When it’s cold outside and you just need something warm and comforting, gumbo is always the answer. This dish right here is one of those meals that feels like a hug in a bowl—loaded with chicken, smoky andouille sausage, and tender shrimp. It’s hearty, bold, and seasoned to perfection.
I love making gumbo because it’s a labor of love, but it’s also so worth it. You can smell the flavors building while that roux darkens, and by the time it all comes together, you know you’ve got something special waiting for you.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this gumbo to life:
3 boneless chicken thighs ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 Cajun andouille sausage, sliced 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp paprika (plus a little extra later) ½ cup oil, ½ cup flour, 1 small bell pepper, diced 2 celery stalks, diced 1 small onion, diced 5 cups chicken broth, tbsp crawfish liquid (optional, but it adds amazing depth)
There ingredients are option but add lots of flavor!
1 tsp Creole seasoning, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp ground black pepper, 2 bay leaves, 1
How to Make It
Start with the roux. In a large pot, whisk together your oil and flour over medium heat. Stir constantly until it turns a deep brown color. Be patient—this step is the heart of your gumbo. Add the veggies. Once your roux is ready, toss in the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Let them cook down until soft and fragrant. Season it up. Sprinkle in your Cajun seasoning, Creole seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and black pepper. Stir it all together so that flavor really blooms. Add the meats. Drop in the chicken and sausage. Let them brown just a bit so they soak up that seasoning and roux. Pour in the broth. Add your chicken broth, bay leaves, and crawfish liquid. Stir, cover, and let it simmer low and slow so all the flavors come together. Add the shrimp last. Once everything’s almost done, stir in the shrimp. They only need a few minutes to cook through—don’t overdo it! Taste & adjust. Check your gumbo and adjust seasoning to your liking.
Why You’ll Love This Gumbo
This gumbo is rich, flavorful, and the kind of meal that makes everybody go back for seconds. It’s the perfect comfort dish for winter nights, family dinners, or anytime you want to show off in the kitchen. Pair it with a little white rice, some cornbread, or even a hot biscuit, and you’ve got a meal that feels like home.
👉 If you haven’t yet, check out the full step-by-step video on my YouTube channel so you can see exactly how I make this gumbo come together.
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