8 Delicious Side Dish Ideas To Serve With Chicken Gumbo

Gumbo is the perfect meal for a cold winter day.

But do you know what to serve with chicken gumbo?

If not, don’t worry, this blog post will give you some ideas to get you started!

What is chicken gumbo?

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Chicken gumbo is a thick soup or stew made with chicken and different kinds of vegetables.

It is a traditional Louisiana dish that is now can be found in many other parts of the United States or all over the world.

Some common ingredients that are added to this chicken dish are Andouille sausage and okra.

Some people even add shrimp or crab meat to their gumbo for an extra taste of seafood.

Chicken gumbo is thickened with a roux made from flour and oil or butter.

This hearty dish is best when served warm or hot for a winter day and goes well with a variety of side dish options.

What to consider when choosing a side dish to serve with chicken gumbo?

There are a few things that you will want to keep in mind to ensure that the side dish you have chosen will go best with your chicken gumbo.

Let’s check it out:

Chicken gumbo is perfect on the side of a starchy side dish

There is nothing more suitable to pair with a soup like a starchy dish.

The fluffy and starchy texture will help soak up the sauce amazingly and make your meal more delicious.

They are also very filling, so you don’t have to worry about feeling hungry quickly after the meal.

Choose a side based on the flavor of your chicken gumbo

In fact, there are many variations of chicken gumbo because people can add whatever they like to the recipe besides some key ingredients.

Therefore, this dish can come in different flavors, which will decide how you choose a side dish to accompany it.

If your chicken gumbo is spicy, you might want to choose a mild-flavored side dish.

Otherwise, a more flavorful side will be great on the side of milder chicken gumbo.

8 best side dishes to serve with chicken gumbo

Now, let’s break down the seven recipes that we find best to serve with your chicken gumbo:

1.     Steamed rice

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Steamed rice makes a great side dish for chicken gumbo.

In fact, chicken gumbo is traditionally served over rice, so this option is no longer strange to indigenous people.

Rice helps absorb the sauce and the flavor of the dish, making for a more enjoyable and well-rounded meal.

It also provides you with some added energy to keep you full longer.

2.     Cornbread

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Cornbread is a delicious side dish that goes great with chicken gumbo.

This is also a Southern staple and it is very easy to make.

Cornbread is a great way to add some extra flavor and texture to your meal.

It is also a good option for those who are looking for a gluten-free alternative to regular bread.

3.     Corn on the cob

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Another corn-based side dish that is a must-try to pair with chicken gumbo is corn on the cob.

This simple and available ingredient can be found anywhere in the world, and the sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with the spicy and savory flavors in the gumbo.

Corn is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and B vitamins while being low in calories, so it is a healthy addition to your diet.

Corn on the cob can be cooked in different ways, such as simply boiled, roasted, or grilled.

4.     Cheese bread

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Cheese bread is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even dessert.

It can be made with any type of cheese, so feel free to experiment with your favorite variety.

Cheese bread is best served fresh and warm, so be sure to enjoy it while it is hot on the side of chicken gumbo!

5.     Hush puppies

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You can consider serving your chicken gumbo with hush puppies, a type of fried cornmeal batter.

This side dish can be enjoyed as a vegan substitute snack for chicken nuggets because they look quite similar.

Hush puppies are easy to make and packed with flavor, but don’t forget to keep your eyes on the portion because deep-fried food is not a healthy option to eat too much.

6.     Fried okra

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Fried okra can work amazingly with chicken gumbo.

Okra is usually used in the chicken gumbo recipe too, so pairing fried okra with this dish is a great way to add the okra flavor to your meal.

This Southern classic is made by coating okra in cornmeal or other bread and frying it until very crispy.

So even though you are eating a deep-fried dish that is quite high in fat, the nutrient value in okra will definitely make you feel less guilty.

7.     Scalloped potatoes

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Another delicious but easy-to-make accompaniment to serve with chicken gumbo is scalloped potatoes.

This side dish recipe calls for some common ingredients like gold potatoes, butter, cream, salt, pepper, and other kinds of herbs to enhance the flavor.

The result is creamy, flavorful, and the slight acidity of the vinegar will cut through the rich gumbo.

8.     Fresh salad

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The last suggestion from us is to serve your chicken gumbo with a fresh salad.

Either fruit or green salad can work in this case.

They both have a slightly crunchy texture and a refreshing flavor that is sure to offset the savory chicken gumbo and results in a balanced meal that everyone will love.

The bottom line

So, if you’re looking for a delicious and warming meal to make on a cold day, give gumbo a try.

And don’t forget to check out our list of side dishes that will pair perfectly with this Louisiana classic!

What is your favorite side dish to serve with chicken gumbo?