Downhome Style Sausage Chicken Gumbo
Hearty, down home style sausage chicken gumbo is easy to make and full of flavor. Made with fresh ingredients and a little time, your craving for southern Louisiana foods will be satisfied.
This recipe pulls together so easily, that if you can slice some sausage and chop some vegetables, you’re well on your way to having dinner ready!
The secret to this recipe is a small bit of pre-planning. You’ll use your crockpot to prepare the chicken. Start the chicken out in the morning before you head out the door, then do a bit of chopping when you return, dinner’s ready 30 minutes later!
There’s so much flavor in this dish, your family will swear you worked all day over this meal. Since you spent time in the morning and in the evening, you can let them think that with no guilt!
Life gets so busy some days it’s hard to even remember your name. I saw a note from a friend the other day who said she’d had such a hectic day, that she thought she needed a clone.
Now, I’m not certain about the technology advances that might let us have a clone. But I can agree there are days I’d like one. I’d make my clone do all the chores I hate, while I did the things that are more pleasurable. Think scrubbing the bathroom vs cooking supper. LOL
I’ve had my share of those days, that’s for certain. When I was a single mom, raising my two kids, working full time, going to night school (do they call it that anymore!?) and attending the kids’ after school activities … yeah those were busy days.
Those are the kinds of days when I relied on simple recipes. Ones that only needed a few ingredients and took just a few steps to assemble.
[bctt tweet=”Sausage Chicken Gumbo, so simple you can make it on a weeknight! ” username=”ApronFreeCook”]
Because honestly, who has time for a complicated menu when studying Accounting (which I’m allergic to), assisting with history homework, sorting laundry and doing that last minute load, because tomorrow is both A) Tennis match “Where’s my uniform?” and B) Green sock day at school.
Simple recipes are my favorite. Even now when I no longer have to worry about sports uniforms or the 100th day of school.
Make It a Meal:
Since this recipe contains two types of meat and several vegetables, you’re pretty well set on the main food groups. Add some biscuits or cornbread and you’ll be all set to eat! This Greek Cornbread is a perfect thing to accompany your gumbo. This dish is also terrific served over rice or noodles.
This recipe came about at the request of my husband. We’d fallen into a bit of a menu rut and I was tired of making the same old things. To give him credit, my husband eats everything and says “Thanks for cooking.” No matter how mundane the meal might be. That is one of his greatest qualities, his appreciation of my supper efforts.
But since I was bored, I asked his input on something new to try. His solution: Gumbo.
Where in the world did a New England heritage, North Western Pennsylvania raised fellow come up with gumbo? This North Central Ohio girl of New England Puritan descent had no idea where to start.
I did what any cook would do and read a few cookbooks, checked out Pinterest and Google for ideas. Then I combined all the recipes I read in my head to come up with a sausage chicken gumbo I could make using ingredients we like and that are available in my small town.
Pin It!
Evidently, my sausage chicken gumbo recipe was a hit. I think I got two bowls out of the entire pot full. My husband ate the rest all by himself. He ate it for three days straight, breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner, I swear! I might be exaggerating, but he loved it and so it’ll be on the menu again soon.
Sausage Chicken Gumbo Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 Chicken Thighs
- 1 tsp Basil
- 1 tsp Paprika
- Salt & Pepper
- 1 c Water
- 1 lb Smoked Sausage
- 32 oz Diced Tomatoes
- 2 ribs Celery
- 3 lg Green Peppers
- 2 sm Onions
- 32 oz Chicken Broth
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
Recipe Directions:
- Place chicken thighs, basil, paprika, salt, pepper and water in small slow cooker and heat on low for 4 hours.
- Remove chicken from slow cooker, shred meat from the bones and discard the bones.
- Add shredded chicken to large stock pot. Slice smoke sausage link into 1/4 inch slices and place in pot with chicken.
- Pour diced tomatoes and juice over the meat. Add the chicken broth from the slow cooker.
- Chop the green peppers, celery and onions into 1/4 to 1/2 inch pieces. Add the vegetables to the stock pot. Top with red pepper flakes and chicken broth.
- Simmer over medium heat on the stove top until vegetables are tender. About 25 minutes.
Approximate Nutritional Information:
Servings Per Recipe: 14, Amount Per Serving: Calories: 145, Fat: 10g, Cholesterol: 24g, Sodium: 458mg, Carbs: 6g, Protein: 6g
Variations:
If you have some left over veggies in the fridge, toss them into the pot. Might as well use them up! No chicken thighs? No problem, use breasts or drums. If you like your gumbo on the spicy side, double the red pepper flakes. Put a bottle of Tabasco on the table so diners can self spice. If you like seafood, you can add some shrimp or crawfish.
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Oh this sounds hearty and delicious!!!!
Perfect as we are heading into Autumn here in Australia!
And that corn bread!!! I have two men who adore cornbread
Claire, this is a warm and comforting meal! Add the cornbread and it’s completely perfect for a chilly day.
This gumbo sounds amazing! and paired with the cornbread is my ultimate definition of comfort food! YUM!
Megan,
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you fix this meal for yourself soon and enjoy the day!
I’ve never made gumbo before. For some reason I thought it would take hours!
I’m sure there are ways to make it using hours and hours of prep and simmering … and honestly, this recipe does take hours if you count the chicken in the slow cooker
Give this recipe a try and let me know how you like it!
I’ve definitely had those days where I forget my own name! Crockpot meals make it all better. That cornbread, though (*heart eyes*)
Kelly, the cornbread is delicious!! altho, I’ll admit, I’ve never met a cornbread I didn’t love!
Noel, that is one very hearty looking stew! I love how simple it is and I’m glad to see you omitted the seafood. I love gumbo, but cannot stand shrimp.
Byron, here in the heartland (Ohio is the heart of it all, after all) we eat hearty foods. I more often have to work at lightening up recipes! Shrimp just doesn’t like me, so I avoid it. I think every single recipe I found for gumbo included shrimp – given the abundance in Louisiana, I understand. But I can’t eat it.
Yes!! I want some gumbo right now! We love the spice in that hearty stew and it really doesn’t matter what kind of protein you put into it as long as you have those great seasonings.
When the spices are right, you’ve got a great gumbo!
This looks like the perfect comfort food and love using the crock pot for meals. My husband is the same way and always says he likes everything
Oh, and I definitely want the clone for bathroom duty..haha!
It’s really nice having someone in the house appreciate your cooking, no matter how basic the dish might be. I’ll let you know, Stephanie, if I get that clone thing figured out!
I love gumbo but I haven’t had it in ages! This looks so good. I need to make this soon.
Pam, Please let me know how you like it. I’ve always wondered why some menu items disappear from my regular rotation – because we love them, but just don’t make them. One of life’s mysteries.
Making gumbo is one of my absolute favorite meals. This looks like a wonderful rendition!
Thanks Dene! It certainly is a combination of many recipes … and ingredients I could find locally.
That gumbo looks so hearty and delish..I love cornbread but have not made some in ages.. I so wanna try some now.
Veena, that cornbread is quick, easy, Lenten friendly and Vegan! Seems like it covers a lot of territory!
Three days straight??? This must be some amazing gumbo. It sure looks amazing. Saving this for later to try.
I know. Unreal! LOL It was good, though, I can promise that.
I have tried the traditional gumbo in New Orleans, it is good I bet yours is very good too. Must try it soon!
Do let me know how you like this recipe when you try it!
Delicious! I love gumbo but have never made it myself! This looks really not hard at all and the flavors must be absolutely amazing!
Amy, I thought gumbo was going to be a labor intensive recipe … until I started doing some research. If sure can be an all day event if you like, but it doesn’t have to be.
Sounds hearty and tasty. Perfect for these early spring/late winter days we are having in Chicago.
Chicago weather is one worse than Ohio’s! You *need* this gumbo!
A delightful meal for meat-lovers!! Looks filling!
Priya, it is very filling … and while it is meat lover quality, did you notice all the vegetables I snuck into it?
Look delicious and healthy. Perfect midweek light meal. I’ve pinned it to give it a try.
Thanks for pinning Gillian! Please let me know how you like it.
I love gumbo! It’s so good. And I love the comfort food aspect! Saving to try very soon!
Christine, gumbo is one of those “love it” kind of foods, isn’t it? Please stop back an let me know how you like this recipe.
This looks like a perfect bowl of yum especially for weeknight dinner. The weather here is still cold and I would totally try this with some toasted garlic bread.
Molly, you know I’m going to be using this on those cold, damp days when the weather just sinks into your bones. My husband will eat it any day though!
Garlic bread sounds wonderful alongside this gumbo.
I have never tried gumbo, Lizotte! But after seeing your pictures and recipe I can’t believe what I have missed!
Do give it a try, Agnes, you won’t be sorry! This recipe is simple and the flavor is mild. If you like things spicy, you can easily add some hot sauce!
Lovely, I always love recipes where it’s an all in one meal. This soup contains protein from the sausage and vegetables to make a full meal.
One pot cooking is the ultimate in #ConvenienceCooking! It’s so satisfying to get all parts of the meal (as you mentioned) in one bowl.