Creole Chicken Gumbo(Southern Style)
A hearty Southern Creole Chicken Gumbo loaded with vegetables, shrimp, and bold flavors, perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings with a rich, savory profile.
Ingredients
- 1 small hen or large fryer, cut into pieces ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, fresh or dry ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced okra ⓘ
- 8 oz. canned or frozen cooked shrimp ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cooking oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Cover the chicken with water, season with salt and pepper, and cook until tender.
- Remove the meat from the bones and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Measure out 3 cups of broth from the cooking liquid.
- In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, celery, and green pepper; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in thyme and Tabasco sauce.
- Add the canned tomatoes and bay leaf; simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add sliced okra and cooked shrimp to the pot; cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Return the chicken pieces to the pot and heat through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a smoked sausage like andouille or using a darker roux to enhance the gumbo's depth. If you can't find okra, you can substitute with sliced green beans or even zucchini. Adjust the heat by varying the amount of Tabasco sauce according to your preference. For extra seafood flavor, add crab meat if available.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Creole Chicken Gumbo with a scoop of fluffy white rice or cornbread for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Gloria'S Shrimp Appetizers as a starter. You can also offer a side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the gumbo. For a complete Southern experience, consider serving it with a cold glass of sweet tea.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the gumbo cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creole Chicken Gumbo(Southern Style) contains roughly 322 calories, with 26g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (194% of the Daily Value), iron (168% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 512mg 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 use different types of meat in this gumbo?
Yes, you can customize the gumbo by adding other proteins such as sausage, shrimp, or even crab. Just ensure to adjust cooking times accordingly for different meats to ensure everything is cooked through and tender.
Is it necessary to use okra in gumbo?
While okra is a traditional ingredient in gumbo that helps thicken the dish, it's not mandatory. If you prefer, you can omit it or replace it with another thickening agent like filé powder or even corn starch mixed with water.
How can I make this gumbo spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more Tabasco sauce or include other spicy ingredients like diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Just be cautious and add gradually so you can control the spice level to your liking.
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).