Spicy Chicken Gumbo
Spicy Chicken Gumbo is a hearty and flavorful stew blending tender chicken, okra, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. Its rich, slightly smoky taste makes it perfect for comforting meals. Ideal for those who enjoy bold flavors and a touch of heat, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice for a satisfying feast.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup oil ⓘ
- 2 onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups cooked tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked or frozen okra ⓘ
- 2/3 cup tomato paste ⓘ
- 3 cups broth ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tablespoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- pinch of basil ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 to 3 cups diced, cooked chicken ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onions, garlic, and green pepper in oil until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in flour and cook until mixture thickens and vegetables are cooked through.
- Add cooked tomatoes, okra, tomato paste, broth, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, ground cloves, chili powder, basil, and bay leaf. Simmer for 1 hour.
- Add diced, cooked chicken and cook until heated through.
- Serve hot with cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker gumbo, you can add more flour during the sautéing process. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder and omit the ground cloves. Substitute fresh tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes for convenience, or use frozen okra if fresh is unavailable. This recipe can easily be adjusted to suit your taste, just like in Favorite Chicken Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo hot over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for added freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete dinner. For a comforting twist, consider serving with Broccoli Cheese Soup With Noodles.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave in a covered dish, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture. It may thicken upon sitting, so adjust with additional broth if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Chicken Gumbo contains roughly 668 calories, with 14g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (210% of the Daily Value), iron (120% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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, this gumbo can be made a day in advance. The flavors will deepen as it sits. Just reheat it gently on the stove or microwave before serving. It's a great option for meal prep or serving at gatherings, just like in Low-Fat Chicken Salad.
What can I use instead of okra?
If you don't have okra, you can substitute with sliced bell peppers or zucchini for added texture. While okra helps to thicken the gumbo, these alternatives will still provide a delicious flavor. You can also consider adding other vegetables like carrots or celery.
Is this gumbo spicy?
The gumbo has a mild to moderate spice level, primarily from the chili powder. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder according to your preference. For those who enjoy a kick, consider adding hot sauce before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
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).