10 c. water
1 lg. fryer or sm. hen, cut up
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
5 tbsp. shortening
1/2 c. flour
2 lg. cloves garlic, chopped
1 med. onion, chopped
2 tbsp. celery leaves, chopped
2 1/2 tbsp. file
1 pt. oysters

To water add chicken, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Saute shortening, flour, garlic, onion and celery leaves lightly. Add to boiling chicken slowly and stir until blended. Cook for 1 hour on medium heat (slow boil).

Add file and oysters; continue to cook for 20 to 30 minutes. Serve over cooked white rice. For Chicken Gumbo omit oysters. Yield 8 to 10 servings.