Get ready to transform your kitchen into a Louisiana culinary paradise with this mouthwatering Sausage and Chicken Gumbo that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine a rich, hearty stew bursting with smoky sausage, tender chicken, and a symphony of Cajun spices that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of New Orleans. This isn't just a recipe – it's a flavor adventure that promises to become your new comfort food obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 pound chicken thighs, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of smoked sausage, 1 pound of diced chicken thighs, 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped bell pepper, 2 chopped stalks of celery, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes (
- 5 oz), 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, and cooked rice for serving.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced smoked sausage and sauté until browned, about 5-7 minutes. This will enhance the flavor of the sausage and add depth to your gumbo.
- Next, add the diced chicken thighs to the pot. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage, as it will continue to cook in the broth.
- Once the sausage and chicken are browned, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery (also known as the "holy trinity" in Cajun cooking) to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they are softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the Cajun seasoning. Mix well to combine all the ingredients, allowing the spices to coat the meats and vegetables.
- Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the pot and let the gumbo simmer for about 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the chicken to cook through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After 30 minutes, taste the gumbo and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a thicker gumbo, you can let it simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid further.
- Once the gumbo is ready, serve it hot over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired for added flavor and color.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade Sausage and Chicken Gumbo with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal!
Tips
- The Secret to Depth: Always brown your meats first! This crucial step develops a rich, complex flavor foundation for your gumbo.
- Spice Master Tip: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your heat tolerance. Start with less and add more gradually to find your perfect spice level.
- Holy Trinity Magic: Take your time sautéing the onions, bell peppers, and celery. These vegetables are the flavor backbone of authentic Cajun cooking.
- Patience is Key: Let the gumbo simmer slowly to allow all the flavors to meld together. Rushing this process means missing out on true gumbo greatness.
- Make-Ahead Miracle: Gumbo actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors continue to develop and intensify overnight.
- Rice Matters: Use long-grain white rice as your base, and cook it separately to maintain the perfect texture when serving.
- Storage Hack: This gumbo freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
