This Crock Pot Chicken Gumbo is a bold and hearty recipe, which includes chicken thighs and Andouille sausage. It’s a no-fuss take on the classic, ready in about 8 hours and 20 minutes.
Crock Pot Chicken Gumbo Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes, or 3 large tomatoes (peeled and seeded)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces Andouille sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 cups sliced fresh or frozen okra
- 2 cups diced celery
- 2 cups diced green bell peppers
- 1/2 cup long grain brown rice
- 1 tablespoon rubbed sage
- 2 tablespoons chopped garlic (about 4 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon dry thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon gumbo filé
- Tabasco sauce, for serving

How To Make Crock Pot Chicken Gumbo
- Brown the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Brown the chicken thighs for 2–4 minutes per side, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add the base ingredients: Crush the canned tomatoes by hand into the slow cooker. Add all remaining liquid from the can.
- Add the vegetables and seasoning: Add onion, rosemary, broth, sausage, okra, celery, bell peppers, rice, sage, garlic, thyme, and salt.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours, undisturbed.
- Finish the gumbo: Remove the rosemary sprig. Stir in the gumbo filé to thicken and add flavor.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve hot with a dash of Tabasco.

Recipe Tips
- Can I use frozen okra?
Yes, frozen okra works well and saves prep time. - How to peel and seed fresh tomatoes:
Boil tomatoes for 40 seconds to 2 minutes, transfer to an ice bath, remove skins, and deseed over a mesh sieve to catch juices. - What does gumbo filé do?
It thickens the gumbo and adds a unique earthy flavor. Add it at the end of cooking. - Can I use chicken breast instead?
Yes, but thighs are more flavorful and stay moist in the slow cooker. - Is this recipe spicy?
The spice comes mostly from the sausage and Tabasco. Add extra for more heat.
What To Serve With Chicken Gumbo
This gumbo is satisfying on its own, but great with Southern-style sides:
- White or brown rice
- Cornbread or biscuits
- Simple green salad
- Steamed collard greens
- Pickled okra or hot sauce on the side

How To Store Chicken Gumbo
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
Chicken Gumbo Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 356 kcal
- Fat: ~14g
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Protein: ~25g
- Fiber: ~5g
- Sodium: ~800mg
- Sugar: ~5g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
What can I substitute for gumbo filé?
You can skip it or use a roux as an alternative thickener, though the flavor will differ.
Can I add shrimp to this gumbo?
Yes, add raw shrimp during the last 30 minutes of cooking so they don’t overcook.
How do I make it gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free sausage and broth.
Why is my gumbo too thin?
Make sure to use gumbo filé or reduce the liquid slightly for a thicker consistency.
Can I cook this overnight?
Yes, on LOW for 8 hours, then stir in the filé in the morning.
Try More Recipes:
Crock Pot Chicken Gumbo
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings20
minutes8
hours356
kcalA bold, hearty gumbo made with tender chicken thighs, sausage, and classic Cajun vegetables—all slow-cooked to perfection.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb chicken thighs
1 (28 oz) can whole tomatoes
1 onion, diced
1 sprig rosemary
4 cups chicken broth
8 oz Andouille sausage, sliced
2 cups okra
2 cups celery, diced
2 cups green bell peppers, diced
1/2 cup brown rice
1 tbsp sage
2 tbsp garlic, chopped
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp gumbo filé
Tabasco, for serving
Directions
- Brown chicken in oil, 2–4 minutes per side. Transfer to slow cooker.
- Hand crush tomatoes into slow cooker. Add all liquid.
- Add onion, rosemary, broth, sausage, okra, celery, peppers, rice, sage, garlic, thyme, and salt.
- Cook on LOW 8 hrs or HIGH 4 hrs.
- Remove rosemary. Stir in gumbo filé.
- Serve with Tabasco.
