Slow-Cooker Freezer-Pack Gumbo

  • Level: Easy
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings
  • Total: 8 hr (plus freezing and overnight defrosting)
  • Active: 15 min
This shortcut gumbo eliminates the tricky step of cooking a roux for thickener. Instead, a small amount of rice cooked low and slow gives the stew just the right amount of body, while okra provides a layer of richness. With a bag of prepped ingredients in your freezer ready to go, you can serve this Southern crowd-favorite even on a weeknight.
Advertisement

Ingredients

1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces

1 pound andouille sausage, thinly sliced

1 large onion, chopped into 3/4-inch pieces

1 green bell pepper, cut into 3/4-inch pieces

2 stalks celery, cut crosswise into 3/4-inch pieces

One 16-ounce bag frozen sliced okra 

1/4 cup long-grain white rice

3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

One 28-ounce can diced tomatoes

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Hot sauce and crusty bread, for serving

Directions

  1. Layer the chicken, sausage, onion, bell pepper, celery, okra, rice, and Cajun seasoning into a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the diced tomatoes over the ingredients in the bag. Add 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Squeeze out the air from the bag and seal. Freeze until ready to use, up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before cooking.
  2. Pour the contents of the bag into a 6-quart slow cooker. Add 1 cup water. Cook on low until the chicken is tender and the flavors meld, 6 to 8 hours. Season with salt. Serve with hot sauce and bread.

Let's Get Cooking!

Sign up for the Recipe of the Day newsletter to receive editor-picked recipes,tips and videos delivered to your inbox daily. Privacy Policy

Thanks for subscribing to the Recipe of the Day newsletter. Check out all our other great newsletters from Easy Recipes, Healthy Eating Ideas and Chef Recipe Videos.

We're sorry, there was an error signing you up. Please try again later.

Advertisement

Emily Keltner

A great crockpot meal and leftovers are just as good! I added some garlic and onion powder and a little bit extra of salt and pepper and it was honestly perfect!

See All Reviews