Chicken Skillet Gumbo

Chicken Skillet Gumbo Recipe: A Delicious American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Skillet Gumbo is a delicious and hearty one-pan meal that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines tender chunks of chicken with flavorful vegetables and rice, all simmered together in a savory broth. It's a comforting dish that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Gumbo is a traditional dish that originated in Louisiana, with roots in both African and French cuisine. It typically consists of a strongly flavored stock, meat or shellfish, and vegetables such as celery, bell peppers, and onions. This Chicken Skillet Gumbo recipe puts a quick and easy spin on the classic dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

2 cans (5 oz each or 142 g) chunk white chicken
1 cup chopped green peppers
1 cup chopped onion
1 can (14.5 to 16 oz or 454 g) tomatoes (2 cups)
1 cup chicken broth
0.13 tsp ground red pepper
1 cup uncooked rice
0.5 tsp gumbo filé

How to prepare

In a large skillet, combine chicken, peppers, onion, tomatoes, broth, and red pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir in the rice.
Replace the lid and continue simmering for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
Adjust the seasonings if needed.
Just before serving, stir in the filé.

Variations

Swap out the chicken for shrimp or sausage for a different flavor profile.
Add okra or diced tomatoes for a traditional gumbo twist.
Experiment with different spices such as cajun seasoning or paprika for added depth of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid to ensure that the rice cooks evenly.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.

- For a spicier gumbo, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.

- Make sure to stir the gumbo occasionally while it simmers to prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chicken Skillet Gumbo hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions.

- Pair it with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering

- Boiling

- Stirring

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken for a fresher taste.

- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a vegetarian option.

- Use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a lower-carb alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Chicken Skillet Gumbo in individual bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. - Add a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a glass of white wine or a cold beer for a refreshing contrast.

- Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast for a satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the gumbo in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

200

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 3g

Fats

- Total Fat: 2g

- Saturated Fat: 0g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 15g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 30%

- Calcium: 4%

- Iron: 10%

Alergens

This recipe contains chicken and may contain traces of gluten.

Summary

This Chicken Skillet Gumbo is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is relatively low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for dinner.

Summary

Chicken Skillet Gumbo is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. With a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins, it's a healthy and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Martha for a backyard BBQ. As we chatted and laughed, Martha disappeared into the kitchen and emerged with a large skillet filled with a bubbling, aromatic stew. She called it Chicken Skillet Gumbo, and as soon as I took my first bite, I knew I had to learn how to make it.

Martha, being the generous soul that she is, happily shared her recipe with me. She explained that this dish was a family favorite, handed down through generations. It was a comforting and hearty meal that could easily feed a crowd, perfect for gatherings and celebrations.

I watched as Martha effortlessly diced onions, bell peppers, and celery, known as the holy trinity in Cajun cooking. She browned pieces of chicken in the skillet until they were golden and crispy, then added in the vegetables, along with a generous amount of garlic and Cajun seasoning. The smell that wafted through her kitchen was intoxicating, a combination of savory spices and simmering broth.

As the gumbo cooked low and slow, Martha shared stories of her childhood in Louisiana. She talked about her grandmother, who was a master in the kitchen and passed down her love of cooking to Martha. She learned how to make gumbo from her grandmother, who taught her the importance of patience and attention to detail when it came to creating a flavorful dish.

I was mesmerized by Martha's tales and the way she effortlessly moved around the kitchen, tasting and adjusting the seasoning as needed. She added in a dark roux, made from flour and oil, which thickened the stew and gave it a rich, nutty flavor. The gumbo simmered for hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a harmonious dish that was both comforting and satisfying.

Finally, it was time to serve the gumbo. Martha ladled generous portions into bowls and topped them with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a dash of hot sauce. The first taste was like a warm hug from a dear friend, comforting and familiar. The chicken was tender, the vegetables were soft but still had a bit of bite, and the broth was thick and flavorful, with just the right amount of spice.

I knew that I had to make this dish for my own family. I asked Martha for a copy of the recipe, and she happily obliged. Armed with the knowledge of her grandmother's gumbo recipe, I set out to recreate the magic in my own kitchen.

I gathered the ingredients, taking care to chop the vegetables into uniform pieces and season the chicken with a blend of spices that Martha had recommended. I heated up a large skillet and browned the chicken until it was golden and crispy, just like Martha had shown me.

I added in the holy trinity of onions, bell peppers, and celery, along with the garlic and Cajun seasoning. The smell that filled my kitchen brought back memories of that hot summer day at Martha's house, of laughter and friendship and good food.

I made a dark roux, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning, and added it to the skillet. The gumbo simmered on the stove, filling the air with its comforting aroma. I tasted and adjusted the seasoning, just as Martha had taught me, until the flavors were perfect.

Finally, it was time to serve the gumbo. I ladled steaming bowls of stew into plates, topping them with green onions and a drizzle of hot sauce. My family eagerly dug in, savoring each bite and declaring it a new favorite.

As we sat around the table, sharing stories and laughter, I knew that this recipe would become a treasured part of my own family's culinary tradition. Just like Martha had passed down her grandmother's gumbo recipe to me, I would one day pass it down to my own children and grandchildren, a reminder of the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting memories. And for that, I will always be grateful to Martha and her Chicken Skillet Gumbo.