Craving a soul-satisfying Southern dish that'll transport you straight to the heart of Louisiana in just 40 minutes? Our Shortcut Chicken and Sausage Gumbo is about to become your new weeknight dinner hero! Packed with bold Cajun flavors, tender chicken, smoky sausage, and a medley of vibrant vegetables, this quick and easy gumbo proves that incredible comfort food doesn't have to take all day to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping the onion and bell pepper, cubing the chicken breast, and slicing the smoked sausage into bite-sized rounds.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage begins to brown and release its oils.
- Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Add the cubed chicken to the same pot and season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and become translucent.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot and add the remaining Cajun seasoning. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the hot gumbo over cooked rice, ensuring each serving gets a good mix of chicken, sausage, and vegetables.
Tips
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- Don't rush the browning process for sausage and chicken - those caramelized bits add incredible depth of flavor.
- For extra authenticity, use andouille sausage instead of regular smoked sausage if available.
- Let the gumbo simmer slowly to allow the flavors to meld and develop a rich, complex taste.
- If you like extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce or increase the Cajun seasoning.
- Serve over freshly cooked white rice for the most traditional experience.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and often taste even better the next day.
- For a thicker gumbo, you can add a small amount of file powder or make a quick roux before adding other ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 120mg
