Chicken And Okra Gumbo
A hearty chicken and okra gumbo with rich flavors, smoky roux, and fresh vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings that enjoy bold Southern cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 chicken, cut up
- 1/4 cup cooking oil ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes, drained ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 to 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 2 quarts water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 4 celery stalks, chopped ⓘ
- 3 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced fresh or frozen okra ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil chicken in water in a large pot for about 30 to 45 minutes. Remove chicken and reserve the broth.
- Bone and cube the cooked chicken; set aside.
- In a large pot, combine oil and flour and cook over medium-high heat until smooth.
- Cook and stir for 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and cook and stir for about 5 minutes more, or until mixture is reddish-brown.
- Turn the heat to high and stir in 4 cups of reserved broth, mixing well.
- Cook and stir until thickened.
- Add onions, celery, green pepper, and garlic; cook and stir for 5 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, okra, bay leaves, basil, salt, pepper, and hot pepper sauce.
- Simmer the gumbo for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and heat through.
- Serve the gumbo over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker gumbo, allow it to simmer longer, stirring occasionally. You can substitute the okra with sliced green beans if desired, or for a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be used instead of boiling your own. Consider pairing this with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this gumbo over fluffy white rice for a classic touch. Consider adding a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional sliced green onions on top can enhance presentation. For more hearty chicken dishes, browse more chicken recipes that complement this flavorful gumbo.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the gumbo on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Okra Gumbo contains roughly 1703 calories, with 22g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 153g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (103% of the Daily Value), and iron (93% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2129mg per serving (93% 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 gumbo in advance?
Yes, gumbo can be made a day ahead. In fact, the flavors often deepen after a night in the fridge. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of water or broth if needed.
What can I use instead of okra?
If you don't have okra, you can replace it with sliced zucchini or green beans. While it won't have the same texture, these vegetables will still contribute to a delicious gumbo. Alternatively, you can omit it entirely for a simpler dish.
How can I make this gumbo vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this gumbo, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also increase the amount of vegetables, like bell peppers and celery, to create a hearty dish.
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).