks. Place them together in a medium bowl. - Prepare the aromatics:
– Mince 6 garlic cloves and chop 1/2 bunch parsley (if using). Combine them with 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, 2 teaspoons dried thyme, 2 bay leaves, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper in a small bowl. - Prepare the chicken:
– Dice 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or shred 1 rotisserie chicken). Season the chicken with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper, and the remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. - Cook the sausage:
– Slice the andouille sausage and cook in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until browned and the fat is released. Transfer the sausage to a plate. - Brown the chicken:
– If using raw chicken, add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to the pot and brown the chicken for about 10 minutes. Transfer the chicken to the plate with the sausage. - Make the roux:
– Reduce heat to medium. Add 4 tablespoons butter, 1/4 cup cooking oil, and 1/2 cup flour to the pot. Stir constantly and cook until the roux reaches the color of melted milk chocolate, about 10 to 20 minutes. - Add the vegetables and meat:
– Stir in the diced vegetables and cook until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the minced garlic, parsley, and the sausage and chicken back into the pot. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. - Simmer the gumbo:
– Add 6 cups of chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 35 to 45 minutes, until thickened. Stir occasionally. - Serve:
– Taste the gumbo and adjust seasoning with more salt if necessary. Serve with a scoop of cooked white rice, sliced scallions, and a dash of hot sauce. For an authentic touch, sprinkle with filé powder before serving.
Notes
- Cajun seasoning:
If your Cajun seasoning contains salt, reduce the amount of added salt to taste. You can make your own Cajun seasoning by combining paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. - Filé powder:
This optional ingredient adds herbal notes and thickens the gumbo slightly. If you can’t find it, don’t worry—your gumbo will still be delicious without it! - Make ahead:
Gumbo can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. In fact, the flavors get better the next day, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for busy weeknights.
This Classic Cajun Gumbo brings the bold, smoky, and rich flavors of Louisiana to your kitchen. Perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings, it’s a hearty dish that’s full of flavor and love. The combination of chicken, sausage, and flavorful seasonings make each bite a delicious experience. Plus, you can easily customize the recipe by adding shrimp, tomatoes, or okra to suit your taste. Once you try it, you’ll understand why gumbo is a beloved Southern classic!
