Chicken And Ham Gumbo
A flavorful chicken and ham gumbo with rich tomato and okra, perfect for comforting dinners and showcasing hearty Southern spices with a mild heat and savory depth.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. toasted all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 large onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 sweet red pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can low salt chicken broth ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. boneless, skinned chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 3 oz. diced ham ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. leaf thyme, crumbled ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground hot red pepper ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen okra, thawed
- 1 1/3 c. plain cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to very hot (500°F).
- Line a small cookie sheet with foil and turn up the edges.
- Spread the flour in a thin layer over the foil.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until light brown.
- Remove from oven and cool.
- In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add finely chopped onion, garlic, and red pepper; cook until softened.
- Stir in the toasted flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, chopped tomatoes, thyme, black pepper, and hot red pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add chicken pieces, diced ham, and thawed okra.
- Simmer for an additional 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve the gumbo over plain cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of canned. If you can't find okra, diced zucchini can be a substitute, though it will change the texture. Adjust the heat level by modifying the amount of ground hot red pepper based on your preference. To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken from a store or leftovers from a Saucy Chicken Dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo over the cooked rice for a filling meal. A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad pairs nicely with it, balancing the dish's richness. For a fun twist, offer a topping bar with chopped green onions, hot sauce, or even a squeeze of lime. This gumbo is a great way to enjoy American recipes, reminiscent of classic Southern comfort food.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover gumbo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth if it thickens too much. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months; just ensure it's cooled completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Ham Gumbo contains roughly 661 calories, with 10g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (165% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (94% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1042mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this gumbo ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the gumbo ahead of time. In fact, letting it sit for a day allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. If making it too far in advance, consider freezing it to preserve freshness, then reheat slowly on the stove.
What can I use instead of chicken if I want a vegetarian version?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with additional vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and green beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and consider adding chickpeas for protein. The flavors will still be vibrant, especially with the spices and okra, making a delicious alternative.
Can I add other proteins to this gumbo?
Absolutely! You can enhance the gumbo by adding shrimp or sausage for additional flavor. If using shrimp, add them in the last few minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking. If you want to use sausage, slice it and brown it first before adding the other ingredients for depth of flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).