Zesty Pioneer Woman Chicken And Sausage Gumbo Recipe

Simmering with soul, pioneer woman’s chicken and sausage gumbo weaves a tantalizing tale of Louisiana’s culinary magic.

Southern kitchens whisper stories of this legendary stew, where spices dance and flavors collide.

Generations of cooks have perfected this rich, hearty dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

Dark, velvety roux creates a luxurious base that cradles tender chicken and smoky sausage in pure comfort.

Herbs and spices blend seamlessly, crafting a symphonic experience that transports you straight to a rustic bayou kitchen.

Each spoonful carries the warmth of tradition and the excitement of bold, unforgettable taste.

Get ready to fall in love with a gumbo that’s more than just a meal, it’s an edible masterpiece waiting to steal your heart.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 8

Must-Haves Before Making Pioneer Woman Chicken And Sausage Gumbo

• Vegetable Oil: Choose a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point for smooth roux development.
• All-Purpose Flour: Select fresh, unbleached flour for optimal thickening and rich color.

• Celery, Onions, Bell Peppers: Pick crisp, firm vegetables with vibrant colors and no soft spots.
• Garlic: Select plump cloves without green sprouts for maximum flavor intensity.

• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless meat for easy preparation and tender texture.
• Andouille Sausage: Seek authentic Cajun-style sausage with robust smoky profile.
• Optional Seafood: Fresh, local shrimp adds delightful coastal character.

• Creole Seasoning: Choose a well-balanced blend with depth of Louisiana-style spices.
• Bay Leaves: Select whole, fragrant leaves for authentic herbal undertones.
• Dried Thyme: Pick high-quality, recently packaged herbs for maximum aromatic punch.

• Chicken Stock: Use low-sodium, homemade or high-quality store-bought for rich foundation.
• Water: Keep extra on hand for adjusting gumbo's consistency.

• Green Onions: Select bright, crisp stalks with vibrant green tops.
• Hot Sauce: Choose traditional Louisiana-style sauce for authentic kick.

Kitchen Must-Haves for Pioneer Woman Chicken And Sausage Gumbo

• Dutch oven: Large, heavy-bottomed pot perfect for creating a rich, deep roux and simmering gumbo.
• Whisk: Essential for smoothly blending flour into oil and preventing lumps.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables and meats.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and meat preparation.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring roux and mixing ingredients without scratching the pot.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately portion chicken stock and seasonings.
• Skillet: Separate pan for browning sausage and achieving crispy edges.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving hot gumbo over rice.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures perfect seasoning with Creole spices and salt.

Directions to Bring Together Pioneer Woman Chicken And Sausage Gumbo

• Craft A Flavorful Base

Heat oil in a large pot, whisking flour slowly until the mixture turns a rich caramel brown. This process takes patience and constant stirring to develop deep, complex flavors without burning.

• Awaken Aromatic Vegetables

Toss chopped celery, onions, and bell peppers into the roux. Sauté until the vegetables become soft and release their natural sweetness, creating a fragrant foundation for the gumbo.

• Ignite Spice Magic

Sprinkle in Creole seasoning and garlic, letting the spices dance and bloom for a moment. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that promises deliciousness to come.

• Build Liquid Layers

Pour chicken stock into the pot, adding bay leaves and thyme. Season generously, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop a robust, soul-warming profile.

• Simmer And Transform

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat. Let the gumbo simmer, developing depth and richness. Brown sausage in a separate pan until edges crisp beautifully.

• Marry Ingredients

Introduce browned sausage, cooked chicken, and okra to the simmering pot. Let everything meld together, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Adjust consistency with water if needed, skimming any excess grease.

• Serve With Celebration

Remove bay leaves and ladle the steaming gumbo over fluffy white rice. Sprinkle fresh green onions on top and offer hot sauce for those craving an extra punch of excitement. Enjoy the culmination of your culinary journey!

Flavor Boosts and Variations for Pioneer Woman Chicken And Sausage Gumbo

Personalize this classic Louisiana dish with these creative tips and variations.

Replace chicken and sausage with shrimp, crab, duck, or andouille sausage for unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.

Adjust Creole seasoning and hot sauce to create mild or fiery versions. Add cayenne pepper for extra heat or reduce spices for a gentler experience.

Prepare gumbo a day in advance to develop deeper, richer flavors. Store in refrigerator and reheat slowly, stirring occasionally to maintain perfect consistency.

Skip meat and use vegetable stock, add extra vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or plant-based protein alternatives to create a hearty vegetarian version of this traditional stew.

Perfect Ways to Enjoy Pioneer Woman Chicken And Sausage Gumbo

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Slice up a warm, crispy French baguette or cornbread to soak up every delicious drop of gumbo. Its crusty texture perfectly complements the rich, hearty stew.
• Elevate with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or fresh green onions on top for a bright, zesty finish that cuts through the gumbo's deep, complex flavors.
• Create a Cajun Feast: Serve alongside traditional Creole sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or a simple green salad to balance the gumbo's richness and add variety to your meal.
• Customize Heat Level: Place bottles of Louisiana-style hot sauce or cayenne pepper on the table, letting each guest adjust the spiciness to their personal preference.

How to Handle Leftovers From Pioneer Woman Chicken And Sausage Gumbo

• Preserve Flavor Freshness: Store gumbo in airtight containers with tight-fitting lids to maintain maximum taste and prevent flavor loss.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Cool gumbo completely before refrigerating, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator without compromising texture or taste.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer gumbo to freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Frozen gumbo stays delicious for up to 3 months, providing convenient meal options for busy days.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then gently reheat on stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add small amounts of chicken stock if gumbo seems too thick, restoring its original rich consistency.

Soulful Pioneer Woman Chicken And Sausage Gumbo Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty pioneer woman chicken and sausage gumbo delivers rich Creole flavors from Louisiana kitchens. Spicy, complex layers meld together with andouille sausage, tender chicken, and robust seasonings for a memorable meal you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb andouille or cajun smoked sausage, sliced
• 6 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 lb okra, trimmed and chopped (frozen works, too)
• 2 large yellow onions, diced
• 2 large green bell peppers, seeded and diced
• 3 ribs celery, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup vegetable oil (plus 1 tbsp)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 to 8 cups chicken stock
• 2 tsp creole seasoning
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• salt
• pepper
• cooked white rice
• sliced green onion
• hot sauce

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Instructions

1. Roux Creation: Whisk vegetable oil and all-purpose flour in a large Dutch oven over medium heat, stirring continuously for 20-25 minutes until a deep caramel-brown color develops with a rich, nutty aroma.
2. Vegetable Infusion: Reduce heat to medium-low, add diced celery, onions, and bell peppers to the roux. Sauté until vegetables soften and become translucent, releasing their aromatic essence.
3. Seasoning Integration: Blend in minced garlic and Creole seasoning, stirring briefly to activate the spices and create a fragrant base.
4. Liquid Foundation: Pour chicken stock into the Dutch oven, introducing bay leaves and dried thyme. Season with salt, black pepper, and additional Creole seasoning to build a complex flavor profile.
5. Simmering Process: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even flavor distribution.
6. Protein Preparation: Sear sliced sausage in a separate skillet until golden-brown, then add browned sausage and cooked chicken to the gumbo. Incorporate chopped okra and continue simmering uncovered for 30-45 minutes.
7. Final Touches: Remove bay leaves, adjust consistency by adding water if needed, and skim excess grease from the surface.
8. Serving Presentation: Ladle the gumbo over steamed white rice, garnish with thinly sliced green onions, and offer hot sauce on the side for those seeking additional heat.

Notes

• Perfect Roux Technique: Patience is key when developing the dark caramel-brown roux. Continuous whisking prevents burning and ensures a deep, nutty flavor foundation for the gumbo.
• Vegetable Sauté Secrets: Allow celery, onions, and bell peppers to become translucent and soft, releasing their natural sweetness and aromatics into the roux base.
• Seasoning Balance: Creole seasoning is crucial for authentic flavor. Adjust to taste, remembering you can always add more but can’t remove excess seasoning.
• Simmering Success: Low and slow cooking develops rich flavors. Cover and let the gumbo simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even flavor distribution.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg