Spicy Cajun Gumbo with Andouille Sausage and Okra

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty Louisiana-style gumbo combining smoky andouille sausage, tender chicken, fresh okra, and a deep, flavorful roux-based broth. This southern-inspired soups ready in about 80 minutes pairs andouille sausage, sliced, vegetable oil, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large heavy pot over medium heat, whisk together 1/4 cup vegetable oil and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour to form a roux. Stir constantly for 10-15 minutes until the mixture turns a dark brown color, similar to chocolate, and smells nutty.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large diced onion, 1 medium diced green bell pepper, 2 diced celery stalks, and 4 minced garlic cloves to the roux. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 8 oz sliced andouille sausage and 1 lb boneless chicken thigh pieces. Cook for 5 minutes until sausage browns and chicken begins to firm.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes and 4 cups chicken broth, stirring to combine.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 cup sliced fresh okra, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 2 bay leaves. Bring the gumbo to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Step 7: Serve gumbo hot over 1 cup cooked white rice per serving, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped green onions and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Cajun Gumbo with Andouille Sausage and Okra take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spicy Cajun Gumbo with Andouille Sausage and Okra?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep andouille sausage, sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Cajun Gumbo with Andouille Sausage and Okra?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spicy Cajun Gumbo with Andouille Sausage and Okra for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spicy Cajun Gumbo with Andouille Sausage and Okra?

Southern soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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