Instant Pot Louisiana Gumbo with Chicken and Shrimp

This Instant Pot Louisiana Gumbo with Chicken and Shrimp brings bold New Orleans flavors right to your kitchen with ease. Combining tender chicken, spicy sausage, and fresh shrimp in a rich, flavorful broth, it’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out. Using the Instant Pot makes it possible to capture those deep, slow-cooked flavors in just about an hour, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend family meals.

I first made this gumbo for a family gathering, and it instantly became a favorite—everyone loved how the shrimp stayed juicy and the sauce was perfectly thickened. The convenience means I now make it regularly when I want that authentic Cajun taste without the long cook time.

Ingredients

• Skinless chicken breasts: for tender, lean protein
• Chicken sausage: adds smoky richness and classic Cajun flavor
• Long grain white rice: to serve with the gumbo and soak up all the savory broth
• Butter: for making the roux which thickens the gumbo and builds deep flavor choose unsalted for better control
• Chicken broth: as a flavorful base that brings it all together
• Green peppers, celery, and onions: make up the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking providing aromatic foundation
• Raw shrimp: added at the end to keep them tender and juicy
• Traditional Cajun spices including cayenne and Creole seasoning: for authentic heat and complexity fresher spices always mean better flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Chicken Sausage:

Cook the sliced chicken sausage in a bit of olive oil over medium heat until browned on all sides and fragrant. This step renders the fat and brings out smoky flavors. Remove and set aside to add back later.

Make the Roux:

Add butter to the Instant Pot on sauté mode and melt fully. Gradually sprinkle in flour while stirring constantly. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it reaches a dark brown color reminiscent of chocolate without burning. This slow toasted roux is key for the gumbo’s depth.

Sauté the Aromatics:

Add chopped onions, green peppers, celery, and minced garlic to the roux. Stir and cook until the vegetables soften and release their aroma about 5 to 7 minutes. This builds a rich flavor base.

Add Liquids and Seasonings:

Pour in chicken broth and water along with diced tomatoes if using, sliced okra, and the raw chicken breasts. Sprinkle in Cajun spices, add a bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to combine.

Pressure Cook:

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. This cooks the chicken fully and melds all the spices into a thick, flavorful broth. Allow the pressure to release naturally so flavors continue to develop.

Add Shrimp and Finish:

Open the pot and stir in the raw shrimp. The residual heat will cook the shrimp gently until they turn pink and tender without overcooking them. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Serve:

Serve over fluffy cooked long grain rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

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My favorite part of this recipe is the roux. I learned the hard way not to rush it because that slow color and flavor development makes all the difference. Sharing this gumbo with my family became a tradition, especially on chilly evenings when everyone craves that warm, spicy hug in a bowl.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Gumbo flavors tend to deepen after a day. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up and warm gently over medium heat. This keeps the shrimp tender. For longer storage, freeze portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken sausage can be replaced with Andouille sausage for a more traditional Cajun bite or smoked sausage for a milder option
If you do not have okra, try sliced zucchini or frozen green beans to add vegetable texture
Use low sodium chicken broth to control salt levels especially if your sausage and seasoning blends are salty
Shrimp can be swapped for crab meat or omitted for a simpler chicken and sausage gumbo

Serving Suggestions

Serve your gumbo over hot cooked rice to soak up every bit of the savory broth
A side of crusty French bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up juices
Chopped green onions and fresh parsley sprinkled on top add freshness and color
Pair with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness

Cultural Context

Gumbo is a beloved Creole and Cajun dish from Louisiana, known for combining French, African, Native American, and Spanish culinary influences. The use of a dark roux, the “holy trinity” of vegetables, and abundant spices reflects this rich cultural tapestry. Traditionally cooked slowly over a long period, the Instant Pot brings this treasured recipe into modern kitchens with remarkable speed without losing authenticity.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is the best way to brown the sausage for this dish?

Slice the chicken sausage and sauté it in olive oil over medium heat until it develops a nice golden-brown crust, which adds depth to the gumbo’s flavor.

→ How do I achieve a rich roux for the gumbo?

Cook the butter and flour slowly over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture turns a deep brown color without burning, which brings a nutty flavor to the dish.

→ Can I substitute the green peppers and celery with other vegetables?

Yes, bell peppers and celery provide classic texture and flavor, but you can experiment with okra or carrots for slight variations while maintaining the dish’s essence.

→ When should the shrimp be added for optimal texture?

Add the raw shrimp after pressure cooking; allow it to cook gently in the residual heat to keep it tender and prevent overcooking.

→ What type of rice pairs well with this gumbo?

Light, fluffy long-grain white rice is ideal as it soaks up the flavorful broth without overpowering the dish.