Cajun Gumbo – A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Southern Classic

If you’re craving a bowl of comforting, flavor-packed goodness, this Cajun Gumbo is the perfect dish. Filled with tender chicken, sausage, shrimp, and bold Cajun spices, this gumbo is a rich and satisfying meal that warms the soul. Whether you’re cooking it up for a special occasion or just want to enjoy a taste of the South, this gumbo is sure to impress.

Ready to dive into a big bowl of deliciousness? Let’s get started!

Annie Graves

Cajun Gumbo

Enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of Cajun Gumbo! Packed with tender chicken, sausage, shrimp, and bold spices, it’s the ultimate Southern comfort food.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Lunch

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Gumbo

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for the roux
• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper chopped
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb andouille sausage sliced into rounds
• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning store-bought or homemade
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 cups sliced okra optional, for thickening
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 cups cooked white rice for serving
• Hot sauce for serving

Substitutions

• Vegan: Replace the chicken sausage, and shrimp with plant-based alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for the roux.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the added salt.

Method

 

Make the Roux

1. In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Gradually whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the roux turns a deep golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.
3. Be careful not to burn the roux—keep stirring!

Cook the Vegetables

1. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the roux.
2. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Add the Chicken and Sausage

1. Stir in the chicken thighs and sliced andouille sausage.
2. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to brown slightly.

Build the Gumbo

1. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes.
2. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper (if using), bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, thyme, and okra (if using).
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 45-60 minutes.
4. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Add the Shrimp

1. About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through.
2. Season the gumbo with salt, black pepper, and hot sauce to taste.

Serve

1. Ladle the Cajun Gumbo over cooked white rice and garnish with extra parsley.
2. Serve with hot sauce on the side.
3. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 cup of gumbo with rice):

• Calories: 400-450
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

Notes/Advice:

• Additions/Subtractions:
  • For a thicker gumbo, use okra or a little file powder (ground sassafras leaves) to thicken the broth. File powder can be added at the end of cooking or served on the side for guests to sprinkle in.
  • You can adjust the level of spice to your preference by adding more or less cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
  • If you don’t have andouille sausage, smoked sausage or kielbasa makes a great substitute.

Variations:

• Seafood Gumbo: Use a combination of shrimp, crab, and crawfish for a seafood-only gumbo. Add the seafood near the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.
• Vegetarian Gumbo: Use vegetable broth and substitute the meat with extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and extra okra for thickness.
• Spicy Gumbo: Add extra cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the gumbo for more heat.

Suggestions:

• Serving Ideas: Serve Cajun Gumbo with crusty French bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad. A cold beer or iced tea makes a perfect pairing with the spicy flavors of the gumbo.
• Make It Ahead: Gumbo tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving.
• Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth if needed.

Final Thoughts:

And there you have it—Cajun Gumbo that’s rich, hearty, and full of bold Southern flavors! This classic dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or for entertaining guests with its deep layers of flavor. Whether you’re enjoying the chicken, sausage, and shrimp combination or trying one of the variations, this gumbo is sure to warm you up and leave you satisfied. So gather your ingredients, stir up a rich roux, and enjoy a bowl of this delicious Cajun comfort food. Bon appétit!

Related Recipes:

Tofu Stir-Fry Sweet Potato Fries Chana Masala: Spiced Chickpea Curry for a Flavorful Feast Brioche Crab Melts – A Luxurious Seafood Twist on a Classic