Rich and Hearty Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken & Sausage Gumbo
Dive into the soulful flavors of the South with this Rich and Hearty Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken & Sausage Gumbo. Inspired by cherished family traditions, this recipe combines a perfect blend of spices, tender chicken, and savory sausage, simmered for hours to create an irresistible dish that warms the heart. The deep, rich roux is the cornerstone of this gumbo, providing depth and character, while the colorful veggies and plump shrimp elevate it to a true comfort food masterpiece. Serve it over fluffy rice and enjoy a taste of New Orleans from the comfort of your own home!
6-8
Servings
400
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooking oil
1/3 cup (none)
all-purpose flour
1/3 cup (none)
large onion
1 (diced)
bell peppers
2 (diced (choose red, green, or yellow))
jalapeno pepper
1-2 (diced (to taste))
celery ribs
2 (cut small)
andouille or chorizo sausage
1 lb (sliced into discs and fried)
shrimp
1 lb (cooked (optional))
chicken (thighs or breasts)
1 1/2 lbs (cubed and fried)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
oregano
1 tablespoon (none)
basil
1 tablespoon (none)
thyme
1 tablespoon (none)
onion powder
1 tablespoon (none)
garlic powder
1 tablespoon (none)
black pepper
1 tablespoon (none)
paprika
1 tablespoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (none)
chicken stock
4 cups (none)
rice
4 cups (prepared according to package instructions)
Instructions
1
Start by making the roux: In a small saucepan, combine the cooking oil and all-purpose flour over medium-low heat, stirring regularly for about 15 to 20 minutes until the mixture turns a rich chocolate brown. Be careful not to burn it; if you see black lumps, discard and start over.
2
As the roux is cooking, wash and dice the onion, bell peppers, jalapeño, and celery. Place these diced vegetables in the bowl of your slow cooker.
3
Slice the andouille or chorizo sausage into thick discs and fry them in a skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown. Once browned, transfer the sausage to the slow cooker with the vegetables.
4
Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and cook in the same skillet until it is no longer pink. Once cooked, add the chicken to the slow cooker.
5
Pour the prepared roux over the contents in the slow cooker, ensuring an even distribution.
6
Add the 4 cups of chicken stock followed by the seasonings: oregano, basil, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until well combined.
7
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, if desired, stir in the cooked shrimp and allow it to heat through.
8
Serve over a generous bed of prepared rice, following package instructions for best results. Enjoy your homemade gumbo!
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
30g
Carbs
19g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this gumbo recipe?
The recipe is for Rich and Hearty Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken & Sausage Gumbo.
How many servings does this gumbo make?
This recipe yields approximately 6 to 8 servings.
How long should I cook the gumbo in the slow cooker?
You can cook it on low for 8 hours or on high for 5 hours.
What are the main proteins used in this gumbo?
The main proteins include chicken thighs or breasts, andouille or chorizo sausage, and optional shrimp.
How do I prepare the roux for this recipe?
Combine 1/3 cup oil and 1/3 cup flour in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring for 15 to 20 minutes until chocolate brown.
What should I do if my roux has black lumps?
If you see black lumps, the roux is burnt; you should discard it and start over.
Which vegetables are included in the gumbo?
The vegetables include onion, bell peppers, jalapeño, and celery ribs.
What type of sausage is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of andouille or chorizo sausage.
How should the sausage be prepared?
Slice the sausage into thick discs and fry them in a skillet until golden brown before adding to the slow cooker.
When should the shrimp be added to the slow cooker?
If using shrimp, stir them in about 30 minutes before serving so they can heat through.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, 16g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, and 19g of protein.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
You will need 1.5 lbs of chicken thighs or breasts, cubed and fried.
What kind of stock should I use?
The recipe requires 4 cups of chicken stock.
Is the gumbo spicy?
Yes, it features spicy elements like jalapeño, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of garlic powder.
What spices are used in the seasoning blend?
The seasonings include oregano, basil, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
It is best served over a generous bed of prepared rice.
How many bell peppers are needed?
Two bell peppers are needed, and you can use red, green, or yellow varieties.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 21 total ingredients in this gumbo recipe.
How much oil and flour are needed for the roux?
You will need 1/3 cup of cooking oil and 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
The recipe specifies cooked shrimp, which can be added near the end of the cooking process.
How should the celery be prepared?
The 2 celery ribs should be cut into small pieces.
What size should the chicken be cut into?
The chicken should be cut into bite-sized cubes.
Is the shrimp optional?
Yes, the 1 lb of shrimp is listed as an optional ingredient.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
How much rice should be prepared?
The recipe suggests preparing 4 cups of rice according to package instructions.
What flavor profile does this gumbo have?
It is described as a rich and hearty Cajun soul food dish with deep roux flavors and savory spices.
How many jalapeños should I use?
You should use 1 to 2 jalapeño peppers, diced to your taste preference.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include gumbo, slow cooker, Cajun, comfort food, spicy, chicken, sausage, and seafood.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to create a roux by combining oil and flour in a small saucepan.