Bold, rich, and packed with deep Southern flavor, this Instant Pot Louisiana Gumbo brings together tender chicken,
juicy shrimp, and a perfectly seasoned broth that tastes like it simmered all day long.
Thanks to the Instant Pot, you get that slow-cooked depth in a fraction of the time.
This is comfort food at its finest — hearty, warming, and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This gumbo captures everything that makes Louisiana cuisine legendary. The deep, nutty roux forms the base of the dish,
layered with the classic “Holy Trinity” of onion, bell pepper, and celery. Add smoky sausage, Cajun spices, tender chicken,
and sweet shrimp, and you have a bowl of pure Southern soul.
It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or whenever you crave something bold and comforting.
The flavors only get better the next day, making it excellent for leftovers too.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup smoked sausage, sliced (optional but traditional)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup sliced okra (fresh or frozen)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice for serving
- Fresh parsley and green onions for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Roux
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté (High). Add the oil and allow it to heat.
Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a deep golden brown.
This usually takes about 5–8 minutes. The darker the roux (without burning it), the richer the flavor.
2️⃣ Add the Holy Trinity
Add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Build the Flavor
Add the diced chicken, sliced sausage, tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning,
paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
Stir well and scrape the bottom to prevent sticking.
4️⃣ Pressure Cook
Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 10 minutes.
Once cooking time ends, allow a 10-minute natural release, then carefully release remaining pressure.
5️⃣ Add Shrimp and Okra
Switch back to Sauté mode. Stir in the shrimp and okra.
Cook for 3–5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed..
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Gumbo also freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge
and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Louisiana Gumbo delivers all the bold, comforting flavors of traditional gumbo
without spending hours in the kitchen. The rich roux, savory spices, tender chicken,
and juicy shrimp create a deeply satisfying dish that tastes like it came straight
from a Southern kitchen.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests,
this gumbo is guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection.