Cozy Cajun Style Chicken and Sausage Stew Recipe for Chilly Days

This hearty cajun style chicken and sausage stew delivers bold flavors that dance across your palate with remarkable intensity.

Spicy and robust ingredients merge into a soul-warming culinary experience that captures southern cooking traditions.

Louisiana’s rich cultural heritage shines through every deeply seasoned spoonful of this remarkable dish.

Authentic regional techniques blend carefully selected proteins with aromatic vegetables and complex spice profiles.

Rustic cooking methods craft simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that feels simultaneously comforting and adventurous.

Each carefully crafted bite promises a symphony of tastes that transport you directly to the heart of cajun country.

You can find this recipe represents more than just a meal – it’s a celebration of culinary passion and regional identity.

Explore this incredible stew and let your taste buds embark on an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

Questions Answered About Cajun Chicken Stew

• What is Cajun seasoning?

Cajun seasoning is a spicy blend of herbs and spices typically including paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, and cayenne pepper, which gives this stew its signature Louisiana-style flavor.

• Can I make this stew less spicy?

Absolutely! Reduce the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning. You can also use mild sausage instead of spicy varieties to control the heat level.

• How long can I store this stew?

The stew keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, making it a great make-ahead meal.

• What can I serve with this Cajun chicken stew?

White rice is traditional, but you can also serve it with cornbread, french bread, or over pasta. A simple green salad on the side complements the rich, hearty stew perfectly.

Cajun Chicken and Sausage Stew Packed with Heat

• This stew bursts with authentic Louisiana-style spiciness that dances on your taste buds, delivering a bold and complex flavor profile that transforms an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.
• Simplify your cooking process with this convenient stew that requires minimal cleanup, allowing you to create a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with multiple pots and pans.
• The hour-long simmering process develops rich, deep flavors as the chicken, sausage, and vegetables meld together, creating a satisfying and warming dish perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.
• Easy to adjust heat intensity by modifying hot sauce and Cajun seasoning, making this recipe adaptable for various spice preferences while maintaining its authentic southern charm.

Ingredients for Cajun Chicken and Sausage Stew

• Chicken, Sausage: Hearty proteins that provide a rich, robust base for the stew. Choose bone-in chicken pieces for deeper flavor, and opt for spicy Andouille sausage for authentic Cajun kick.

• Cajun Seasoning, Black Pepper, Hot Sauce, Gumbo File Powder: Essential flavor enhancers that create the signature Cajun heat and depth. Select a high-quality Cajun seasoning blend for authentic taste, and adjust hot sauce to personal spice tolerance.

• Bell Peppers, Celery, Onions, Garlic, Okra: Classic Cajun holy trinity plus okra that provide texture and aromatic foundation. Fresh vegetables are key for maximum flavor, with okra adding traditional Louisiana stew thickness.

• Vegetable Oil, Flour, Chicken Broth: Critical components for creating the stew's roux and liquid base. Use all-purpose flour and ensure steady stirring when making the roux to prevent burning.

How to Cook a Bold and Spicy Cajun Stew

Step 1: Prep the Protein

Grab chicken and sausage. Sprinkle generously with zesty Cajun seasoning, ensuring every inch gets coated with spicy goodness. Let the flavors dance together while you prep other ingredients.

• Chicken pieces
• Smoked sausage
• Cajun seasoning

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Heat vegetable oil in a hefty pot over medium flame. Toss seasoned chicken and sausage into the hot pan. Let them sear until golden brown and developing a gorgeous caramelized exterior. Remove and set aside on a waiting plate.

Step 3: Create the Magical Roux

In the same pot, whisk together flour and oil. Stir continuously with love and patience. Watch the mixture transform into a rich, deep chocolate-brown color. This is the secret weapon of authentic Cajun cooking.

Step 4: Veggie Symphony

• Bell peppers
• Celery
• Onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until vegetables become tender and release their aromatic magic.

Step 5: Build the Liquid Base

Slowly pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture. Stir gently to blend everything smoothly. Let the pot come to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Add Flavor Boosters

• Sliced okra
• Black pepper
• Hot sauce
• Gumbo file powder

Stir until perfectly combined.

Step 7: Return Protein and Simmer

Carefully place browned chicken and sausage back into the pot. Let everything bubble and mingle for one full hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure flavor harmony.

Step 8: Final Touch and Serve

Taste and adjust salt as needed. Ladle the steaming, rich stew over fluffy white rice. Enjoy your Louisiana-inspired comfort feast!

Expert Tips for Flavorful Cajun Stew

• Master the Roux: Stir constantly and watch closely to prevent burning, aiming for a rich, dark brown color that develops deep, nutty flavors without scorching.
• Sear with Precision: Brown chicken and sausage thoroughly to lock in juices and create a flavorful base, ensuring each piece gets an even, golden-brown exterior.
• Layer Vegetables Strategically: Chop bell peppers, celery, and onions into uniform sizes for consistent cooking and balanced texture throughout the stew.
• Simmer Slowly: Allow the stew to cook gently for a full hour, which helps ingredients meld together and develops a rich, complex flavor profile.
• Taste and Adjust: Periodically sample the stew and fine-tune seasonings, adding more Cajun spice or hot sauce to match your preferred heat level and depth of flavor.

Keep Cajun Stew Fresh with Smart Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Cajun stew in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacteria growth.
• Preserve: Refrigerated stew stays fresh for 3-4 days. Ensure container is tightly sealed to maintain flavor and prevent odor absorption.
• Reheat: Warm the stew over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent scorching. Heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Easy Sides That Match Cajun Chicken Stew

• Boost Flavor with Bold Bourbon: Pair this rich Cajun stew with a smooth Kentucky bourbon like Maker's Mark. The caramel and vanilla notes complement the spicy, hearty stew, cutting through the dish's intense flavors while adding a warm complexity.
• Cool Down with Crisp Craft Beer: Select a light, hoppy craft beer such as a wheat ale or blonde lager. These refreshing brews help balance the stew's spiciness and provide a clean, palate-cleansing effect that enhances each spoonful.
• Fresh Zesty Salad Sidekick: Create a tangy cucumber and citrus salad with a light vinaigrette. The bright, acidic elements will contrast beautifully with the stew's deep, robust flavors, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the dense, spicy main dish.
• Cornbread Comfort Companion: Serve warm, slightly sweet cornbread on the side. Its buttery texture and subtle sweetness perfectly absorb the stew's rich sauce, providing a delightful textural contrast and additional comfort to the meal.

Ways to Switch Up the Cajun Stew Recipe

• Seafood Gumbo Variation: Replace chicken and sausage with shrimp, crab, and andouille sausage for a classic Louisiana coastal version.
• Green Chile Southwestern Stew: Swap Cajun seasoning for green chile powder, add roasted poblano peppers, and incorporate black beans for a Southwest-inspired adaptation.
• Creole Vegetarian Stew: Substitute meat with hearty vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms, maintaining the rich roux base and traditional spice profile.
• Smoky Mountain Style: Use smoked turkey sausage instead of traditional pork sausage, add smoked paprika, and include root vegetables like parsnips for an Appalachian touch.

Cajun Style Chicken And Sausage Stew Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Cajun-style chicken and sausage stew brings Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage to your dinner table with bold, spicy flavors. Simmering with andouille sausage, tender chicken, and aromatic vegetables, you’ll savor a comforting one-pot meal that warms from the inside out.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) chicken
• 12 ounces (340 grams) andouille sausage

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 cup bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup okra, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 1 cup vegetable oil for roux
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon gumbo file powder
• Salt to taste
• Cooked white rice for serving

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken and sausage with robust Cajun seasoning, ensuring each piece is thoroughly covered for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Heat oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium flame, creating a sizzling surface for meat caramelization.
3. Sear meats until achieving a rich, golden-brown exterior, developing deep flavor complexity through controlled browning.
4. Remove browned proteins and reserve, keeping them warm and preserving their delectable crust.
5. Craft a traditional dark roux by whisking flour into remaining oil, continuously stirring to prevent burning and develop a deep mahogany color.
6. Introduce aromatic vegetables – bell peppers, celery, onions, and garlic – to the roux, allowing them to soften and release their essential oils.
7. Slowly stream chicken broth into the vegetable-roux mixture, creating a smooth, integrated base with no lumps.
8. Incorporate sliced okra, freshly ground black pepper, fiery hot sauce, and gumbo file powder, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
9. Carefully return seared meats to the simmering liquid, allowing them to gently cook and absorb surrounding flavors.
10. Allow stew to simmer uncovered for approximately one hour, occasionally stirring to prevent bottom scorching and promote flavor melding.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, ensuring a balanced and vibrant flavor profile.
12. Ladle the rich, aromatic stew over fluffy white rice, creating a comforting and satisfying Cajun-inspired meal.

Notes

• Mastering the roux is the secret to an authentic, rich Cajun stew with deep, complex flavors that will transport you straight to Louisiana.
• Searing meats before simmering locks in incredible taste and creates a beautiful golden-brown exterior that adds texture and depth to the dish.
• Slow cooking allows spices and ingredients to blend harmoniously, developing an intensely satisfying and comforting meal that warms you from the inside out.
• Gumbo file powder adds traditional Louisiana flair and provides a subtle sassafras undertone that elevates the entire stew’s authentic character.
• Stirring occasionally during the one-hour simmer prevents burning and ensures even distribution of spices and ingredients throughout the stew.
• Serving over white rice transforms this hearty stew into a complete, filling meal that balances the bold Cajun spices with a neutral, soft grain.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg