🦐🍗 Shrimp & Chicken Gumbo – A Taste of Louisiana in a Bowl! 🌶️

When it comes to comfort food with soul, nothing beats a steaming bowl of Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo. Rich, hearty, and full of smoky Cajun flavors, this dish is a Louisiana treasure that brings people together around the table. ❤️

With tender chicken, juicy shrimp, the “Holy Trinity” of veggies (onion, celery, bell pepper), and a silky roux-based broth, this gumbo is like a warm embrace from the South.

✨ Ingredients

• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 onion, diced 🧅
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 🫑
• 2 celery stalks, diced 🌿
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless, skinless, diced) 🍗
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined 🦐
• 6 cups chicken stock 🍲
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes 🍅
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning 🌶️
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt & black pepper, to taste 🧂
• ½ lb smoked sausage (optional, for extra flavor) 🌭
• 2 tbsp parsley, chopped 🌿
• Cooked white rice, for serving 🍚

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Roux

In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Slowly whisk in flour, stirring constantly until it turns a deep brown (like chocolate). This takes about 15–20 minutes — don’t rush! The roux is the heart of the gumbo. 💛

2️⃣ Add the Holy Trinity

Stir in onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant. 🌶️🧅🌿

3️⃣ Build the Gumbo

Add diced chicken, smoked sausage (if using), Cajun seasoning, thyme, paprika, bay leaves, and tomatoes. Pour in chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4️⃣ Add the Shrimp

In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in shrimp. They’ll cook quickly until pink and tender. 🦐✨

5️⃣ Finish & Serve

Season to taste with salt & pepper. Remove bay leaves. Stir in fresh parsley. Serve hot over a bowl of fluffy white rice. 🍚🔥

🌟 Pro Tips

• For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. 🌶️
• Gumbo tastes even better the next day after flavors meld together.
• Keep the roux moving — if it burns, you’ll need to start over.

🥂 Final Thoughts

This Shrimp & Chicken Gumbo is bold, hearty, and soul-warming — a true taste of Louisiana magic. Whether for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy night in, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds. 🥄✨