Chicken Gumbo File
A hearty Louisiana-inspired chicken gumbo loaded with shrimp, ham, and spices, perfect for comforting family dinners and flavor enthusiasts seeking bold, savory tastes.
Ingredients
- 4 lb. cut-up chicken ⓘ
- 1 1/2 inch ham steak ⓘ
- 1/3 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper ⓘ
- 3 parsley sprigs ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 lb. raw, shelled shrimp ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon gumbo file powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Rinse and prepare the chicken.
- Cut the ham into 1/2-inch cubes.
- In a 6-quart Dutch oven, sauté the chicken in butter for approximately 20 minutes.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add the ham to the Dutch oven and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the ham and set aside.
- Stir flour into the remaining fat in the Dutch oven and cook over medium heat, stirring, until the flour is browned.
- Add chopped onion and crushed garlic; cook, stirring, until the onion is tender.
- Add salt, pepper, dried thyme, red pepper, parsley, bay leaf, tomatoes, and 1 cup water; bring to a boil.
- Add the cooked chicken and ham; simmer, covered, for 1 hour.
- Add shrimp and chopped green pepper; simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
- Remove the ham, chicken, and shrimp from the pot.
- Bring the remaining mixture in the Dutch oven to a boil.
- Stir in gumbo file powder and cook until thickened.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture.
- Serve over white rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken stock instead of water. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for the cut-up chicken. You can also adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the red pepper. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more vegetables like okra and zucchini.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo over fluffy white rice for a classic pairing. A side of cornbread or a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can complement the dish beautifully. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with Chicken-Spanish Style or a crisp coleslaw to balance the flavors.
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 water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Gumbo File contains roughly 1268 calories, with 23g protein, 175g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (219% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (197% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 550mg per serving (24% 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 use frozen shrimp for this gumbo?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them before adding to the gumbo. This ensures even cooking and better texture. If using frozen, add them during the last 15-20 minutes of simmering to avoid overcooking.
How can I thicken my gumbo if it's too thin?
If your gumbo is too thin, you can create a slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stirring it into the boiling gumbo until it thickens. Alternatively, let it simmer uncovered for longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
Is gumbo traditionally served with anything else?
Traditionally, gumbo is served with white rice, but you can also serve it with crusty bread or over grits for a variation. Some people enjoy adding a sprinkle of green onions or parsley on top for freshness before serving.
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).