Heat a pan to medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil and heat.
Season chicken with salt and pepper and add to the pan along with the tasso ham (or sliced andouille). Cook a couple minutes per side until browned. Set aside until ready to use.
Add ½ cup peanut oil to a large pot and heat to medium heat. Add flour and stir. Cook for 20-30 minutes, constantly stirring, until the roux browns to the color of chocolate. I prefer a dark chocolate roux.
Add peppers, onion, celery and garlic. Stir and cook about 5 minutes, covered.
Add chicken and tasso ham (or andouille). Stir and cook for 1 minute.
Add Cajun seasoning and chicken stock. Scrape up the brown bits from the bottom.
Add bay leaves and cook at medium-low heat for 1 hour to thicken. You can simmer longer if you’d like.
Stir in okra and parsley and cook 15 minutes. The okra will help to thicken up the gumbo.
Serve into a bowl, over white rice if desired, and garnish with extra parsley and red pepper flakes.
