Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Tomato Chicken and Sausage Gumbo?
It is a hearty comfort dish that combines chicken thighs, smoked sausage, and vegetables in a rich tomato-based broth with rice.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs are recommended as they remain more succulent during the simmering process.
What type of sausage should I use?
Use 1/2 lb of fully cooked smoked link sausage, cut into 1/2-inch slices.
Do I need to cook the chicken before adding it to the pot?
Yes, the chicken should be baked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes and then cubed before being added to the broth.
How long does the chicken bake?
The chicken thighs should bake for approximately 20 minutes until they are cooked through.
What is the oven temperature for the chicken?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for the chicken.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but brown rice takes significantly longer to cook than long grain white rice and may require more liquid.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level depends on the type of smoked sausage you choose; using a mild sausage results in a savory, non-spicy dish.
How can I make this gumbo spicier?
You can add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or use a spicy Andouille sausage to increase the heat level.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, though you may need to add a bit of extra salt and seasonings to match the flavor of canned tomatoes with onion and garlic.
Should I drain the corn before adding it?
Yes, the 11 ounces of whole kernel corn should be drained before being added to the pot.
Do I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, add the diced tomatoes with their juice to provide more flavor and liquid to the base.
What size is a medium green pepper?
A medium green pepper is roughly the size of a baseball and should be diced before adding.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 21 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this gumbo?
There is approximately 10.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 43 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are gluten-free, but always check the labels on your chicken broth and sausage to be certain.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can combine the ingredients in a slow cooker, though you should cook the rice separately or add it towards the end.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this gumbo?
Yes, this gumbo freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What should I serve with this gumbo?
It is delicious served with a side of warm cornbread or crusty French bread.
Can I omit the corn?
Yes, if you prefer a different vegetable or none at all, the corn can be omitted without affecting the cooking process.
What can I use if I do not have chicken broth?
You can substitute chicken broth with 14 ounces of water and a chicken bouillon cube.
How long does the rice take to simmer?
The rice typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes total to become tender.
Is this an authentic Cajun gumbo?
This is a tomato-based twist on traditional gumbo, which usually uses a dark flour-and-fat roux as its base.
Can I add shrimp to this recipe?
Yes, you can add peeled and deveined shrimp during the last 5 minutes of simmering until they turn pink.
What is the total cooking time?
The total cooking time is approximately 45 minutes, including the 20 minutes spent baking the chicken.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes, you can bake and cube the chicken up to a day in advance to make the weeknight preparation even faster.