Description
Warm, smoky, and deeply comforting, this Authentic Cajun Gumbo Recipe is your ticket to classic Louisiana flavor. Packed with tender chicken thighs, spicy andouille sausage, fresh shrimp, and okra, all simmered in a rich, dark roux, this dish is the ultimate in soul food. Served over fluffy white rice, it’s the perfect choice for a cozy family dinner or a hearty meal prep option. Whether you’re searching for an easy dinner, Southern comfort food, or new dinner ideas, this gumbo hits the mark for anyone craving bold, slow-cooked flavor in every spoonful.
Ingredients
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
0.5 cup vegetable oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
12 oz andouille sausage, sliced
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, chopped
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup sliced okra (fresh or frozen)
6 cups chicken stock
2 bay leaves
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
0.25 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
4 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
Instructions
1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the flour to begin the roux. Stir constantly for 20–30 minutes until it turns a deep chocolate brown.
2. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Mix in the andouille sausage and chicken thighs. Cook for 5–7 minutes, letting the meat brown slightly.
4. Gradually stir in the chicken stock while scraping the bottom of the pot. Add bay leaves and Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 45 minutes.
5. Stir in sliced okra and cook for 10 minutes. Add shrimp and cook until just pink, about 5–7 minutes.
6. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaves before serving.
7. Serve hot over white rice and garnish with chopped green onions.
Notes
Always stir the roux continuously to avoid burning—it’s the key to flavor.
Add shrimp only at the end to avoid overcooking.
Gumbo tastes even better the next day, so it’s perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 145mg