Chicken La Gumbo
A hearty Creole-inspired chicken gumbo packed with smoky sausage, bacon, and aromatic spices, perfect for comforting family dinners and those who love bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crispy, then remove and crumble.
- In bacon grease, sauté chopped onions and garlic until translucent.
- Add flour and gumbo file, then brown the mixture.
- Pour in chicken broth, then add the cooked bacon, sliced sausage, and deboned chicken.
- Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add canned stewed tomatoes and cook for another 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the gumbo over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the gumbo. If you don't have gumbo file, you can use Cajun seasoning as a substitute. Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation. Be sure to adjust the consistency by adding more broth if it becomes too thick during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken La Gumbo over cooked rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad for a balanced dinner. For a more elaborate feast, consider serving it alongside a Fancy Rice Dish or a refreshing beverage like sweet tea to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary to restore moisture. This gumbo can also be frozen for up to three months; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken La Gumbo contains roughly 166 calories, with 8g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% 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 different types of meat in this gumbo?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp, crab, or even a mix of meats like andouille sausage and chicken for added flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as seafood cooks quickly.
What can I use instead of smoked sausage?
If you don't have smoked sausage, try using any other type of sausage such as kielbasa or even turkey sausage. For a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a different texture.
How can I thicken my gumbo if it's too watery?
If your gumbo is too watery, you can thicken it by making a roux with additional flour and fat or by simmering it uncovered for a while to reduce the liquid. Adding okra can also help thicken the dish naturally.
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).