Paula Deen’s Quick & Hearty Chicken And Sausage Gumbo Recipe

Paula Deen’s chicken and sausage gumbo represents a culinary treasure from the heart of southern cooking traditions.

Rich, aromatic flavors dance through this classic one-pot wonder that warms both stomach and soul.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this hearty recipe, blending robust meats with complex spices and vibrant vegetables.

Each spoonful tells a story of cultural heritage and passionate cooking techniques.

Regional ingredients and slow-simmered techniques transform simple components into an extraordinary dining experience.

Skilled cooks understand that gumbo transcends mere sustenance, becoming a celebration of community and comfort.

This dish connects families around steaming bowls of deliciousness: prepare to be transported.

Creative Twists on Paula Deen’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

• Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken and sausage with shrimp, crab, and andouille sausage for a classic Louisiana coastal flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Swap meat with hearty mushrooms, bell peppers, and plant-based sausage alternatives to create a robust vegetarian version.
• Slow Cooker Simplicity: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after preparing the roux and let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours for hands-off cooking.
• Spicy Caribbean Edition: Add scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, and coconut milk to transform the gumbo with vibrant Caribbean spice notes.

Final Thoughts on Paula Deen’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Soul-warming Louisiana gumbo emerges as more than mere sustenance – it’s cultural heritage simmering with passion.

Paula Deen’s recipe honors generations of culinary wisdom passed through Southern kitchens.

Complex layers of flavor dance between spicy sausage, tender chicken, and deep chocolate-hued roux.

Louisiana’s gastronomic poetry unfolds through each carefully crafted spoonful, connecting diners with rich Creole traditions.

Gumbo represents resilience, creativity, and communal spirit within a single pot of deliciousness.

Passionate cooks, share this soulful recipe, spark conversations about heritage, click those engagement buttons, and spread delectable Southern charm across digital landscapes!

Why Paula Deen’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Is Pure Flavor

• Savor Rich Layered Flavors: This gumbo delivers a complex taste profile with browned chicken, spicy sausage, and deep roux that creates an incredibly robust and authentic Louisiana-style dining experience.
• Master Slow-Cooking Technique: The 3-hour simmering process transforms simple ingredients into a deeply developed, hearty dish that demands patience but rewards with incredible depth of flavor and tender meat textures.
• Enjoy Versatile Comfort Meal: Perfect for large family gatherings, game day parties, or cold winter nights, this one-pot wonder combines protein-packed ingredients with traditional Southern cooking methods that guarantee satisfaction for diverse palates.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Dish at Home: Despite seeming complicated, this recipe allows home cooks to achieve professional-level results by following straightforward steps that build complex flavors through strategic browning, roux-making, and patient simmering techniques.

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

• Chicken: Rich, hearty protein that forms the foundation of the gumbo.
• Sausage: Adds deep, smoky flavor and additional protein to the dish.

• Vegetable Oil: Essential for creating a smooth, rich roux base.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides thickness and helps develop the classic gumbo texture.

• Onion, Celery, Green Bell Pepper: Classic Cajun trinity that builds the flavor profile.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic complexity to the gumbo.
• Okra: Traditional vegetable that contributes to the gumbo's signature texture.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and enhances overall flavor.
• Bay Leaves: Adds subtle herbal undertones to the gumbo.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a tangy, umami depth to the dish.
• Hot Sauce: Offers optional heat and tang.
• Thyme: Introduces a gentle herbal note.
• Black Pepper: Provides a mild, warming spice.

• Green Onions: Fresh topping that adds brightness and color.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Step 1: Sizzle the Meat

Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown chicken and sausage in batches, stirring frequently until nicely caramelized on all sides, about 10 minutes. Transfer meat to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Pour oil into the same pot over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour until perfectly smooth. Continuously stir the mixture, watching it transform into a deep chocolate-brown color, which takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Patience is key for a rich, authentic flavor.

Step 3: Prepare Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Chopped celery
• Diced green bell peppers
• Minced garlic

Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally until they become tender and fragrant, around 15 minutes.

Step 4: Build Complex Flavors

• Sliced okra
• Bay leaves
• Worcestershire sauce
• Hot sauce
• Dried thyme
• Freshly ground black pepper

Step 5: Let the Gumbo Develop

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally for 2.5 to 3 hours, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove bay leaves. Ladle the steaming gumbo over fluffy rice and sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions. Serve hot and savor every spoonful of this Louisiana classic.

Pro Tips for Paula Deen’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

• Skim Excess Grease: Remove floating oil during cooking to prevent a heavy, greasy texture and maintain a lighter, more balanced gumbo.
• Master the Slow Simmer: Cook gumbo patiently for at least 2½ hours, allowing ingredients to blend and develop deep, rich flavors that dance on your palate.
• Chop with Precision: Ensure uniform cuts for chicken and vegetables, promoting even cooking and creating a harmonious blend of textures in every spoonful.
• Elevate with Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh thyme and black pepper to transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that bursts with authentic flavor.
• Craft the Perfect Roux: Continuously stir the roux until it reaches a deep brown color, unlocking a complex, nutty base that defines the soul of traditional gumbo.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

• Freeze: Pack gumbo in heavy-duty freezer containers or ziplock bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label each container with the date and contents. Properly stored gumbo maintains peak flavor and texture for up to 3 months, making it a convenient meal prep option for busy households.
• Refrigerate: Seal cooled gumbo in glass or high-quality plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety, checking for any signs of spoilage before reheating.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen gumbo overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.

Paula Deen Chicken And Sausage Gumbo Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s chicken and sausage gumbo delivers Southern comfort in a rich, spicy stew packed with robust Cajun flavors. Louisiana’s hearty classic combines tender chicken, smoky andouille sausage, and a deep roux that welcomes you to savor each comforting spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• 0.75 pound (340 grams) smoked andouille sausage, sliced ¼-inch thick

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 2 cups chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 0.75 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce

Cooking and Base Ingredients:

• 0.75 cup (180 milliliters) plus 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil, divided
• 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 (32-ounce/946 milliliters) cartons chicken broth
• 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) package frozen chopped okra
• hot cooked rice
• chopped green onion, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Protein: Heat 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Sear chicken and sausage in batches, ensuring each piece develops a golden-brown exterior. Transfer the browned meat to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
2. Create the Roux: Pour an additional 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) of oil into the pot, reducing heat to medium-low. Gradually incorporate 1 cup (130 grams) of flour, whisking continuously until a smooth mixture forms. Continue cooking and stirring, allowing the roux to transform into a deep chocolate-brown color, approximately 35-45 minutes.
3. Sauté Aromatic Vegetables: Introduce chopped onions, celery, green bell peppers, and minced garlic into the roux. Cook the vegetables until they become tender and translucent, stirring periodically for about 12-15 minutes.
4. Combine Liquid Components: Slowly incorporate chicken broth into the vegetable-roux mixture, ensuring thorough integration. Return the previously browned chicken and sausage to the pot. Add okra, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, thyme, and black pepper, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
5. Slow Simmer the Gumbo: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a low simmer. Allow the gumbo to cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 2.5 to 3 hours, enabling flavors to meld and develop depth.
6. Final Preparation and Serving: Remove and discard bay leaves. Ladle the rich, aromatic gumbo over freshly prepared rice. Garnish with a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Simmering develops deep, rich flavors that transform this gumbo from ordinary to extraordinary, allowing each ingredient to release its unique taste profile.
• Skimming excess fat prevents a greasy texture and keeps the broth clean and appetizing, ensuring a lighter, more refined dish.
• Fresh herbs elevate the entire recipe, bringing bright, vibrant notes that store-bought dried spices simply cannot match.
• Consistent chopping guarantees even cooking, helping chicken and vegetables blend seamlessly and creating a harmonious bite every time.
• Continuous roux stirring is crucial for developing a complex, nutty base that defines authentic gumbo’s signature deep brown color and intense flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 1000mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 21g
• Cholesterol: 75mg