Crock Pot Chicken & Sausage Gumbo
A hearty Southern-style gumbo with smoky sausage, tender chicken, and vegetables, simmered in a rich roux for a flavorful and comforting meal suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/3 cup cooking oil ⓘ
- 3 cups water ⓘ
- 12 oz. fully cooked smoked sausage, quartered lengthwise and sliced ⓘ
- 1-1/2 cups pre-cooked and chopped chicken or 12 oz. skinless, boneless chicken breasts or 2 lb. chicken thighs, skinned, deboned, and cut into 3/4 inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced okra ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper ⓘ
- 16 oz. frozen corn (optional) ⓘ
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can stewed tomatoes (optional) ⓘ
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can green beans, drained (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Make a roux in a heavy saucepan by stirring together the flour and cooking oil until smooth.
- Cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to medium and cook and stir for about 15 minutes more, or until the roux is dark reddish brown.
- Allow the roux to cool.
- In a 3-1/2, 4, or 5-quart crock pot, place the water and stir in the roux.
- Add the smoked sausage, chicken, okra, onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper.
- Also add corn, tomatoes, and green beans if desired.
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on high heat for 3-1/2 to 3 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a few bay leaves or a splash of Worcestershire sauce while cooking. If you prefer a thicker gumbo, increase the roux to 1/2 cup of flour and oil. You can substitute the smoked sausage with andouille for a spicier kick or use turkey sausage for a lighter option. Don't skip the okra, as it helps thicken the gumbo.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo over fluffy white rice or with crusty bread for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Cold-Chaser Chicken Soup for a comforting dinner. Consider garnishing with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch. A side salad would complement the dish nicely, adding some crunch and balance.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simmer gently on the stove until warmed through, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. Gumbo can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crock Pot Chicken & Sausage Gumbo contains roughly 963 calories, with 10g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (188% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1462mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh chicken instead of pre-cooked?
Yes, you can use fresh skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly in the crock pot for 6-7 hours on low or 3-3.5 hours on high to ensure they are safe to eat while infusing the gumbo with flavor.
Is it possible to make this gumbo vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the sausage and chicken, and replace them with extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor, and consider adding beans for protein to make it a hearty vegetarian option.
What can I do if my gumbo is too spicy?
If your gumbo turns out too spicy, try adding a dollop of sour cream or a splash of cream to mellow the heat. You can also add more water or broth to dilute the spiciness. Serving it over rice or with bread can help balance the flavors as well.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).