Craving a warm, comforting bowl of deliciousness? Look no further than this easy crock-pot chicken and sausage gumbo recipe! This healthy and flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a quick dinner idea without sacrificing taste or quality. Homemade cooking doesn’t get much easier than this, and the results are incredibly rewarding. Get ready to experience the best recipes for a truly satisfying meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound Andouille sausage, sliced (or your favorite smoked sausage)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
-
Sauté the Vegetables and Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. This step builds a rich flavor base for your gumbo.
-
Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and develops a nice texture.
-
Combine Ingredients in the Crock-Pot: Transfer the sausage, chicken, and vegetable mixture to your slow cooker. Stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, thyme, oregano, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and bay leaf. Ensure everything is well combined.
-
Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded beautifully. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes.
-
Stir in Rice: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the rice. Allow it to cook until tender and fully absorbed into the gumbo’s delicious broth.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the gumbo into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
Cooking Tips for the Best Gumbo:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preference. Start with less and add more if you like it spicier. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Sausage Selection: Andouille sausage is traditional, but you can experiment with other smoked sausages like kielbasa or chorizo.
- Thicken the Gumbo: If you prefer a thicker gumbo, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Make it Ahead: This gumbo tastes even better the next day! It’s a perfect make-ahead dish for meal prepping or entertaining.
Variations:
- Seafood Gumbo: Add 1 pound of shrimp or crawfish during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Vegetarian Gumbo: Omit the sausage and chicken and add 1 cup of chopped mushrooms and 1 cup of cooked black beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Spicy Gumbo: Increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Around 30-35g
- Fat: Around 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Around 25-30g
This easy crock-pot chicken and sausage gumbo is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Enjoy this simple recipe, and remember to share your culinary creations with us!