Cajun Style Chicken and Smoked Sausage Gumbo

Dive into the bold and savory flavors of Cajun cuisine with this Chicken and Smoked Sausage Gumbo recipe, a true Southern classic. This hearty dish starts with a rich, chocolate-colored roux, which serves as the flavorful backbone of the gumbo, while tender chicken thighs and smoky sausage add layers of depth. A vibrant medley of "holy trinity" vegetables—onion, bell pepper, and celery—along with fragrant garlic, Cajun spices, and herbs like thyme and bay leaves, create an irresistible aroma in every simmering spoonful. Served over fluffy white rice and garnished with fresh green onions and parsley, this gumbo is the perfect balance of spice, comfort, and authentic Louisiana tradition. Ready in just under two hours, it's an impressive and satisfying meal for gatherings or weeknight indulgence.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 12 oz Smoked sausage (sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)
• 0.5 cup Vegetable oil
• 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 large Yellow onion (chopped)
• 1 medium Green bell pepper (diced)
• 2 stalks Celery (diced)
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves (minced)
• 6 cups Chicken broth (low sodium)
• 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 2 leaves Bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon Hot sauce (optional)
• 4 cups White rice (cooked, for serving)
• 3 stalks Green onions (sliced, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• to taste None Salt
• to taste None Ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil, then whisk in the all-purpose flour to make a roux. Continue to whisk constantly for 15-20 minutes until the roux is a deep chocolate brown color, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and diced celery to the roux. Stir well and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.

Step 5

Add the sliced smoked sausage, chicken thighs (whole or cut into large pieces), cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaves, and Cajun seasoning. Stir well to combine.

Step 6

Cover and simmer over low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Skim off any excess fat or foam that rises to the surface.

Step 7

After an hour, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and mix well.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, ground black pepper, and optional hot sauce, depending on your heat preference.

Step 9

Serve the gumbo hot over a bowl of cooked white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley.

Step 10

Enjoy your Cajun-style chicken and smoked sausage gumbo!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3777.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4538.1

Total Fat 249.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 61.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 67.2g
Cholesterol 767.1mg	0%
Sodium 6097.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 364.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.4g	0%
Total Sugars 16.7g
Protein 197.3g	0%

Vitamin D 31.8IU	0%
Calcium 453.9mg	0%
Iron 23.8mg	0%
Potassium 3159.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.0%

Protein: 17.6%

Carbs: 32.5%