Cajun Chicken and Sausage Gumbo is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for dinner any night of the week. This traditional Louisiana recipe combines tender chicken, savory sausage, and a rich roux-based broth seasoned with Cajun spices. Serve over rice for a satisfying meal that’s sure to warm you up.
Ingredients for Cajun Chicken and Sausage Gumbo:
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
How to make Cajun Chicken and Sausage Gumbo:
- Make the Roux: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour to form a smooth paste. Cook, stirring constantly, until the roux turns a deep golden brown color, about 15-20 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic to the roux. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Sausage and Chicken: Stir in sliced andouille sausage and diced chicken thighs. Cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Simmer the Gumbo: Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Add bay leaves, Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1 to 1.5 hours until flavors meld and chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Roux: The base of the gumbo, made from vegetable oil and flour, gives the dish its characteristic depth and color.
- Andouille Sausage: A spicy, smoked sausage that adds robust flavor to the gumbo.
- Chicken Thighs: Provides tender, juicy bites of chicken that absorb the rich flavors of the broth.
- Cajun Seasoning: A blend of spices including paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, adding heat and complexity to the dish.
Enjoy this Cajun Chicken and Sausage Gumbo recipe as a comforting and flavorful meal that brings a taste of Louisiana cuisine to your table.
