Miley “This hearty dish is one of those slow cooker meals that never disappoints. I tried it on a chilly evening when I wanted something rich and flavorful but easy enough to let the Crock Pot do all the work!”
Crock Pot Chicken and Sausage Gumbo. Also known as the ultimate cozy comfort dinner because it’s warm, bold, and full of deep flavor. Plus, it fills the kitchen with the best smell while it cooks 😉 Let’s dig in…
This slow-cooked gumbo is one of those recipes I always go back to. It’s packed with tender chicken, smoky sausage, and a rich, savory broth that feels like pure Southern comfort. The flavors blend beautifully as it simmers, and every bite hits that perfect balance of spice and warmth. I know you’ll love making it as much as eating it!
- Generous Capacity: 7-quart slow cooker that comfortably serves 9+ people or fits a 7-pound roast
- Cooking Flexibility: High or low slow cooking settings, with convenient warm function for ideal serving temperature
- Convenient: Set it and forget it feature enables you to cook while at work or performing daily tasks
- Cooking Capacity: Prepares food for over 10 people, making it a holiday dinner hosting essential.
- Digital Timer: Counts down cooking time up to 20 hours for easy monitoring.
- Auto Warm: Automatically keeps food warm after cooking for optimal serving temperature.
- Spacious 7-quart manual slow cooker serves 8+ people or fits a 6-lb. roast
- Set cooking time to high and get a hot meal in no time or set it on low and tonight’s dinner can cook while you’re at wo…
- Keep food at an ideal serving temperature for as long as you need to with the convenient warm setting
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This slow-cooked gumbo is comfort food at its best.
Rich and flavorful: The roux builds a deep base that makes every spoonful full of warmth and spice.
Easy to make: The Crock Pot does most of the work while you go about your day.
Perfect for sharing: It feeds a crowd and tastes even better the next day.
Flexible ingredients: Works great with shrimp, okra, or extra sausage if you like.
Authentic flavor: Classic Cajun spices give it that real Southern kick.
Freezer-friendly: Stores beautifully for those nights you crave a quick, comforting meal.
Ingredients
For the Gumbo:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (add more to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Roux:
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup sliced okra
- Hot sauce for serving
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
- Cooked white rice for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Roux
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, until it turns a deep golden brown color. This takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Be patient, the roux gives the gumbo its signature flavor and rich color.
2. Combine Everything in the Crock Pot
Add the chicken, sausage, peppers, onion, celery, garlic, tomatoes, and seasonings to your slow cooker. Pour in the broth and stir in the roux until everything is well mixed. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the flavors come together beautifully.
3. Adjust and Finish
Before serving, taste the gumbo and adjust the salt, pepper, or spice level. If you’re adding okra, stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking so it stays tender but not mushy.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the gumbo over warm rice and top with chopped parsley or green onions. A splash of hot sauce gives it a nice extra kick. The broth thickens slightly as it cools, making leftovers even better the next day.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor: Brown the sausage before adding it to the Crock Pot. It adds a smoky layer that really stands out.
- Spice level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning or add cayenne if you like it hotter.
- Make it your own: Add shrimp in the last 15 minutes for a seafood twist.
- Thicker gumbo: Stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water at the end.
- Meal prep magic: Freeze leftovers in single portions for quick dinners.
A trick I love is saving a bit of cooked rice separately. When reheating leftovers, I add fresh rice instead of mixing it all together so every bowl tastes freshly made.
Serving Suggestions
Crock Pot Chicken and Sausage Gumbo is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Serve it over fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up all that savory sauce. A side of buttery cornbread or crusty French bread pairs perfectly to scoop up every last bit.
When I make this for friends, I like to set up a little toppings bar with hot sauce, green onions, and parsley. Everyone gets to make their bowl just the way they like it, and it turns dinner into something fun and cozy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just add it in during the last hour of cooking so it stays tender and doesn’t fall apart.
How spicy is this gumbo?
It’s mildly spicy with Cajun seasoning, but you can tone it down or add more heat as you like.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. Gumbo tastes even better the next day once the flavors blend. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight and reheat on the stove or in a slow cooker.
Do I have to make the roux?
You can skip it, but it really adds depth and that traditional gumbo texture. It’s worth the few extra minutes.
What sausage works best?
Smoked andouille sausage is classic, but any smoked sausage works fine if that’s what you have.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Chicken and Sausage Gumbo is the kind of recipe that reminds me why slow cookers are magic. It fills the kitchen with warmth, brings bold Cajun flavor, and somehow feels both hearty and cozy at the same time.
I love that it fits any occasion, an easy weeknight dinner or a big family meal. Once that first spoonful hits the table, it’s pure comfort. Every bite feels like a little taste of the South, and that’s what keeps me making it again and again.
Crock Pot Chicken and Sausage Gumbo – Hearty Southern Comfort in a Bowl
Ingredients
For the Gumbo:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 12 oz smoked sausage sliced
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 onion diced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning add more to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Roux:
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup sliced okra
- Hot sauce for serving
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
- Cooked white rice for serving
Instructions
- Make a roux with butter and flour until golden brown.
- Add chicken, sausage, vegetables, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings to the Crock Pot.
- Stir in the roux and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Serve over rice with parsley and hot sauce.
