Sizzling Cajun Chicken And Sausage Gumbo Recipe For Soul-Warming Joy

My favorite louisiana-style cajun chicken and sausage gumbo recipe brings southern comfort straight to your kitchen table.

Rich aromas of spicy andouille sausage and tender chicken mingle with a deep, dark roux that tells stories of traditional creole cooking.

Generations of bayou cooks have perfected this hearty one-pot wonder that warms both body and soul.

Expect complex layers of flavor from bell peppers, celery, and onions simmering alongside robust seasonings.

Perfectly balanced spices create a magical blend that dances between smoky and bold.

Each spoonful promises a culinary journey through the heart of louisiana’s most celebrated cuisine.

Dive into this authentic gumbo and let your taste buds celebrate a true southern classic.

Why Cajun Chicken And Sausage Gumbo Feels So Hearty

• Master Flavor Building: Carefully develop a dark, mahogany roux that creates an incredible depth of taste, transforming simple ingredients into a complex Cajun masterpiece.
• Craft Authentic Comfort: Combine smoky andouille sausage, tender chicken, and aromatic vegetables to deliver a hearty one-pot meal that brings Southern culinary traditions directly to your table.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels and swap proteins to make this gumbo perfectly suited to your family's taste preferences, ensuring everyone enjoys a delicious dining experience.
• Celebrate Versatile Cooking: Prepare a single pot that serves multiple people, making this recipe ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy weekend meals that bring everyone together.

What Goes Into Cajun Chicken And Sausage Gumbo

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on pieces that provide rich, tender meat with deep flavor for the gumbo.
• Andouille Sausage: Spicy smoked sausage that adds authentic Cajun smokiness and robust flavor to the dish.
• Flour: Essential for creating the dark roux that forms the flavor foundation of traditional Cajun gumbo.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps develop the roux and provides a cooking medium for the initial ingredients.

• Onions, Bell Peppers, Celery: Classic Cajun holy trinity that creates a flavor base with depth and complexity.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic element that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Chicken Broth: Provides a rich, savory liquid base that adds moisture and depth to the gumbo.
• Cajun Spice Blend, Dried Thyme, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne: Spices that deliver bold, vibrant Cajun flavor and heat.
• Bay Leaves: Impart a subtle herbal note and enhance the overall taste complexity.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy undertone that brightens the rich gumbo flavors.

• Fresh Parsley, Green Onions: Provide a fresh, herbaceous contrast to the hearty gumbo.

How To Make Cajun Chicken And Sausage Gumbo

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, creating a perfect starting point for your gumbo adventure.

Step 2: Create a Magical Roux

Whisk flour continuously for 15-20 minutes, transforming the mixture into a deep chocolate-brown color that will be the soul of your dish.

Step 3: Awaken the Vegetable Symphony

• Diced onions
• Bell peppers
• Celery
• Minced garlic

Stir until the vegetables become soft and release their mouthwatering aroma.

Step 4: Introduce Sausage Excitement

Toss in andouille sausage, letting it sizzle and brown, spreading its smoky magic throughout the pot.

Step 5: Welcome the Chicken

• Cajun spice blend
• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Ensure each piece is generously coated with the spicy mixture.

Step 6: Build the Liquid Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the pot, stirring to combine all ingredients. Drop in bay leaves to add an extra layer of flavor complexity.

Step 7: Slow Simmer to Perfection

Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the gumbo simmer for 60-75 minutes. This slow cooking will transform the chicken into tender, flavor-packed morsels.

Step 8: Shred and Integrate

Remove bay leaves and use two forks to shred the chicken, distributing it evenly throughout the gumbo.

Step 9: Add the Secret Flavor Booster

Stir in Worcestershire sauce to give the gumbo a tangy, deep undertone that will make taste buds dance.

Step 10: Finish with Fresh Flair

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and green onions on top, adding a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, hearty gumbo.

Step 11: Serve and Celebrate

Ladle the gumbo over steamed rice, inviting everyone to dive into this incredible Cajun comfort classic.

Pro Tips For Cajun Chicken And Sausage Gumbo

• Master the Roux: Whisk flour continuously and patiently to achieve a rich, dark mahogany color that delivers incredible depth of flavor without burning.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust cayenne and Cajun seasoning to match your heat tolerance, ensuring the gumbo satisfies every palate from mild to wild.
• Maximize Flavor Layering: Caramelize sausage and sauté vegetables thoroughly before adding liquids to build complex, robust taste profiles in your gumbo.
• Shred Chicken Strategically: Use two forks to pull chicken into consistent, bite-sized pieces that distribute evenly throughout the stew for perfect texture.
• Store and Reheat Wisely: Allow gumbo to cool completely before refrigerating, and gently reheat on low heat to maintain its rich consistency and prevent separation.

Flavor Twists On Cajun Chicken And Sausage Gumbo

• Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken and andouille sausage with shrimp, crab, and crawfish for a coastal Louisiana-style gumbo bursting with oceanic flavors.
• Vegetarian Victory: Substitute meats with hearty vegetables like okra, mushrooms, and plant-based sausage, maintaining the authentic roux-based technique while creating a meat-free version.
• Lean Protein Pivot: Use turkey breast or chicken breast instead of thighs for a lighter protein option, keeping the same robust Cajun spice profile and cooking method.
• Gluten-Free Gateway: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to create a roux that remains thick and flavorful while accommodating dietary restrictions.

What Pairs With Cajun Chicken And Sausage Gumbo

• Boost Beverage Brilliance: Pair with a crisp, hoppy Louisiana-brewed Abita Amber beer to complement the gumbo's robust spiciness and cut through its rich, hearty texture.
• Wine Wisdom: Select a medium-bodied Zinfandel with peppery notes that can stand up to the bold Cajun flavors and enhance the andouille sausage's smoky profile.
• Cocktail Companion: Mix a classic Sazerac cocktail, a New Orleans staple with rye whiskey, absinthe, and bitters, which mirrors the gumbo's complex, spicy character and regional heritage.
• Refreshing Replenisher: Serve an ice-cold sweet tea with a splash of lemon to balance the gumbo's intense spices and provide a cooling counterpoint to the dish's heat.

How To Store Cajun Chicken And Sausage Gumbo Right

• Store leftover gumbo in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Transfer cooled gumbo to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Place gumbo in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent moisture loss. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour gumbo into a saucepan, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.

Cajun Chicken And Sausage Gumbo Q&A

• Is Cajun Gumbo spicy?

The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. You can control heat by adjusting cayenne quantity or using mild spice blends.

• Can I use different meats?

Absolutely! Traditional gumbo allows chicken, sausage, shrimp, or a combination. Andouille sausage provides signature smoky flavor, but you can substitute with other sausage types.

• What makes a perfect roux?

A dark, mahogany-colored roux takes patience and constant whisking. Aim for a deep brown color without burning, which develops rich, nutty flavors fundamental to gumbo’s complexity.

Cajun Chicken And Sausage Gumbo Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 95 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy Cajun chicken and sausage gumbo brings Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage to your dinner table with bold, soulful flavors. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a comforting one-pot meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs
• 1 lb andouille sausage

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion
• 2 bell peppers
• 3 celery stalks
• 4 garlic cloves

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 green onions
• 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a large Dutch oven and heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat, creating a robust foundation for the rich Cajun gumbo.
2. Carefully craft a dark roux by whisking flour continuously for 15-20 minutes, developing a deep mahogany color that will provide intense depth and complexity to the dish.
3. Incorporate diced onions, bell peppers, celery, and minced garlic into the roux, stirring until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic essence.
4. Introduce andouille sausage, allowing it to caramelize and infuse the mixture with smoky, spicy undertones that define authentic Cajun cuisine.
5. Add chicken thighs, seasoning generously with Cajun spice blend, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne for a bold, vibrant flavor profile.
6. Pour chicken broth into the pot, stirring to integrate all ingredients, and add bay leaves to enhance the overall taste complexity.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 60-75 minutes, allowing the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld harmoniously.
8. Remove bay leaves and carefully shred the chicken using two forks, ensuring even distribution throughout the gumbo.
9. Stir in Worcestershire sauce to add a subtle tangy undertone and brighten the dish’s robust flavor.
10. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and green onions just before serving, providing a fresh, herbaceous contrast to the rich, hearty gumbo.
11. Serve hot over steamed rice, inviting diners to experience the full, layered flavors of this classic Cajun comfort dish.

Notes

• Master the roux by stirring constantly and watching the color transform from pale to deep mahogany, which creates the foundational flavor of authentic Cajun gumbo.
• Control spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper and selecting milder andouille sausage for those with lower heat tolerance, ensuring everyone can enjoy this robust dish.
• Select dark meat chicken thighs for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption, preventing dry meat and maintaining the gumbo’s rich, succulent texture.
• Prep vegetables in advance to streamline cooking process and ensure even, consistent chopping that melts seamlessly into the complex gumbo base.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 860 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg