Ingredients for a Flavorful Gumbo

• 1 green bell pepper
• 3 ribs of celery
• 1 yellow onion
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 14 oz. package smoked andouille sausage
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 Tbsp cooking oil
• 1 ½ Tbsp creole or cajun seasoning, divided
• ¾ tsp garlic powder, divided
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 green onions
• 8 cups cooked rice, for serving

For the Roux:

• ¾ cup cooking oil
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

How to Prepare This Delicious Gumbo

1. Start by dicing the bell pepper, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
2. Slice the smoked andouille sausage into ½-inch rounds. Next, cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces; seasoning the chicken with 1 ½ tsp of creole seasoning and ¼ tsp garlic powder.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 Tbsp of cooking oil and then the sliced sausage. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until browned on both sides, and then transfer it to a plate.
4. In the same skillet, cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked, about 10 minutes. Transfer the chicken to the plate with the sausage and cover with foil.
5. Time for the roux! In a dutch oven or large pot, add ¾ cup cooking oil and ¾ cup flour over medium-low heat. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon. Keep stirring until the roux turns a dark milk chocolate color; this process takes around 30-40 minutes.
6. Once your roux is ready, raise the heat to medium. Incorporate the diced vegetables and garlic; cook for 4-5 minutes until they soften.
7. Add 1 Tbsp creole seasoning, ½ tsp garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper; then pour in the chicken broth and stir well.
8. Return the sausage, cooked chicken, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Taste the gumbo. Adjust the seasonings to your preference, and serve hot, topped with sliced green onions, alongside cooked rice.

Serving Your Gumbo

This hearty gumbo is best served hot over a generous scoop of white rice. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a delightful meal for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. If you want to add something extra, consider some freshly sliced green onions on top.