Chicken-Vegetable Gumbo
A hearty chicken and vegetable gumbo packed with tender okra, mushrooms, peppers, and juicy chicken, simmered in a flavorful tomato and broth base with Italian seasoning and sherry. Perfect for cozy dinners, it's a comforting dish that pairs wonderfully with rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2/3 lb. fresh okra pods ⓘ
- vegetable cooking spray ⓘ
- 1 c. coarsely chopped onion
- 1 c. sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sliced celery
- 1/2 c. chopped green bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans whole tomatoes undrained ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sherry ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chicken flavored bouillon granules ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 c. cubed, cooked chicken breast
Instructions
- Remove the tip and stem from the okra pods.
- Slice the okra into 1/4-inch thick slices and set aside.
- Coat a large Dutch oven with vegetable cooking spray and place over medium heat until hot.
- Add the chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, sliced celery, and chopped green bell pepper to the Dutch oven.
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to soften the vegetables.
- Add the sliced okra, undrained canned tomatoes, chicken broth, sherry, chicken bouillon granules, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer for 1 hour or until vegetables are tender.
- Add the cooked chicken cubes and stir well to incorporate.
- Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce. If you don't have okra, try using frozen or even zucchini as a substitute. To save time, pre-chop your vegetables and use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. This gumbo is versatile; feel free to add other vegetables like corn or green beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo over a bed of fluffy white rice or with crusty bread on the side for a hearty meal. A simple green salad or coleslaw pairs well, adding a refreshing contrast. For an inspired twist, try it with a side of Chicken A La King With Pepper Biscuits for a delightful combination of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems too thick. This dish also freezes well; just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Vegetable Gumbo contains roughly 103 calories, with 4g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value) and vitamin D (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1950mg per serving (85% 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, this gumbo can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. To keep the chicken from becoming dry, add it just before serving if possible.
Is this gumbo spicy?
This gumbo is not inherently spicy, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste. For a milder version, omit any additional heat and focus on the savory flavors of the vegetables and chicken.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water can be used as a substitute. For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a bouillon cube in addition to the liquid to enhance the taste.
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).