Step 1

Cook the bone on seasoned chicken thighs until done or use precooked chicken thighs. I used my Air-fryer and cooked for about 30 minutes at 360° F. You may substitute chicken breasts if desired. After the chicken thighs are done and cooled to the touch, remove the skin, and pull meat from the bones. Reserve to the side.

Step 2

While the chicken is cooking Use a rice steamer and begin to steam rice according to rice steamer instructions. You will need at least 4 cups of cooked rice to serve 8 people.

Step 3

Meanwhile, heat two tablespoons of oil in a large heavy bottom pot or Dutch Oven on medium heat, add the yellow onions, celery, green peppers, and minced garlic, cook until softened- about 7 minutes.

Step 4

Next, using the large heavy bottom pot or Dutch Oven on medium heat and add the ½ cup of oil to heat. Once slightly heated add the flour and continuously stir. Stir the mixture until an amber color has been reached carefully as not to burn the Roux. This may take a little time.

Step 5

Add seafood stock to the Dutch Oven and stir a few minutes to combine the mixture with the stock, a chicken stock may be substituted if needed. Then add the dark chicken meat, sliced andouille sausage, sauteed veggies, sliced okra, Creole or Heirloom tomatoes, bay leaves, cajun seasoning, dried thyme, kosher salt to own taste, and white pepper to own taste. Stir again to combine the ingredients. Cook 45-55 minutes on reduced heat. Stir often.

Step 6

After cooking 45-55 minutes completely turn off the heat and add the cleaned shrimp with shells and tails removed, stir again. Let sit 10 minutes and then stir before serving. The shrimp will cook at that time even with the heat off.

Step 7

Serve over white rice, top with sliced green onions and hot sauce if desired.