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Home » Recipes » Soups

Gluten-Free Chicken Gumbo Recipe

By Laura Fuentes Updated Nov 21, 2024

4.97 from 27 votes

Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here.

Everything you need to know about making gluten-free chicken gumbo, including how to thicken and add flavor to the gumbo roux.

Learn how to make hearty gluten-free chicken gumbo that tastes as good as the original without sacrificing the classic flavors of New Orleans.

From making a gluten-free roux, the base for this gumbo, to the seasonings, a video showing you how to make it step-by-step, and a printable recipe below.

After living in New Orleans for more than 20 years, I can say that I’ve perfected the art of making a roux and a good (simple) gumbo recipe.

two bowls of chicken gumbo with large blue pot in the background

Is Gumbo Normally Gluten-Free?

Traditional gumbo uses all-purpose flour for the roux, which disqualifies it for a gluten-free option. However, you can make an authentic and delicious gumbo roux by using a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour. 

It won’t change the flavor or consistency and requires no extra steps or additional ingredients. 

When my son and I had to go gluten-free, I knew I would have to find a way to make gumbo gluten-free. After all, we are right outside New Orleans and gumbo is a staple in my family’s meals.

Thanks to a bit of recipe testing and my favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour, the mission was accomplished. 

Gluten-Free Chicken Gumbo

This recipe for gluten-free chicken gumbo has the rich flavors and heartiness of the original recipe made with roasted chicken, aromatic vegetables, smoked sausage, and a roux-based broth that coats all the above.

The only thing missing? The gluten and that means everyone can enjoy a bowl or two!

This recipe is also great for beginners since the ingredients and method are basic, and there’s also a video you can watch and cook along with to make the best pot of gumbo, wherever you are.

Gluten-Free Gumbo Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make an authentic and gluten-free gumbo: 

  • vegetable oil: makes a rich, brown roux in under 25 minutes without burning. You can also use butter or lard. 
  • 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour: flour is a MUST for the roux. You need equal parts fat and flour. 
  • aromatic vegetables: chopped onions, bell pepper, and celery are known as the ‘holy trinity’ vegetables and are essential to the success of your gumbo.
  • garlic: adds more flavor. 
  • andouille or smoked sausage: andouille is a smoked pork sausage with Cajun seasonings, but you could also use whatever smoked sausage is available near you. While these ingredients can be omitted your gumbo won’t be as flavorful. 
  • shredded chicken: always start with cooked shredded chicken from a rotisserie chicken, breasts, or even roasted turkey leftovers. 
  • Cajun seasoning: a blend of spices and herbs that’s essential for gumbo. You can find it at the grocery store or on amazon. 
  • chicken broth: since this is a chicken gumbo, stick with chicken broth or stock. 
  • bay leaves: optional, but they do add flavor. 
  • gumbo file: a ground powder used to thicken and flavor the gumbo (near the spices or on amazon).
chicken gumbo ingredients in a large pot

The Gluten-Free Roux for Gumbo

The roux is the first step and most important element for perfect gumbo. It’s made with equal parts flour and fat, usually, a neutral oil or butter, whisked in a large cast-iron pot or stockpot over medium heat until the mixture reaches a copper brown color and smooth consistency.  

And just like traditional roux, you’ll need to watch it close and constantly until it browns and thickens. 

Yes, this takes some time, about 15 to 20 minutes, but you’ll get some killer shoulders, and once you take your first bite of this chicken and sausage gumbo, you’ll gladly grab the whisk again. 

I usually tune into a podcast or audiobook while whisking. It makes the process go by much faster. 

The Best Flour for Gluten-Free Roux

To make a gluten-free roux, you’ll need a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour. These mixes are perfect because it combines grain and starch and usually a binder to act as the “gluten” and help the roux do its job in thickening gumbo. 

Below is a list of gluten-free flours I’ve tested this recipe with:

  • Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten-free Flour Mix
  • King Arthur Measure for Measure Flour Mix
  • Namaste Perfect Flour Blend
  • Pamela’s All-Purpose Flour Blend
  • King Arthur All-Purpose Baking Mix
a large ladle of chicken gumbo being lifted out of the pot

Gluten-Free Flour Not to Use

I strongly advise against using other gluten-free or grain-free flours such as rice and almond flour for this recipe. Rice flour is a grain and has a grainy texture, and by itself won’t bind with the oil or thicken. 

On the other hand, almond flour is too high in fat, has no starch, and when mixed with oil you’ll essentially be making coarse almond butter. Do not use:

  • rice flour
  • soy flour
  • chickpea flour
  • almond flour
  • cornmeal or corn starch
  • coconut flour
  • cassava flour
  • amaranth flour

While some gluten-free flour mixes include the above flours, I do not recommend using any of these stand-alone. A mix works because it combines the grain + starch in the proper ratio for it to perform nearly identically as traditional flour. 

How to Make Gluten-Free Gumbo

Making a gluten-free gumbo goes the same as regular gumbo, the only difference being the gluten-free flour. 

  1. Make a roux
    In a large Dutch oven or pot, combine the oil and flour. Using a whisk, stir slowly and constantly over medium heat for 15 to 25 minutes or until the roux has thickened and has a copper brown color. 
    *Use the biggest cast-iron pot or soup pot you’ve got! 
  2. Add the veggies
    Once the roux is cooked, add in the bell peppers, onion, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until the veggies have softened and are fragrant. 
  3. Add the meat and seasonings
    Add the sausage, shredded chicken, and seasonings to the veggies making sure to stir everything so they get coated in the roux. 
    Pour in the broth, stir, and add the bay leaves. Stir until the roux is incorporated into the broth. 
  4. Simmer
    Bring the heat to medium-high and bring the gumbo to a boil before reducing the heat to low. Cover with a lid and simmer for 2 hours (if you’re short on time, 1-hour minimum).
  5. Grab that jar of filé
    Turn off the heat and skim off any fat that rises to the surface. With the heat off, stir in the filé powder. 
  6. Dish up
    Scoop some cooked rice into your bowl and top with a generous ladle of gluten-free gumbo. You’re going to love this! 

First time trying your hand a gluten-free gumb? Be sure to watch this video to see everything you need to know about roux colors and the entire process start-to-finish.

More Gluten-Free Soup Recipes here!

How to Thicken Gluten-Free Gumbo

Gluten-free gumbo is thickened by the roux (the base) and by adding gumbo filé at the end. Filé is a natural thickening agent made from sassafras leaves. It’s a staple ingredient in many Creole recipes, especially gumbo, that adds an earthy, rich flavor many people find enjoyable. 

It’s important to add the filé powder once the heat has been turned off. Otherwise, it will clump and give the entire dish a bitter flavor. 

You can even sprinkle additional file powder over your bowl of gumbo, just like you would use salt. 

Okra is also another method to thicken gumbo. You can add it along with the other aromatic vegetables, but I prefer to leave it out because I’m not a fan of the slimy texture. 

That being said, if you want to thicken gumbo, you can use either gumbo filé or okra, but not both, this would make the ‘broth’ slimy and too thick. 

large bowl of chicken sausage gumbo with rice

How to Serve Gluten-Free Gumbo

You can serve this gluten-free gumbo the way you would regular gumbo, over rice, or with a side of potato salad. And thankfully, both rice and potato salad are gluten-free options as well. Not ready to serve it just yet? Read up on everything you need to know about freezing gumbo here.

More Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Gumbo

What fats not to use for gluten-free gumbo roux
I don’t recommend coconut oil or olive oil which have lower smoke points.

In no way should you ever use margarine, it will be a disaster. 

The Best Fats for Roux
If you want to stick with oil, use a neutral option such as canola or vegetable oil. People also use lard, bacon fat, and butter in the deep south, but be warned, the butter will brown and cause the roux to burn if the heat is too high. 

And by the way, you will know when your roux is burnt, it smells like burnt toast instead of a nutty aroma. 

Gumbo Roux Color
The color of your roux depends on how long you cook it and whether you use oil or butter as your fat.

When you first begin whisking the flour a fat, the roux will go from a pale color to golden, light peanut butter, caramel, and eventually a copper brown. 

This can take a minimum of 20 and up to 35 minutes to achieve, depending on how well your burner convects heat, which shouldn’t be over medium-high or medium if using butter. 

All of that to say, you don’t need a dark roux for good gumbo- you can whisk and cook until it reaches a rich caramel color. Gumbo made from this roux won’t be as thick, but it’s still flavorful and worth the work.

What texture should the roux have?
At first, the flour and oil will have a liquid consistency, but as you keep stirring, the flour will thicken, and the roux will reduce and thicken as it cooks. 

Gluten-Free Chicken Gumbo

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
Total Time: 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins
Everything you need to know about making gluten-free chicken gumbo, including how to thicken and add flavor to the gumbo roux.
4.97 from 27 votes
Print Pin

Watch how it’s made:

Ingredients

  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup onions, chopped
  • ½ cup celery, chopped
  • ½ cup green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound andouille or smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken meat, shredded
  • 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 64 oz chicken broth or stock
  • 3 leaves bay
  • 1 tablespoon file powder, recommended
  • Rice for serving

Instructions

Make the roux:

  • Combine the oil and flour in a large pot over medium heat (use a cast-iron one if you have it). Stirring slowly and constantly for 15 to 25 minutes, until the roux is a copper brown color, chocolate-like, and it has thickened.

Sauté:

  • Add the onions, celery, bell peppers, and garlic and continue to stir for 4 to 5 minutes, until they’ve softened.
  • Add the sausage and chicken, and stir to combine. Add the seasoning and continue to fold until everything is well combined.

Add the liquid and cook:

  • Add the broth or stock and the bay leaves and slowly mix to combine, making sure the roux incorporates itself into the liquid.
  • Turn up the heat to medium-high, bring the gumbo to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, for 2 hours.

Final step:

  • Before serving, turn off the heat. Skim off any fat that rises to the surface and discard it. Stir in file powder for flavor and thickening, if using. Remove the bay leaves and serve over rice.

Equipment

Filé powder
small container of cajun seasoning
Cajun seasoning
Bob’s Red Mill Flour
lodge cast iron pot 5q blue enamel
5qt Enameled Pot

Nutrition

Serving: 1 bowl | Calories: 507kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 619mg | Potassium: 579mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 768IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 3mg

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Comments

    4.97 from 27 votes (21 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Annie says

    May 05, 2025 at 8:13 am

    5 stars
    Thank you! I am craving my MeMaw’s gumbo and am having to research how to make it gluten free!

    Reply
  2. Charlene Sanders says

    September 09, 2024 at 9:55 pm

    5 stars
    Amazing recipe. I doubled the recipe and cooked 2 small whole organic chickens seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper in an Instapot with a tablespoon of gluten free Minors chicken base and 2 cups of water, some celery and onions, and used your recipe for the gumbo (with “Cup 4 Cup“ brand gf flour, Organic Sunflower Oil, and I added 1 1/2 tablespoons of hot jalapeño ketchup (my mom’s secret gumbo ingredient), and 12 ounces of good quality sliced andouille sausage) and it was the best gumbo I have ever made, with gluten or gluten free (I am half Cajun, so I have made a lot of gumbo!). Thank you for posting this!

    Reply
  3. Lisa says

    April 29, 2024 at 6:51 am

    5 stars
    Thank you for the recipe. My husband and I have made it three times now and love it! Can you please share the ounces/grams of the serving size?

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes says

      May 09, 2024 at 12:27 pm

      Thank you for sharing that you enjoyed this gumbo recipe. The serving size is based on 8 servings or 8 generous bowls.

      Reply
  4. Rudy says

    January 02, 2024 at 12:46 pm

    5 stars
    I combined parts of your recipe with another, and adapted it to the Instant Pot. I’m still experimenting with ingredients and cooking times but feel as though I’m getting close to the final results.

    One tip I wanted to pass along is that we have to watch fat content in the house, so rather than make roux with oil, I found that the flour can be “roasted” in the oven at 425° until it turns a cinnamon color. From there, whisk in the chicken broth/stock (or water), to create the roux mixture, then add to the pot. The oil was the one thing holding me up from making this, and the toasted flour still gives the nutty flavor associated with gumbo.

    Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes says

      January 15, 2024 at 9:44 am

      Thank you for sharing how much you enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply
  5. Charles M. "Pop's" Zelbst says

    November 28, 2023 at 4:29 pm

    4 stars
    Hi Laura, great recipe, I do have some minor items for your attention. Your ingredients include 2 cloves of garlic, minced but your directions do not include it, I added it to the oil for almost 2 minutes before adding the onions, celery and bell pepper. The Nutrition table doesn’t identify the size of the serving, I figured 8 to 10 ounces. I have always used file powder as a thickening agent so I added it about 10 minutes before I turned off the heat. I also substituted left-over turkey and substituted cooked turkey sausage and cooked it for a little over an hour, turned out delicious. Thanks again!

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes says

      November 29, 2023 at 2:13 pm

      I’m so glad you enjoyed this gluten-free gumbo. Thanks for catching the garlic, it was in the post but not in the recipe card itself. I corrected it!

      Reply
  6. John says

    October 22, 2023 at 11:16 am

    The literal translation of Gumbo is Okra. So to leave it out is not making Gumbo.

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes says

      October 28, 2023 at 12:13 pm

      The word gumbo does come from the African root word that translates (literally) to Okra, yes. However, in New Orleans, traditionally, gumbos have been divided into two large categories—those thickened with okra and those thickened with filé. My recipe uses filé. The inclusion of okra in a gumbo is a personal preference.

      Reply
  7. Isabel says

    May 08, 2023 at 10:39 am

    5 stars
    Delicious, will make it again

    Reply

Hi! I'm Laura.
Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, mom of three, and the woman behind the world’s best pancakes—here to help you ditch the mealtime drama with recipes your family will actually eat.

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