Slow-Simmered Cajun Chicken and Andouille Gumbo
A hearty gumbo featuring tender chicken, spicy Andouille sausage, and a rich, dark roux infused with aromatic Cajun spices. This southern-inspired chicken ready in about 90 minutes pairs olive oil, all-purpose flour, chopped yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery stalks
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 4 cloves minced garlic cloves
- 8 oz Andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning blend
- 2 leaves bay leaves
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 4 cups cooked white rice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large heavy pot, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, stirring constantly to form a dark brown roux, about 10-12 minutes, until it smells nutty and thickens.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup chopped yellow onion, 1/2 cup chopped celery, and 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper to the roux. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and the mixture is fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 8 oz sliced Andouille sausage and 1 lb chicken thigh chunks. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken starts to brown.
- Step 5: Pour in 6 cups chicken broth and 1 cup drained diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
- Step 6: Season with 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp hot sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Step 7: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour until chicken is tender and flavors meld.
- Step 8: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning if needed, and stir in 1/4 cup chopped green onions.
- Step 9: Serve hot over 4 cups cooked white rice, spooning plenty of gumbo over the rice for a comforting meal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Cajun Chicken and Andouille Gumbo take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (15 min prep + 75 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 Slow-Simmered Cajun Chicken and Andouille Gumbo?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Cajun Chicken and Andouille Gumbo?
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 Slow-Simmered Cajun Chicken and Andouille Gumbo 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 Slow-Simmered Cajun Chicken and Andouille Gumbo?
Southern chicken 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.
Equipment for this recipe
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