If you’ve ever dreamed of making a traditional gumbo but felt intimidated, this easy gumbo recipe is your perfect starting point. Bursting with rich Cajun flavors, tender chicken, smoky sausage, and fresh vegetables, this one-pot dish is hearty, comforting, and surprisingly simple to prepare. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or when you’re craving something soulful, this beginner gumbo recipe ensures you can enjoy authentic taste without the stress.

🍲 Easy Gumbo Recipe for Beginners
Description
Discover an easy gumbo recipe for beginners packed with chicken, sausage, and Cajun flavors. Step-by-step guide with ingredients, instructions, nutrition, and FAQs.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Make the Roux
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Heat oil/butter in a large pot. Add flour and stir constantly over medium heat until it turns deep brown (15–20 minutes). This is the flavor base of gumbo.
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Add Vegetables (Holy Trinity)
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Stir in onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
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Add Meat
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Add sausage and chicken, stir until slightly browned.
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Season and Simmer
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Pour in chicken broth and tomatoes. Add bay leaves, Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes.
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Final Touches
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Remove bay leaves, stir in parsley and green onions.
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Serve
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Spoon gumbo over warm white rice and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 420kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Sodium 890mg38%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Protein 25g50%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
If you prefer seafood gumbo, add shrimp during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Adjust spice level with cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Gumbo tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.