Ingredients
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into pieces
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked white rice, for serving
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
Instructions
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, combine oil and flour. Stir constantly for 15–20 minutes until the roux turns deep golden brown.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add chicken pieces and cook for a few minutes to lightly brown.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring until smooth.
- Add diced tomatoes, mushrooms, thyme, paprika, cayenne (if using), bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender and flavors develop.
- Add shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking and cook until pink and opaque.
- Remove bay leaves. Serve over warm white rice and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.
Notes
- Stir the roux constantly to prevent burning; if it burns, start over.
- Add sliced smoked sausage for extra depth of flavor.
- Simmer longer for a thicker gumbo if desired.
- Add a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze gumbo (without rice) for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 180mg