Gumbo Ya-Ya with Chicken & Okra

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, aromatic Creole stew featuring tender chicken, fresh okra, and a roux-based broth, simmered to perfection with classic gumbo spices. This creole-inspired soups ready in about 90 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, sliced okra, finely diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 65 min Serves 6 Creole cuisine 380 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1 lb chicken thighs dry and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown chicken on all sides for 5 minutes total. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, cook 1 cup sliced okra with 1/2 cup diced onion, 1/2 cup diced celery, and 1/2 cup diced bell pepper for 8 minutes until vegetables soften and release moisture.
  3. Step 3: Make a roux by melting 1/2 cup all-purpose flour in the pot over medium heat, stirring constantly for 5 minutes until golden brown (do not burn).
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 4 cups chicken stock until smooth. Add 2 tsp Creole seasoning, 1 tsp thyme, and 2 bay leaves. Return chicken to the pot and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Step 5: Cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Discard bay leaves, stir in 1 tsp filé powder, and cook uncovered for 10 minutes until flavors meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Gumbo Ya-Ya with Chicken & Okra take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (25 min prep + 65 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Gumbo Ya-Ya with Chicken & Okra?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sliced okra from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Gumbo Ya-Ya with Chicken & Okra?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Gumbo Ya-Ya with Chicken & Okra for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Gumbo Ya-Ya with Chicken & Okra?

Creole soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes