Chicken-Andouille Gumbo
A hearty and flavorful gumbo featuring tender chicken and spicy sausage, thickened with a rich roux and seasoned with traditional Creole spices, perfect for comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make a roux by slowly browning the flour in the shortening; when golden brown, add chopped onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic.
- Cook at low heat until the vegetables soften and separate from the shortening.
- In a separate pan, brown the cut-up hen in some extra shortening until seared well.
- Add the browned hen to the roux mixture and cook together for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a few bay leaves and some chopped green onions while cooking the roux. If you can't find Andouille sausage, any smoked sausage can work as a substitute. To make a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with smoked tempeh and the hen with mushrooms. Adjust the spices accordingly to maintain flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken-andouille gumbo over a bed of fluffy white rice or with crusty French bread on the side for dipping. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for added color. This dish pairs beautifully with Sausage Jambalaya A La Richard for a hearty meal or can be complemented by a simple green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the gumbo. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months; just ensure it's completely cooled before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Andouille Gumbo contains roughly 29 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 511mg per serving (22% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, gumbo can be made a day in advance, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just reheat it gently before serving. In fact, many believe that gumbo tastes even better the next day!
What can I use instead of shortening for the roux?
You can substitute shortening with vegetable oil, butter, or lard. Each will impart a slightly different flavor, but they will all work well for making a roux. If using butter, be careful not to let it burn.
How spicy is this gumbo?
The spice level in gumbo can be adjusted to your preference. If you like it mild, limit the amount of black pepper and omit any cayenne pepper. For more heat, add diced jalapeños or Cajun seasoning. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
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).