Mama Lola'S Chicken Gumbo
Mama Lola's Chicken Gumbo is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, aromatic onions, garlic, and traditional filé seasoning, perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a 5-quart Dutch oven and cover with water.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce heat.
- Cook slowly until the chicken is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Mama Lola's Chicken Gumbo, consider using homemade stock instead of water for boiling the chicken. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute half the oil with vegetable broth. For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or Andouille sausage. Ensure the roux is cooked to a dark brown for depth of flavor, being careful not to burn it.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mama Lola's Chicken Gumbo hot, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley. It pairs beautifully with yellow rice and chicken for a hearty meal. Offer crusty bread or cornbread on the side to soak up the flavorful broth. For a refreshing drink, consider serving it alongside Cotillion Punch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover gumbo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. Gumbo can also be frozen for up to three months; thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama Lola'S Chicken Gumbo contains roughly 683 calories, with 12g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (28% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 681mg per serving (30% 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 a different type of chicken?
Yes, you can use a whole chicken or chicken parts like thighs and drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different cuts may vary in tenderness. Using a stewing hen, however, gives the gumbo a richer flavor and texture.
What is file, and can I substitute it?
File powder is made from ground sassafras leaves and adds a unique flavor and thickening quality to gumbo. If you can't find file, you can omit it or substitute with okra, which also helps thicken the dish, though the flavor will differ.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this gumbo, substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock, and consider adding beans for protein. Browse more vegan recipes for inspiration on similar dishes.
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).