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Home » Recipes » Soups

Authentic New Orleans Chicken Gumbo

By Laura Fuentes Updated Nov 26, 2024

4.95 from 38 votes

Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here.

A traditional New Orleans chicken gumbo recipe that's thick and full of flavor you're going to love. Plus, how to make the perfect roux!

This New Orleans Chicken Gumbo recipe is one of the best bowls of gumbos you’re going to eat -with the exception of the one my mother-in-law makes.

Living in New Orleans for the last 20 years has taught me to distinguish a good bowl of gumbo from a mediocre one and making a roux was practically a requirement for marrying my southern husband.

After many years of stirring the pot, I’m not only going to share with you my best gumbo recipe but also everything you need to know to make a great roux for your gumbo (the starter) step-by-step.

large bowl of chicken sausage gumbo with rice

Gumbo is a staple dish in Louisiana and if you’ve never had it the best way to describe it would be a rich stew seasoned with Creole flavors and various meats or seafood.

My hope is that this chicken gumbo recipe will bring you back to New Orleans or give you a taste of this delicious meal that makes a regular appearance in my home.

Jump to:
  • Authentic Louisiana Gumbo
  • Gumbo Ingredients
  • How to Make Chicken Gumbo
  • Chicken gumbo

Authentic Louisiana Gumbo

From a gorgeous brown roux to the Creole seasonings, ‘holy trinity vegetables’, and gumbo filé added at the end, this chicken gumbo has every element to qualify as an authentic Louisiana gumbo. 

Right down to the rich and complex flavor that will have you going back for a second bowl.

The reason I classify this recipe as “easy” is because the ingredients and the method are basic and with my step-by-step directions and even a video, you’ll be able to make the best bowl of gumbo ever.

The most important part is the roux, the starter or base, for your gumbo and I even explain in detail everything that’s involved. Yes, it does require some love and patience, about 20 minutes to make, and 100% worth it.

Note: some committed Louisianians will spend a solid hour stirring the roux over low heat until it turns into a luxurious, dark color and more power to them.

chicken gumbo ingredients in a large pot

Gumbo Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this authentic New Orleans gumbo. You’ll be able to print the recipe and all the measurements below in the recipe card. 

  • vegetable oil: makes a rich, brown roux in under 25 minutes without burning. Keep reading to see other fat options to make roux. 
  • all-purpose flour: flour is a MUST for the roux. You need equal parts fat and flour. 
  • aromatic vegetables: chopped onions, bell pepper, and celery are known as the ‘holy trinity’ vegetables. They are essential for gumbo and many other Cajun and Creole recipes. 
  • garlic: adds more flavor. 
  • andouille or smoked sausage: andouille is a smoked pork sausage with Cajun seasonings, but you could also use whatever smoked sausage is available near you. Can be omitted but then, it’s not authentic without sausage. Every gumbo has it.
  • shredded chicken: never raw, always start with cooked shredded chicken from a rotisserie chicken, breasts, or even roasted turkey leftovers. 
  • Cajun seasoning: a blend of spices and herbs that’s essential for gumbo. You can find it at the grocery store or on amazon. 
  • chicken broth: since this is a chicken gumbo, stick with chicken broth or stock. 
  • bay leaves: optional, but they do add flavor. 
  • gumbo file: a ground powder used to thicken and flavor the gumbo (near the spices or on amazon).

Authentic Gumbo without Okra

The word gumbo comes from the African root word that literally translates to “okra”. However in New Oleans, traditionally gumbos have been divided into to large categories – those thickened with okra and those thickened with filé. This recipe is made using the traditional filé method, mostly due to availability issues outside of New Orleans and because my family does not like the slimy texture it has once cooked down. However, I added a note in the recipe card about how much and when to add it if you enjoy it.

Related: My recipe for Gluten-Free Gumbo

What is the Secret Ingredient in Gumbo?

A good roux is the secret ingredient for gumbo. A combination of equal parts fat and flour, the roux is the essence of the entire dish and defines how flavorful your gumbo will be.

It’s simple to make but it does require some tending to for it to achieve that deep brown color and thick consistency that will yield a rich broth that coats every ingredient in the gumbo.

How to Make Chicken Gumbo

Grab those ingredients and let’s make homemade chicken and sausage gumbo! 

  1. Make a roux
    In a large Dutch oven or pot, combine the oil then the flour. Stir them slowly and constantly over medium heat for 15 to 25 minutes or until the roux has thickened and has a copper brown color. More roux details and troubleshooting below. 
    *If you have a cast-iron pot, use it! 
  2. Add the veggies
    Toss in the bell peppers, onion, celery, and garlic and stir into the roux. Cook for 5 minutes until the veggies have softened and fragrant. 
  3. Add the meat and seasonings
    Add the sausage, shredded chicken, and seasonings to the roux, making sure they get coated.
    Pour in the broth, stir, and add the bay leaves. Stir until the roux is incorporated into the broth. 
  4. Turn up the heat
    Bring the heat to medium-high and bring the gumbo to a boil before reducing the heat to low. Cover with a lid and simmer for 2 hours (if you’re short on time, 1-hour minimum).
  5. Final touches
    Turn off the heat and before serving, you’ll want to skim off any fat that rises to the surface. Add the filé powder (with the heat turned off) and stir it into the gumbo, if using. 
  6. Grab a bowl
    Scoop some cooked rice into your bowl and top with a generous ladle of homemade gumbo. You’re going to love this! 

See the color progression of the roux and every step to making this delicious gumbo in my recipe video below.

The Perfect Gumbo Roux

The perfect gumbo roux is made with flour and fat, usually in the form of a neutral oil, butter, or lard. The two ingredients are cooked down to a copper penny deep brown color and silky smooth thick texture.

To make a good roux takes a watchful eye, and depending on how dark you want it, time. Don’t be intimidated- it’s relatively simple. In essence, if you can use a whisk, you can make a roux.

I usually put on some music or sip on some wine to keep me company since once you start, it’s important to keep whisking and stirring the roux so to prevent it from burning. The mixture should smell nutty, not burnt (think burnt toast).

Read next: How to Freeze Gumbo & Roux

a large ladle of chicken gumbo being lifted out of the pot

How to Thicken Gumbo

There are two ways to thicken gumbo: with filé powder and okra. For the most part, people will use one or the other since using both ingredients will make the gumbo too thick and slimy.

For this recipe, I use filé powder. It gives the gumbo a darker color and earthy flavor that I prefer. It’s that taste of “New Orleans” that you loved if you’ve ever enjoyed a bowl here while visiting.

Filé powder must be added to the gumbo once the heat has been turned off.  If added to a simmering pot it can sometimes turn bitter and clump. 

If you use okra, you’ll add it into the roux along with the onions, celery, and bell pepper as noted in the recipe card.

What is Gumbo Filé?

Filé is a powder made from dried and ground sassafras leaves. It’s very popular in Cajun and Creole seasoning for its flavorful profile and thickening properties.

What to Serve with Gumbo

Gumbo is traditionally served over cooked rice. Potato salad is often served on the side.

That said, some people swear by potato salad as the base with a generous ladle of gumbo right over. Whether to serve potato salad on the side or with the gumbo, I’ll let you decide. Get more ideas & recipes on what to serve with Gumbo here.

two bowls of chicken gumbo with large blue pot in the background

Success Tips for the Best Chicken Gumbo

The Best Oil for Roux
You’ll want to stick to neutral-flavored and a high smoke point oil such as vegetable or canola oil. It reduces the risk of burning your roux and helps achieve that dark brown color. 

Other Fats for a Roux
Down in the bayou, duck fat, bacon fat, and even lard is used to make a roux. In a pinch, you can use butter but butter will brown and sometimes burn if the heat source is too high.

What fats not to use
I don’t recommend coconut oil or olive oil which have lower smoke points. In no way should you ever use margarine, it will be a disaster. 

Gumbo Roux Color
The color of your roux depends on how long you cook it and whether you use oil or butter as your fat.

At first, the 50:50 fat and flour mixture will be white and very liquid. Keep stirring. Eventually, it will turn golden yellow, light peanut butter, caramel, almond butter, and eventually a copper dark-brown.

The darker the roux, the darker the gumbo. You’ll need to whisk/stir the flour and oil for 20 minutes minimum, depending on your heat source for a dark roux. 

That said, you don’t need to cook it until dark brown to make a good gumbo. You can stop once the roux reaches a rich caramel color, around 15 minutes. The gumbo consistency won’t be as thick or rich in flavor as a dark roux, but it’s still delicious.  Although you made it there already, so keep going another 5 minutes!

What texture should the roux have?
At first, the flour and oil will have a liquid consistency. I promise you that as you keep stirring, the flour will thicken, and the roux will reduce and thicken as it cooks. 

How do I know if my roux is burnt?
The smell is the best indicator of a burnt roux, and it will often happen in the first ten minutes if your heat source is too high or if you used another oil other than vegetable oil. 

A good roux smells nutty, slightly toasted; burnt roux smells like burnt toast. 

Learn everything you need to know about storing gumbo & preventing it from spoiling here.

Chicken gumbo

large bowl of chicken gumbo with rice
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
Total Time: 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins
A traditional New Orleans chicken gumbo recipe that's thick and full of flavor you're going to love. Plus, how to make the perfect roux!
4.95 from 38 votes
Print Pin

Ingredients

  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup onions, chopped
  • ½ cup celery, chopped
  • ½ cup green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound andouille or smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken meat, cooked & shredded
  • 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 64 oz chicken broth or stock
  • 3 leaves bay
  • 1 tablespoon file powder, recommended
  • Rice for serving

Instructions

Make the roux:

  • Combine the oil and flour in a large pot over medium heat (use a cast-iron one if you have it). Stirring slowly and constantly for 15 to 20 minutes, until the roux is a copper brown color, chocolate-like, and it has thickened.

Sauté:

  • Add the onions, celery, bell pepper, and garlic, and continue to stir for 4 to 5 minutes, until the veggies have softened.
  • Add the sausage and chicken, and stir to combine. Add the seasoning and continue to fold until everything is well combined.

Add the liquid and cook:

  • Add the broth or stock and the bay leaves and slowly mix to combine, making sure the roux incorporates itself into the liquid.
  • Turn up the heat to medium-high, bring the gumbo to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, for 2 hours.

Final step:

  • Before serving, turn off the heat. Skim off any fat that rises to the surface and discard it. Stir in file powder for flavor and thickening, if using. Remove the bay leaves and serve over rice.

Notes

You can use vegetable oil, duck fat, bacon fat, or lard to make a roux. Margarine is not an option for this!
While not required to make a great gumbo, filé powder adds that authentic New Orleans flavor and helps thicken the gumbo.
If you want to add okra to this gumbo, omit the file powder. You can add ½ cup thickly sliced okra to the pot when adding the onions, celery, and pepper so it can cook down with the vegetables.

Equipment

Filé powder
small container of cajun seasoning
Cajun seasoning
lodge cast iron pot 5q blue enamel
5qt Enameled Pot

Nutrition

Serving: 1 bowl | Calories: 482kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 619mg | Potassium: 579mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 768IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 3mg

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Comments

    4.95 from 38 votes (27 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Yasmin says

    February 16, 2025 at 5:16 pm

    5 stars
    Love this!

    Reply
  2. Camber Martinez says

    February 29, 2024 at 7:17 am

    5 stars
    I’m from New Orleans, and used this recipe to make my first chicken gumbo (I always relied on family to make it for me ;). This recipe is a true Louisiana gumbo! The roux had the perfect consistency and color- just like the ones made by my grandmother and aunts. Also, I highly recommend serving it with potato salad!

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes says

      March 04, 2024 at 3:56 pm

      Thank you for sharing how much you enjoyed this gumbo!

      Reply
  3. Isabel says

    May 08, 2023 at 11:07 am

    5 stars
    Really good!!!

    Reply
  4. Isa says

    May 08, 2023 at 10:53 am

    5 stars
    Like it and will make it again!!!

    Reply
  5. Stephanie says

    January 15, 2022 at 12:05 pm

    5 stars
    I made this chicken gumbo yesterday. It was amazing. I have to say that leftovers taste 10x better the next day! Also, for the record, this gumbo is BETTER than the one we ate in a “big chrf’s” restaurant in New Orleans. .

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes says

      January 26, 2022 at 4:05 pm

      Thank you, so much, Stephanie. You couldn’t have given this recipe a better compliment!

      Reply
  6. Jenna says

    November 01, 2020 at 5:28 pm

    5 stars
    I made this chicken gumbo and it was AMAZING. Tasted like the one in New Orleans.

    Reply
  7. julie says

    January 19, 2016 at 1:03 pm

    5 stars
    What is file powder?? I have never heard of that one.

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes says

      January 19, 2016 at 3:29 pm

      it’s a powdered root that thickens soups etc. Also adds flavor. If you don’t have it, don’t worry.

      Reply
      • Julie says

        January 19, 2016 at 5:13 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
  8. jane lividini says

    June 09, 2013 at 8:51 pm

    5 stars
    hi, i just love your recipees they are awesome!!!!! could you send me a seafood gumbo recipee i would be so grateful i haverecently moved to houston and am just now learning to love the NEW ORLEANS TASTE AND JUST LOVE IT thank you in advance so much have not tried your chicken gumbo yet but just wondering how much different the seafood will be again thank you in advance your a wonderful cook and inspiration

    jane

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes says

      June 10, 2013 at 10:04 am

      Jane, a seafood gumbo recipe one coming late this summer. I love this recipe: http://www.chefjohnbesh.com/recipe/seafood-gumbo because it’s flexible enough to substitute other seafood if you don’t have it all available but it has an authentic taste.

      Reply
  9. Tiffany's Toy Box says

    December 13, 2012 at 4:46 pm

    3 stars
    I’ve never tried to make gumbo, although I’ve always wanted to! So nice to see all the boys hang. Family time rocks!!!

    Reply
  10. Monica J says

    December 04, 2012 at 11:48 am

    5 stars
    Mmmmmm, seriously that gumbo looks great. I would definitely fail at pleasing a southern man because I don’t know if I could make a good roux. I love that your family loves to spend time together and eat good. Sounds like my family. Looks like it was a great five days with the family. Love the pics.

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes says

      December 11, 2012 at 12:51 pm

      thank you Monica! once i got the hang of making a roux it isn’t so bad.. just time consuming. Yes, definitely spending time with the family is a top priority. 🙂

      Reply
      • Leanne says

        January 15, 2022 at 11:08 am

        5 stars
        Can you use gluten free flour?

        Reply
        • Laura Fuentes says

          January 26, 2022 at 4:11 pm

          Hi Leanne, I have a gluten-free version of this recipe that’s just as delicious. You’ll find my gluten-free gumbo, here.

          Reply

Hi! I'm Laura.
Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, mom of three, and the woman behind the world’s best pancakes—here to help you ditch the mealtime drama with recipes your family will actually eat.

More about me →

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