Microwave Chicken Gumbo
A hearty microwave chicken gumbo packed with okra, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for quick comfort food that suits busy weeknights and flavor lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 to 3 lb. fryer chicken, cut up ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen sliced okra ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. instant chicken bouillon granules ⓘ
- 1/2 Tbsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 5 to 6 drops hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, sliced or chopped ⓘ
- 1 can (16 oz.) stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can (8 oz.) whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 Tbsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Place chicken in a 3-quart casserole and cover.
- Microwave at High for 10 to 12 minutes or until meat near bone is no longer pink and juices run clear, turning over and rearranging after half the time.
- Remove chicken from cooking liquid and set aside.
- Skim and discard fat from chicken liquid.
- Pour into a 2-cup measure. Add enough water to make 2 cups, then set aside.
- Remove chicken from skin and bones, then cut meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Place onion in a 3-quart casserole, cover, and microwave at High for 4 to 5 minutes or until tender, stirring once.
- Blend in flour, then stir in the 2 cups of reserved liquid, chicken, and remaining ingredients.
- Cover and microwave for 3 to 4 minutes or until okra slices can be stirred apart.
- Microwave for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until hot, stirring once.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker gumbo, consider adding a bit more flour or using a cornstarch slurry. If you can't find frozen okra, fresh or canned can work, though the texture may vary. If you're looking for a spicier kick, try adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. Pairing this dish with rice can enhance its heartiness, similar to how you'd enjoy Nonnie'S Chicken And Rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken gumbo over a bed of rice for a comforting meal. It pairs well with crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the flavorful broth. Garnishing with fresh parsley or green onions can add a nice touch. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a crisp salad or some roasted vegetables for balance.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in a covered bowl, adding a splash of water to retain moisture. Stir occasionally to heat evenly. For longer storage, you can freeze the gumbo for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Chicken Gumbo contains roughly 545 calories, with 25g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), iron (43% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 846mg per serving (37% 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 pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Just skip the initial cooking step and add the chicken when combining the ingredients in the casserole. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, heating just long enough to combine the flavors.
What can I substitute for okra?
If you don't like okra, you can substitute it with diced bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor. Alternatively, using additional frozen mixed vegetables can work well, but note that it may slightly change the gumbo's character.
Is it necessary to use stewed tomatoes?
While stewed tomatoes add flavor and texture, you can substitute with diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes if that's what you have on hand. Just be mindful that the consistency and taste may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
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).