Kielbasa And Chicken Gumbo
A hearty Cajun-inspired gumbo packed with smoked sausage, chicken, shrimp, and vegetables, featuring bold spices and flavors perfect for comfort food lovers. Suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1 lb. kielbasa or smoked sausage
- 1/2 lb. boneless chicken breast ⓘ
- 1/4 c. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. sliced okra ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground red pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground allspice ⓘ
- 1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined ⓘ
- 1 tsp. file powder ⓘ
- hot cooked rice (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a Dutch oven until crisp; remove, drain, and crumble.
- Cook kielbasa and chicken in hot bacon drippings until chicken is browned; remove and set aside.
- Add flour to the drippings and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 12 to 15 minutes until a reddish-brown roux forms.
- Gradually stir in tomato juice and water.
- Add tomatoes and bouillon cubes, stirring well.
- Return kielbasa and chicken to the Dutch oven, then add tomato sauce, okra, onion, green pepper, bay leaves, salt, red pepper, and allspice; mix well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Add shrimp and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Remove and discard bay leaves.
- Stir in file powder and crumbled bacon; mix well.
- Serve hot over cooked rice, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using a combination of kielbasa and andouille sausage. If you prefer a spicier gumbo, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also substitute fresh okra with frozen if it's not available. Remember to stir the roux continuously to prevent burning, as achieving the perfect color is key to great flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo hot over a generous scoop of rice for a hearty meal. A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad pairs well for a balanced dinner. This dish is perfect for an International Dinner theme night, bringing together bold flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kielbasa And Chicken Gumbo contains roughly 1015 calories, with 31g protein, 191g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (103% of the Daily Value), iron (91% of the Daily Value), and protein (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1830mg per serving (80% 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 other types of meat in this gumbo?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with turkey or even add other seafood like crab or fish. Just ensure that the cooking times adjust accordingly to keep everything tender and flavorful.
Is it possible to make this gumbo vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the meats and using vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon. Add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor.
How can I make the gumbo thicker?
If you prefer a thicker gumbo, you can add more okra or a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) towards the end of cooking. Alternatively, let it simmer uncovered for longer to allow more liquid to evaporate.
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).