Judi's Chicken Gumbo

Mmm..mmm..mmm..mmm..mmm. This is GOOD stuff. Relatively easy to make and very well worth the effort.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 2  whole boneless chicken breasts (cut into 1/2" strips)
• 6  slices bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 2  tablespoons canola oil
• 4  cups chicken broth
• 6  plum tomatoes, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup corn kernel, preferably cut from the cob
• 1 1⁄2 cups okra, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1  large bell pepper, chopped
• 1  large onion, chopped
• 3  stalks celery, chopped
• 1⁄3 cup  uncooked rice
• 5  cups water

• Seasonings to taste based on how spiced/spicy you like your gumbo

•  hot pepper sauce
•  black pepper
•  cajun spices
•  parsley

Directions

1. In a large pot, fry the bacon.
2. Remove the bacon and set aside.
3. Add the oil to the bacon drippings that are in the pot.
4. Dredge the chicken in flour and brown them in the pot.
5. This may have to be done in several batches.
6. Pour the chicken broth over browned chicken and boil.
7. Add all remaining ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes.
8. Taste and season before serving.
9. You may add the bacon to the soup, if desired-- I do and it's great.