Pioneer Woman Chicken And Sausage Gumbo Recipe

The Perfect Pioneer Woman Chicken And Sausage Gumbo Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s chicken and sausage gumbo represents a soulful culinary journey through rich, layered flavors that dance between rustic comfort and bold Louisiana traditions.

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when this robust dish simmers on stovetops, promising warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful.

Complex spices and tender meats create a harmonious symphony that speaks to generations of home cooking.

Deeply rooted in cultural heritage, this gumbo transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal bursting with depth and character.

Creamy, dark roux forms the foundational magic that elevates humble components into something truly remarkable.

Hearty proteins and aromatic vegetables meld together, creating a one-pot wonder that feels like a warm embrace.

This recipe invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and connect with a time-honored cooking technique: pure deliciousness awaits.

How to Store Pioneer Woman’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

  • Freeze Strategically: Portion the gumbo into individual serving sizes using heavy-duty freezer bags. Press out excess air to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor intensity. Label each bag with the date and contents for easy tracking. Freeze flat to maximize storage space and ensure quick, even thawing.
  • Refrigeration Techniques: Transfer gumbo to a glass or ceramic container with a tight-sealing lid to maintain freshness. Position the container in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety. Avoid storing near strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor contamination.
  • Reheating Pro Tips: Thaw frozen gumbo in the refrigerator overnight for best results. Reheat slowly in a pot on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

Delicious Twists on Pioneer Woman’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

  • Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken and sausage with shrimp, crab, and andouille sausage for a coastal-inspired gumbo. Use seafood stock instead of chicken stock to enhance marine flavors.
  • Vegetarian Comfort: Swap meats with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, okra, and roasted bell peppers. Add plant-based protein like tempeh or textured vegetable protein for substance. Use vegetable stock to maintain rich flavor profile.
  • Spicy Cajun Kick: Increase Creole seasoning and add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Include additional hot sauce during cooking to create a fiery version. Serve with cooling side like sour cream or fresh corn bread to balance heat.
  • Lean Protein Option: Use skinless chicken breast and turkey sausage for a lighter gumbo. Reduce oil quantity during roux preparation. Incorporate more herbs like parsley and thyme to maintain depth of flavor while keeping the dish healthier.

A Hearty, Spicy Meal: Pioneer Woman’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Culinary adventures lead palates through Louisiana’s rich gumbo traditions, where Pioneer Woman’s recipe captures authentic southern comfort.

Complex layers of flavor dance within each spoonful, telling stories of cultural heritage and home-cooked magic.

Creole seasonings whisper generations of culinary wisdom, transforming simple ingredients into remarkable cuisine.

Louisiana’s soulful cooking emerges through carefully balanced roux, tender meats, and aromatic vegetables.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this legendary dish, passing down techniques that celebrate community and connection.

When savory gumbo arrives at your table, memories of family gatherings and southern hospitality will warmly embrace you – so share this delicious recipe, comment with your memories, and let authentic flavor inspire beautiful conversations.

What Makes Pioneer Woman’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo a Southern Classic

What Makes Pioneer Woman’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo a Southern Classic
  • Craft a Rich Flavor Symphony: Dive into a culinary masterpiece where the deep, complex roux creates a flavor foundation that transforms simple ingredients into a taste explosion. The slow-cooked caramel-colored base develops an incredible depth that makes every spoonful sing with traditional Louisiana magic.
  • Enjoy Hearty Comfort in a Bowl: This gumbo delivers pure comfort with its thick, satisfying texture and robust combination of chicken and sausage. Packed with tender meats, soft vegetables, and a perfectly balanced spice profile, it wraps you in warmth like a cozy Louisiana hug.
  • Master an Authentic Cooking Technique: The recipe teaches the classic art of making roux, a fundamental skill in Southern cooking that elevates home chefs from novice to near-professional. Stirring and watching the flour and oil transform into a rich, dark base becomes a meditative cooking experience that connects you to generations of culinary tradition.
  • Perfect for Crowd-Pleasing Gatherings: This one-pot wonder is ideal for feeding a hungry group with minimal fuss. Its make-ahead potential and ability to feed multiple people make it a go-to dish for family reunions, game days, or any celebration where delicious, hearty food takes center stage.

What You Need for Pioneer Woman’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Base Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil, Flour: Essential for creating a rich, dark roux that forms the flavor foundation of the gumbo.
  • Chicken Stock: Provides the liquid base and adds depth to the overall flavor of the dish.
Protein Ingredients:
  • Chicken, Andouille Sausage: Hearty proteins that add robust flavor and substance to the gumbo. Choose bone-in chicken for more flavor and andouille sausage for authentic Cajun taste.
  • Okra: Adds traditional texture and helps thicken the gumbo with its natural properties.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Celery, Onions, Bell Peppers: Classic Cajun holy trinity vegetables that create a flavor base. Fresh, crisp vegetables work best.
  • Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to the dish. Fresh garlic provides the most intense taste.
  • Creole Seasoning: Signature spice blend that gives the gumbo its distinctive Louisiana flavor.
  • Bay Leaves, Dried Thyme: Herbs that provide subtle, earthy undertones to the gumbo.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.
  • Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds a bright, crisp finish to the dish.
  • Hot Sauce: Optional condiment for those who enjoy extra heat.

How to Prepare Pioneer Woman’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

How to Prepare Pioneer Woman’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Step 1: Create A Rich Roux

In a large Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour, stirring continuously for 20-25 minutes until the mixture transforms into a deep caramel brown color. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Lower heat to medium-low. Add these chopped vegetables to the roux:
  • Celery
  • Onions
  • Bell peppers

Cook for 8-10 minutes until vegetables become soft and translucent.

Step 3: Enhance With Spices

Stir in:
  • Creole seasoning
  • Minced garlic

Cook for 1 minute until fragrant and spices release their aroma.

Step 4: Build The Liquid Base

Slowly pour chicken stock into the pot. Add:
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Dried thyme

Season with salt, pepper, and additional Creole seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Simmer The Gumbo

Increase heat to bring mixture to a boil. Immediately reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Prepare The Meats

In a separate skillet, heat oil. Brown sausage slices until edges are crispy.

Step 7: Combine All Ingredients

Add to the gumbo:
  • Browned sausage
  • Cooked chicken
  • Chopped okra

Continue simmering uncovered for 30-45 minutes until gumbo thickens. Add water if needed to adjust consistency. Skim excess grease from surface.

Step 8: Final Preparation

Remove bay leaves from the gumbo.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Ladle hot gumbo over white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve with hot sauce on the side for extra kick.

Pro Tips for Pioneer Woman’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Pro Tips for Pioneer Woman’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
  • Master the Roux: Stir constantly to prevent burning and achieve a rich, dark caramel color that creates deep flavor complexity.
  • Control Okra's Texture: Pat frozen okra completely dry to minimize sliminess and maintain a pleasant, tender bite in the gumbo.
  • Season Strategically: Taste repeatedly during cooking, making subtle adjustments to Creole seasoning for a perfectly balanced final dish.
  • Choose Wisely: Select a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven that distributes heat evenly and prevents scorching during the crucial roux-making process.
  • Customize Consistency: Adjust gumbo thickness by simmering uncovered for a thicker result or partially covered for a lighter, more liquid texture.
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Pioneer Woman Chicken And Sausage Gumbo Recipe

Pioneer Woman Chicken And Sausage Gumbo Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty Pioneer Woman Chicken and Sausage Gumbo delivers Louisiana’s soulful culinary spirit with rich, complex flavors simmered to perfection. Spicy andouille sausage and tender chicken meld seamlessly in this classic Creole dish you’ll savor down to the last comforting spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound andouille or cajun smoked sausage, sliced
  • 6 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 pound okra, trimmed and chopped (frozen works, too)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 3 ribs celery, diced
  • 2 large yellow onions, diced
  • 2 large green bell peppers, seeded and diced
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons creole seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • salt
  • pepper

Liquids and Base:

  • 1 cup vegetable oil (plus 1 tablespoon)
  • 6 to 8 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

Serving Suggestions:

  • cooked white rice
  • sliced green onion
  • hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Craft a rich, dark roux by whisking vegetable oil and all-purpose flour (237 milliliters / 1 cup each) in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Continuously stir the mixture for 20 to 25 minutes until it transforms into a deep caramel-brown color, developing a robust, nutty essence.
  2. Lower the heat to medium-low and introduce diced celery, onions, and bell peppers into the roux. Sauté the vegetables for 8 to 10 minutes, allowing them to soften and become translucent, releasing their aromatic flavors.
  3. Incorporate minced garlic and 2 teaspoons (10 grams) of Creole seasoning. Stir and cook for approximately 1 minute to intensify the fragrant profile.
  4. Slowly pour 1.4 liters (6 cups) of chicken stock into the Dutch oven. Drop in bay leaves and sprinkle dried thyme. Season with salt, black pepper, and additional Creole seasoning to taste, creating a complex flavor foundation.
  5. Elevate the heat to bring the gumbo to a rolling boil. Once bubbling, reduce to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for 45 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  6. In a separate skillet, heat 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) of oil. Sear sliced sausage until it develops a golden-brown exterior, releasing its smoky undertones.
  7. Integrate the browned sausage and cooked chicken into the gumbo. Fold in chopped okra and continue simmering uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes. Monitor the consistency, adding water if needed and skimming any excess grease from the surface.
  8. Extract the bay leaves before serving to prevent any bitter notes in the final dish.
  9. Serve the gumbo in generous portions over steamed white rice. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and provide hot sauce on the side for those desiring an extra kick of heat.

Notes

  • Browning sausage separately unleashes deep smoky flavors that elevate the entire gumbo experience.
  • Mastering dark chocolate-colored roux requires constant attention and slow stirring to prevent burning.
  • Okra works magic by naturally thickening the stew while adding authentic Southern charm.
  • Creole seasoning transforms ordinary ingredients into a vibrant culinary celebration of Louisiana’s food culture.
  • Slow simmering allows robust ingredients to dance together, creating layers of complex, harmonious taste.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 554
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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