The Paula Deen Gumbo Recipe is rich, flavorful and full of classic Southern taste. This dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy weekends.
Many people ask How to make Paula Deen Gumbo at home with simple steps. It combines chicken, sausage, vegetables and spices in a thick, hearty stew.
You will also learn all the Ingredients for Paula Deen Gumbo and easy step-by-step instructions. This gumbo is comforting, filling and always a crowd-pleaser.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first tried this gumbo on a chilly Sunday afternoon. The aroma of simmering spices and sausage filled my kitchen.
The roux was dark and nutty, giving the gumbo a rich flavor. Every bite had tender chicken, smoky sausage and soft vegetables. I served it over fluffy rice and my family loved it.
It’s become one of my favorite comfort food recipes. Cooking this gumbo is easier than I expected, and the taste feels like a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Paula Deen Gumbo
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 mins
- Course: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Southern / Cajun
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
- Wooden spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
- Skillet (for sausage browning)
Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen Gumbo
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup okra, sliced
- Cooked white rice for serving
- Chopped green onions and parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Make the Roux
In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add flour gradually, stirring constantly until dark brown, about 10 minutes.
2. Cook Vegetables
Add chopped onion, bell pepper and celery to the roux. Cook for 5 minutes until softened, stirring often to prevent sticking.
3. Add Garlic and Sausage
Stir in minced garlic and sliced sausage. Cook 3–4 minutes until fragrant and sausage releases its flavor into the mixture.
4. Add Chicken
Add chicken pieces to the pot. Stir to coat with roux and vegetables. Cook for 5 minutes until lightly browned on all sides.
5. Add Liquids and Seasoning
Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in Cajun seasoning, thyme, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Simmer the Gumbo
Cover and simmer for 45 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. Chicken becomes tender and flavors combine beautifully.
7. Add Okra
Add sliced okra to the gumbo and cook for another 10 minutes. Okra thickens the gumbo slightly and adds classic flavor.
8. Serve
Serve gumbo hot over cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley. Enjoy a rich, comforting bowl of Southern goodness.
Tips to Make the Best Paula Deen Gumbo
- Stir roux constantly to avoid burning
- Use smoked sausage for authentic flavor
- Add vegetables gradually to control texture
- Simmer gently for maximum flavor
- Taste and adjust seasonings at the end
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Burning the roux by stirring too slowly
- Adding liquid too fast, ruining thickness
- Overcooking vegetables, making them mushy
- Using too little seasoning
- Skipping okra, which helps thicken gumbo naturally
Serving Suggestions
Serve this gumbo over white rice with crusty bread on the side. A simple green salad works well for a balanced meal. Perfect for dinner with family or friends.
Variations You Can Try
- Add shrimp or crab for a seafood version
- Use smoked turkey instead of chicken for a different flavor
- Spice it up with extra cayenne pepper
- Include different vegetables like zucchini or carrots
- Make a vegetarian gumbo by using vegetable broth and tofu
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat on the stove over low heat until warm
- Freeze in portions for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
Health Benefits
This gumbo is packed with protein from chicken and sausage and vitamins from vegetables like bell peppers, celery and okra. It’s a filling, balanced meal with both flavor and nutrition.
Paula Deen Gumbo Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound smoked sausage sliced
- 1 pound chicken thighs boneless, skinless, cut into pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup okra sliced
- Cooked white rice for serving
- Chopped green onions and parsley for garnish
Instructions
Make the Roux
- In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add flour gradually, stirring constantly until dark brown, about 10 minutes.
Cook Vegetables
- Add chopped onion, bell pepper and celery to the roux. Cook for 5 minutes until softened, stirring often to prevent sticking.
Add Garlic and Sausage
- Stir in minced garlic and sliced sausage. Cook 3–4 minutes until fragrant and sausage releases its flavor into the mixture.
Add Chicken
- Add chicken pieces to the pot. Stir to coat with roux and vegetables. Cook for 5 minutes until lightly browned on all sides.
Add Liquids and Seasoning
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in Cajun seasoning, thyme, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Simmer the Gumbo
- Cover and simmer for 45 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. Chicken becomes tender and flavors combine beautifully.
Add Okra
- Add sliced okra to the gumbo and cook for another 10 minutes. Okra thickens the gumbo slightly and adds classic flavor.
Serve
- Serve gumbo hot over cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley. Enjoy a rich, comforting bowl of Southern goodness.
Notes
- Stir roux constantly to avoid burning
- Use smoked sausage for authentic flavor
- Add vegetables gradually to control texture
- Simmer gently for maximum flavor
- Taste and adjust seasonings at the end
FAQs about Paula Deen Gumbo Recipe
Can I make gumbo ahead of time?
Yes, gumbo tastes even better the next day. Store in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
Can I use boneless skinless chicken breast instead?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful during simmering.
Is this gumbo spicy?
It has mild Cajun flavor. Adjust cayenne or Cajun seasoning to make it spicier.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute flour in the roux with a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I freeze Paula Deen gumbo?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Final Thoughts
The Paula Deen Gumbo Recipe is rich, hearty and full of classic Southern flavors.
Learning How to make Paula Deen Gumbo is simple with these step-by-step instructions. With chicken, sausage, vegetables and spices, this gumbo becomes a family favorite.
Follow this recipe and you will have a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. It proves that Southern cooking can be both easy and delicious at home.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!