Shrimp & Chicken Gumbo
A hearty and flavorful gumbo featuring shrimp, chicken, and vegetables, infused with spices and herbs, perfect for comfort food lovers and those craving a savory Cajun dish.
Ingredients
- 5 Tbsp shortening ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp flour ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 celery stalks, chopped ⓘ
- 28 oz can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 can water ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups okra, sliced
- 1 small garlic clove ⓘ
- crab boil, to taste ⓘ
- salt and pepper, to taste ⓘ
- 3 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 cup thyme ⓘ
- 3 lb peeled shrimp ⓘ
- 3 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed ⓘ
- chicken broth
Instructions
- Mix shortening and flour together to make a paste.
- Add the rest of the ingredients to a large pot.
- Cook on medium to low heat until hot.
- Serve over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for a bit of heat. For a healthier twist, you can substitute turkey or tofu for the chicken. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can add brightness. If okra is not available, frozen okra works as a great substitute, keeping the dish's integrity intact.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo over a bed of fluffy white rice for a fulfilling meal. It pairs beautifully with Baked Carrots And Onions or a simple green salad for added freshness. For an authentic touch, consider adding a side of crusty French bread or cornbread to soak up the delicious broth.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover gumbo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it thickens too much. Gumbo can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp & Chicken Gumbo contains roughly 1318 calories, with 32g protein, 168g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (101% of the Daily Value), protein (64% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2667mg per serving (116% 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 make this gumbo ahead of time?
Yes, gumbo often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just be sure to reheat it gently to maintain the quality of the shrimp and chicken.
What if I can't find fresh okra?
No worries! Frozen okra is a great alternative and works just as well in this gumbo. Just add it in the same way as fresh okra during the cooking process for a similar texture.
Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
Absolutely! You can use diced sausage, crab, or even more chicken if you prefer. Just keep in mind that different proteins may require slight adjustments in cooking time to ensure they are properly cooked through.
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).