Description
This Slow Cooker Gumbo is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for an easy, comforting meal. Packed with tender chicken thighs, smoky andouille sausage, and the classic 'Holy Trinity' of onions, bell peppers, and celery, this gumbo is slow-cooked to develop rich, Cajun-inspired flavors. Thickened with a cornstarch slurry, it serves beautifully over rice and can be customized for spice preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound andouille sausage sliced into ½-inch pieces
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper seeded and diced
- 3 celery stalks chopped
- 15 ounces fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 3 teaspoons garlic minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 bay leaves
Others
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup cornstarch
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add all ingredients to the slow cooker except the bay leaves and cornstarch. Stir gently until everything is well combined, then place the bay leaves on top of the mixture.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and set to cook either on high for 3 hours and 30 minutes or on low for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply develop and the chicken to become tender.
- Thicken the Gumbo: Once cooking is done, remove the bay leaves and carefully ladle out ½ cup of the cooking broth. Mix this broth with the cornstarch until smooth to create a slurry. Stir the slurry back into the gumbo, then continue cooking uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the gumbo over cooked rice and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy hot for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Notes
- The "Holy Trinity" of onion, bell pepper, and celery is essential for authentic Gulf Coast flavor in this gumbo.
- Since andouille sausage and Cajun seasoning can be salty, taste the gumbo before adding any extra salt.
- Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper or adding hot sauce according to your spice preference.
- Leftovers will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for convenient future meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
