Description
Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo with Okra is a hearty and authentic Louisiana dish combining tender chicken, smoky andouille sausage, and fresh okra, simmered slowly in a rich, deeply flavored roux-based broth. This Southern classic is a perfect comforting meal served over fluffy white rice, full of bold Cajun spices and traditional vegetables.
Ingredients
Roux and Proteins
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 pound chicken thighs, diced
- 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced okra
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Cooked white rice for serving
Instructions
- Make the Roux: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook continuously, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a golden brown color. This forms the roux which is the flavor and thickening base of the gumbo.
- Brown the Meat: Add the diced chicken thighs and sliced andouille sausage to the roux and cook until the meats are lightly browned on all sides, enhancing their flavor and color.
- Sauté Vegetables: Stir in the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Cook them in the pot until they become softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Mix in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to bring out its aromatic flavor without burning.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: Stir the sliced okra into the pot followed by the chicken broth, paprika, optional cayenne pepper, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to combine flavors.
- Simmer the Gumbo: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 35 to 40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the gumbo to thicken.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish the gumbo with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot over cooked white rice for a traditional presentation.
Notes
- The darker you cook the roux, the deeper, richer the gumbo flavor will be—aim for a peanut butter color but be careful not to burn it.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your preferred spice level or omit if you want a milder gumbo.
- Leftover gumbo keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and flavors often improve after a day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun / Creole