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Horizontal overhead photo of a pot of Make-Ahead Chicken Andouille Gumbo on a wood table.

Make-Ahead Chicken and Andouille Gumbo

Dinner party-worthy and super flavorful, this chicken andouille gumbo can be made ahead for easy, relaxed (and delicious) entertaining!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Cajun
Keyword Chicken Andouille Gumbo, Make-Ahead Gumbo
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 430 kcal
Author Chris Scheuer

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup canola corn, grape-seed, avocado or sunflower oil
  • 1 ¼ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 12-16 ounces andouille sausage sliced about ¼-inch thick
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 medium bell peppers diced small
  • 1 large sweet onion diced small
  • 3 stalks celery diced small
  • 4 medium carrots diced small
  • 6 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 5 cups low sodium chicken stock
  • 2 medium-size bay leaves
  • 8 sprigs thyme
  • 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon finely ground black pepper
  • 28 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes (I use 2 14-ounce cans)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken on both sides with kosher salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-duty pot over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, undisturbed until light golden brown. Flip to the other side and repeat cooking for another 5 minutes.
  3. When chicken is browned on both sides, remove it to a plate and set aside. Add the sliced sausage to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally for 3-4 minutes or beginning to brown. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon to the bowl with the chicken.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the rest of the oil to the pot. With a metal spatula or wooden spoon scrape off the brown bits on the bottom of the pan. (These will add great flavor to your roux.)
  5. Add the flour, ¼ cup at a time, stirring constantly after each addition, until all lumps have disappeared.
  6. Continue to cook on medium-low, maintaining a low but steady simmer. Stir every 3-4 minutes (more frequently during the last 5-8 minutes) until the mixture reaches a deep golden brown color. This will take about 30-35 minutes, depending on your heat level. If the roux starts changing too color quickly, reduce the heat so it won’t burn.
  7. Add the bell pepper, onion, celery and carrots and cook 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the garlic, cook and stir for another 30 seconds.

  8. Slowly add the chicken broth while stirring. Add the reserved chicken, sausage, bay leaves, thyme sprigs, paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne and pepper.

  9. Drain the fire-roasted tomatoes through a sieve. Add the drained liquid to the pot. With your fingers break up the tomatoes into smaller bits then add the tomatoes to the pot.
  10. Simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pull out the thyme stems and discard (most of the leaves will have fallen off). Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon to a plate and allow to cool. When cool, pull the chicken apart into bite-size pieces and return to the pot. Serve warm on its own or with jasmine or basmati rice.

Recipe Notes

See Café Tips above in post for more detailed instructions and tips.

This recipe serves 8-10.

Nutrition Facts
Make-Ahead Chicken and Andouille Gumbo
Amount Per Serving
Calories 430 Calories from Fat 270
% Daily Value*
Fat 30g46%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Cholesterol 82mg27%
Sodium 541mg24%
Potassium 547mg16%
Carbohydrates 18g6%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 22g44%
Vitamin A 5652IU113%
Vitamin C 36mg44%
Calcium 68mg7%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.