Hearty Baked Chicken and Sausage Gumbo – A Deeply Flavorful Southern Classic with Oven-Braised Comfort
Baked Chicken and Sausage Gumbo is a rich Louisiana-style stew.It features tender chicken, smoky sausage, and a deep brown roux.The holy trinity of vegetables builds classic Southern flavor.Oven baking allows the flavors to develop slowly and evenly.Served over rice, it becomes a hearty, comforting meal.Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into chunks)
- 12 oz smoked sausage (sliced)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup sliced okra (optional)
- 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a heavy oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat.
- Add flour and stir continuously to make a roux. Cook until dark brown (about 15–20 minutes).
- Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add chicken, sausage, broth, thyme, bay leaves, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and transfer to the oven. Bake for 1 hour, stirring halfway through.
- Add okra during the last 20 minutes if using.
Notes
- A dark roux is essential for authentic flavor.
- Stir constantly while making roux to prevent burning.
- Adjust spice levels to taste.
- Chicken thighs provide more flavor than breast meat.
- Use high-quality smoked sausage for best results.
- Okra helps thicken the gumbo naturally.
- Let gumbo rest 10 minutes before serving.
- Flavor improves the next day.