Gumbo is a rich and flavorful comfort food, so chances are gumbo is already on your list! This classic Southern dish is a hearty, spicy stew packed with spices, meats, and veggies. When you’re craving something hot but confused about avoiding gluten, you won’t have to wonder because you can now enjoy a delicious bowl of gumbo! With just a little tweaking, you can make a gluten-free version that tastes just like the original.
We are here to share a simple, gluten-free gumbo recipe that’s over the top in flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re trying gumbo for the first time or you’ve already tried it, you’re sure to love it — even after going gluten-free, the smoky and savory flavors will remain intact!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless, skinless), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb smoked sausage (andouille sausage works great, but any smoked sausage will do), sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional—add more or less depending on your heat tolerance)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 6 cups gluten-free chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup okra, sliced (optional, but adds great texture)
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 2 tablespoons rice flour (or cornstarch)
- 2 cups cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions:
- Let’s start by making the roux, which is the base of the gumbo. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a pot. Slowly whisk in the rice flour, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Keep stirring and cook for about 5-8 minutes until the roux turns a golden-brown color.
- Now, add the chicken and sausage to the pot. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once the meat is browned, take it out of the pot and set it aside.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic in the same pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until the veggies soften and get fragrant. This mix of onion, pepper, and celery (known as the “holy trinity”) is the foundation of many Southern dishes, including gumbo.
- Now, stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Let everything cook for another 2 minutes so the spices can release their flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to make sure you scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Bring the broth to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Now, If you’re using okra, add it to the pot now. Okra helps thicken the gumbo and adds a nice texture. Add the cooked chicken and sausage back in and let everything simmer for another 10 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Time to taste the gumbo and add more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper if needed. If you want a bit of extra heat, add some hot sauce or more cayenne. If you like a thicker gumbo, mix 1 tablespoon of rice flour with a little water to create a slurry and stir it into the pot.
- Serve the gumbo over a bowl of freshly cooked rice. The rice helps soak up all the amazing broth, making each bite extra satisfying. Enjoy!
This gluten-free gumbo recipe gives you rich flavors without the gluten and it is Packed with tender chicken, smoky sausage, and a flavorful, spicy broth, it’s a dish that will fill you up and leave you craving more. Plus, you can customize—whether you want to add more spice or swap out the meat, you can make it your own. If you liked this recipe, be sure to follow for more delicious gluten-free meals, tips, and food inspiration!
Enjoy this crispy oven-baked tofu recipe for a healthy, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for any occasion. For more easy and delicious recipes, check out Healthy Recipes Zone!