Eula'S Chicken Gumbo
Eula's Chicken Gumbo is a hearty Southern dish with tender chicken, flavorful okra, and a rich, dark roux, perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a large pot and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil and cook until the chicken is done.
- Remove the chicken from the pot, discard bones and skin.
- Return the cooked meat to the pot.
- Add chopped celery, green onions, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, parsley flakes, minced garlic, and chopped okra.
- Add 3 quarts of water to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for approximately 1 hour until vegetables are very tender.
- Brown the flour until dark brown in enough bacon drippings or oil to moisten (preferably in an iron skillet).
- Add enough broth from the pot to the browned flour to make a smooth, thick gravy.
- Add the gravy to the pot with the other ingredients.
- Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Cover and simmer for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of chicken parts, including bones for added depth. If you don't have bacon drippings, vegetable oil or butter can work as substitutes. Adjust the thickness of the gumbo by varying the amount of flour you brown. Fresh okra is preferred, but frozen can be used in a pinch. If you enjoy hearty soups, try pairing this with Creole Corn Chowder for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Eula's Chicken Gumbo hot over a bed of fluffy rice for a satisfying meal. Complement it with a side of crusty French bread or a fresh green salad. This dish also pairs wonderfully with Collard Greens A La Hurt for a Southern-inspired feast. Garnish with additional chopped green onions or parsley for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. For longer storage, freeze the gumbo without the rice for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Eula'S Chicken Gumbo contains roughly 424 calories, with 13g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (34% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1238mg per serving (54% 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 skinless chicken for this gumbo?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken parts if you prefer. However, keeping the skin on adds flavor and richness to the broth. If you go skinless, be sure to season well to compensate.
What can I substitute for okra?
If you can't find okra, consider using diced zucchini or green beans as a substitute, though they won’t replicate the unique texture of okra. You could also omit it entirely for a different take on the gumbo.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the pot. You can also include cayenne pepper during seasoning. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste for the perfect spice level.
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).