By

Wendy Stoltz,

Hristina Polk / Last Modified On November 25, 2024

Craving something bold, hearty, and full of flavor? This gluten-free gumbo is just what you need. Packed with shrimp, chicken, sausage, and all the classic Cajun spices, it’s a dish that delivers on taste in every spoonful. Whether you’re a fan of Southern comfort food or simply looking for a satisfying, gluten-free dinner, this gumbo checks all the boxes. It’s the kind of meal that not only fills you up but leaves you wanting more — perfect for those nights when you need something both comforting and delicious.

Get ready to go back for seconds (or even thirds)!

If you love delicious comfort food like this gluten-free gumbo, take a look at my seafood gumbo. It's very similar to this recipe but doesn't include any chicken or sausage. I've also updated that recipe with a new video. And if you're looking for something nourishing, try this gluten-free chicken noodle soup recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and bursting with fresh ingredients.

Gluten-Free Gumbo Recipe

Gumbo is a classic New Orleans dish known for its delicious flavors. It is a hearty and rich stew with a thickened sauce. This recipe will teach you how to make a roux, which is the foundation of a good gumbo. GF gumbo is not the type of dish you rush. It is best made when you have an hour for it to simmer. The simmering part is when all the seasoning and ingredients combine to form a magical taste. Follow along with my step-by-step instructions and you'll be enjoying this dish soon.

Why You’re Going to Love This Gluten-Free Gumbo

This gluten-free gumbo recipe is packed with classic New Orleans flavors. That means smoky richness of andouille sausage, robust shrimp, and tender chicken. Every bite celebrates Cajun and Creole cuisine.

The gumbo has a perfect balance of spice, savory depth, and freshness. And the gluten-free flour ensures you can enjoy this iconic dish without any compromises, keeping the authenticity of the gumbo while catering to dietary needs. Whether you’re familiar with gumbo or new to it, this version delivers the true essence of the Big Easy’s culinary magic — just without the gluten.

There's something deeply satisfying about a warm bowl of gumbo, especially after a long, hectic day. The comforting flavors wrap me up like a cozy blanket and fill me with contentment and nostalgia. It’s the kind of meal that not only nourishes the body but also the soul.

And since the sauce is so deliciously rich and flavorful, absolutely perfect for dipping. A side of freshly baked cornbread would be the ideal accompaniment, made to soak up every last drop of that velvety broth. If you're anything like me, you'll be reaching for that cornbread to savor the savory goodness. It's the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients in Gluten-free Gumbo

The foundation of this gluten-free gumbo recipe is built on a combination of protein, vegetables, and a rich, flavorful base. For the protein, chicken breast, andouille sausage, and shrimp provide a savory mix of flavors, while the vegetables — including red and orange bell peppers, diced tomatoes, and okra — add vibrant color and essential nutrients. Okra is particularly important, as it helps thicken the sauce, giving the gumbo its signature hearty texture.

The dish is seasoned simply with salt, black pepper, and a mix of aromatic herbs and spices, such as bay leaves, celery, garlic, Cajun seasoning, and thyme. These ingredients, along with a bit of cubed butter, bring out deep, comforting flavors, while a touch of tomato paste and chicken broth add richness and depth to the sauce.

The gluten-free gumbo is thickened with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, ensuring that it remains light and gluten-free without sacrificing the dish's traditional creamy consistency. To help with the thickening process, a slurry made from more gluten-free flour and water is incorporated later, enhancing the gumbo's texture without compromising its flavor.

Served over a bed of white rice, the dish is finished with chopped green onions for a fresh, crisp garnish. This gumbo offers a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and a flavorful, thickened broth, making it a comforting and satisfying gluten-free version of a Southern classic.

Equipment Needed for This Gluten-Free Gumbo

Whisk - I like to use a stainless-steel whisk.

Large pot - I like to use a large pot to simmer the GF gumbo in. 

Skillet - This non-stick skillet is great for frying up the ingredients. I also love cooking with cast iron. If you have a gas range, cast iron is such a good way to cook the sausage, chicken, and shrimp in this recipe.

If you have any questions about making gluten-free gumbo, please leave a comment and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

How to Make Gluten-Free Gumbo

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the avocado oil and when it is hot but not smoking add the chicken. Season with salt and pepper and cook until it is cooked through. Add the andouille sausage. Cook for a few minutes on each side until cooked through and slightly charred. Transfer to a plate.
2. Heat a medium skillet to medium heat and drizzle with avocado oil. Add the onion, bell peppers, okra, and celery. Stir to combine and cook for a few minutes or until the onions are translucent and the peppers are tender. Add the garlic and cook for a few more minutes.
3. To make the roux, keep the pot hot and add the butter. Melt entirely and add the flour. Whisk until well combined. Cook for a few minutes, often stirring until the mixture is a rich color. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
4. Add the veggie mix to the roux. Stir to combine everything and cook for a few minutes.
5. Add the Cajun seasoning, thyme, and tomato paste. Stir to combine everything.
6. Return the chicken and andouille sausage to the pan. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the mix. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium to simmer for about an hour.
7. After an hour, add the shrimp and cook for an additional several minutes until the shrimp soaks some of the flavors.
8. To make the slurry which will thicken the gumbo combine the gluten-free flour and water in a mixing bowl. Whisk well until it is well combined and there are no lumps.
9. Add to the pot and stir. It will thicken almost right away. Turn the heat off and serve over rice with some green onions.

For the complete list of ingredients and instructions in gluten-free gumbo, please see the complete recipe below.

Tips For Making The Best Gluten-free Gumbo

Thicken your GF gumbo - Make sure the slurry is well combined and there are no lumps. This will make a nice thick sauce.

Use the specified flour.- The gluten-free 1:1 flour works to make the roux which is pivotal to a great gumbo. Flours like rice flour, soy flour, chickpea flour, and almond flour don't work for the roux.

Let it simmer - The magic happens when you allow the gumbo to simmer for an hour.

And if you love New Orleans cuisine, try baking a special Gluten-Free King Cake for dessert. It's another classic (and a family favorite).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Gumbo With Only Seafood?

Yes, I have a great recipe for seafood gumbo. Here's the video with all the steps on YouTube. You'll notice it's very similar to this traditional gumbo recipe, and both only use gluten-free ingredients.

Is Gumbo Normally Gluten-free?

No, it is not usually gluten-free. It contains gluten from wheat flour and beef bouillon. Wheat flour has gluten in it and beef bouillon has soy. Always read the ingredient labels of the foods you buy.

How Do I Store Gluten-free Gumbo?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. 

Can I Freeze Gluten-free Gumbo?

Yes, you can freeze GF gumbo for up to 3 months.

Can You Make This Gluten-free Gumbo Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can. It lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Alternatively, freeze it if you intend on eating it much later.

What Substitutions / Replacements Can I Make in This Gluten-free Gumbo?

Sausage - You can use another type of smoked sausage.

Chicken - If you are in a rush, rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey works well too.

Bay leaves - These can be omitted but is recommended. They're not a deal breaker if you don't have them on hand.

How Do You Thicken Gluten-free Gumbo?

The okra and the roux are the ingredients that thicken the GF Gumbo. 

How Do You Serve Gluten-free Gumbo?

Most sides work with this gluten-free gumbo, but our favorites are:

• Gluten-free cornbread - To soak up all the sauce.
• Rice - Any type of plain rice works well.
• Gluten-free coleslaw - The coleslaw complements the flavors of the GF gumbo.
• Bread - Any bread that soaks up sauce will work.

Continue to Content

Yield: 8 servings

Gluten-Free Gumbo

Print

This gluten-free gumbo is going to satisfy your taste buds! Bursting with flavor, filled with shrimp, chicken, sausage and Cajun flavors you'll love. This gumbo recipe is comfort food at its best!

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 lb Chicken Breast, cubed
• 12 oz Andouille Sausage, sliced
• 2 tsp Salt
• 2 tsp Black Pepper
• ½ Cup Butter, cubed
• ½ Cup 1:1 GC Flour
• 1 Large Onion, chopped
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, cubed
• 1 Orange Bell Pepper, cubed
• ½ Cup Celery, chopped
• ½ Cup Okra, chopped
• 2 tbsp Garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
• 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme
• 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 4 Cups Chicken Broth
• 1 Can (15 oz) Diced Tomato
• 3 Bay Leaves
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 lb Shrimp, cleaned and cooked

For the slurry (to thicken):

• ¼ Cup 1:1 GF Flour
• ¾ Cups Water

For garnish:

• White Rice
• Green Onions, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the avocado oil and when it is hot but not smoking add the chicken. Season with salt and pepper and cook until it is cooked through. Add the andouille sausage. Cook for a few minutes on each side until cooked through and slightly charred. Transfer to a plate.
2. Heat a medium skillet to medium heat and drizzle with avocado oil. Add the onion, bell peppers, okra, and celery. Stir to combine and cook for a few minutes or until the onions are translucent and the peppers are tender. Add the garlic and cook for a few more minutes.
3. To make the roux, keep the pot hot and add the butter. Melt entirely and add the flour. Whisk until well combined. Cook for a few minutes, often stirring until the mixture is a rich color. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
4. Add the veggie mix to the roux. Stir to combine everything and cook for a few minutes.
5. Add the Cajun seasoning, thyme, and tomato paste. Stir to combine everything.
6. Return the chicken and andouille sausage to the pan. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the mix. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium to simmer for about an hour.
7. After an hour, add the shrimp and cook for an additional several minutes until the shrimp soaks some of the flavors.
8. To make the slurry which will thicken the gumbo combine the gluten-free flour and water in a mixing bowl. Whisk well until it is well combined and there are no lumps.
9. Add to the pot and stir. It will thicken almost right away. Turn the heat off and serve over rice with some green onions.

Notes

• Make sure the slurry is well combined and there are no lumps. This will make a nice thick sauce.
• If you're in a hurry, you can shred up a rotisserie chicken.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. They never cost you extra.

• 
  Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet
• 
  KitchenAid Classic Utility Whisk
• 
  Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 517Total Fat: 29gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 227mgSodium: 2779mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 40g

This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands used at the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.

Did you make this gluten-free gumbo recipe? Please leave me a comment below letting me know what you thought. And check out all of my recipes at Gluten-Free Palate.