Louisiana Chicken File Gumbo Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 (4 lb) hen or 1 (4 lb) fryer, dressed and cut into serving pieces
• 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
• 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 3/4 cup peanut oil or 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 onions, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups celery, chopped (4 1/2 stalks)
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 3/4 cup flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons creole seasoning
• 1 1/2 gallons water (warm)
• 4 -5 cups cooked rice
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or mix of parsley and chopped shallots)
• 2 tablespoons gumbo file