Rich, smoky, and full of Southern comfort - this Keto Gumbo is everything you love about the classic Cajun dish, just without the flour-based roux. Tender chicken thighs, savory andouille sausage, and juicy shrimp simmer together in a flavorful Creole-style broth thickened naturally with okra. It's hearty, soul-warming, and completely keto-friendly!

Jump to:
When the temperatures start to drop and the rain won't stop, this is exactly the kind of meal to make - cozy, filling, and packed with bold flavor. Gumbo is one of those "everything in a pot" dishes that feels like home cooking at its best. It's rich like a stew, layered like a soup, and satisfying enough to be a full meal on its own.
Traditional Louisiana gumbo is known for its signature roux - a slow-cooked mixture of flour and fat that gives it depth and body. But this keto version achieves the same comforting flavor using okra instead of flour, keeping it low-carb while staying true to that classic, hearty taste.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Keto-friendly comfort food: All the richness of gumbo, none of the carbs.
- Packed with flavor: Chicken, sausage, shrimp, and Creole spices for bold taste in every bite.
- Naturally thickened: No roux or flour needed - okra adds the perfect texture.
- Hearty and filling: A one-pot meal that satisfies like a stew.
Keto Gumbo Roux (How to Thicken Without Flour)
Traditional gumbo is known for its rich, nutty roux - a mix of flour and fat cooked until dark brown. But to keep this dish low-carb, we skip the roux and use okra instead.
Okra naturally thickens the gumbo as it cooks, giving it that signature silky consistency. You can also use:
- Filé powder (ground sassafras leaves) - for an earthy, herbal touch.
- Xanthan gum - a simple keto thickener; start with ½ teaspoon and whisk it in at the end.
The best part? You can adjust this recipe to your taste - more bell pepper for sweetness, extra spice for heat, or swap out proteins depending on what you have on hand.
How to make Keto Gumbo (Step by Step)
First, gather your ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into ½-inch cubes
- ½ lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 lb shrimp, uncooked and peeled
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3-4 celery stalks, diced
- 1½ cups sliced okra (fresh or frozen)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2-3 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (optional)

Cook the chicken
Heat avocado oil in a large pot over high heat. Add chicken thighs and salt, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes, until lightly browned.

Sauté the aromatics
Add diced bell pepper, onion, garlic, and celery. Reduce heat to medium-high and cook until the vegetables soften, about 10 minutes.

Add sausage and simmer
Stir in sliced andouille sausage and cook for another 5 minutes to release its smoky flavor.

Build the base
Add crushed tomatoes, broth, Creole seasoning, and butter. Stir well, then lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to an hour to let the flavors deepen.
Add the shrimp
Stir in shrimp and cook for another 5 minutes, or until pink and fully cooked.

Thicken and finish
If you prefer a thicker gumbo, whisk in xanthan gum and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Serving Suggestions
This gumbo is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but it's also delicious served over:
- Riced cauliflower (for a keto-friendly option)
- White or jasmine rice (if you're not counting carbs)
Top it with fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until hot.

Keto Gumbo with Chicken, Andouille Sausage, Shrimp
This Keto Gumbo is made with Chicken, Andouille sausage, and Shrimp - and it's so delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into ½-inch cubes
- ½ lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 lb shrimp, uncooked and peeled
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3–4 celery stalks, diced
- 1½ cups sliced okra (fresh or frozen)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2–3 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (optional)
Instructions
- Cut your chicken thighs into ½ inch cubes. Pour the avocado oil into a large pot, turn the burner on high and let it heat up. After 2-3 minutes add your chicken thighs and salt. Stir and let it cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the bell pepper, onion, garlic and celery. Keep your burner on medium high and let the vegetables cook until soft, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the sausage and let everything cook another 5 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, broth, creole seasoning, and butter. Turn the burner down to low and let everything simmer for 45 minutes to an hour.
- Put the shrimp into the pot and let it cook for another 5 minutes.
- If you like your gumbo on the thicker side, whisk in the xanthum gum.
Notes
- Okra naturally thickens the gumbo — no roux needed!
- Filé powder (ground sassafras) can be added at the end for extra depth of flavor.
- To make it spicier, add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or extra Creole seasoning.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute olive oil for the butter.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 339.7Total Fat: 19.1gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.2gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 170.8mgSodium: 1682.1mgCarbohydrates: 12.2gNet Carbohydrates: 8.7gFiber: 3.4gSugar: 5.5gProtein: 28.9g
The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information.
More Keto Soups & Stews
If you love this hearty keto gumbo, you'll also enjoy these low-carb comfort food recipes:
Or explore my full roundup of 60+ Keto Soup Recipes for even more cozy meal ideas.
Pin for later!






Cheryl Malik says
This looks incredible. I love gumbo so much!
Erin says
Okra! We never had that growing up. I should try it. As well as this recipe!
Raia Todd says
Ooooh yes! I'm all about this! It's been too long since I've had gumbo, and this looks delicious!
Zuzana says
I have never tried Gumbo in my life. But this looks so good looking that I do have to make an effort and cook it
Stacey Crawford says
I love gumbo and I've never had low carb gumbo before and I'm super excited to try it.
Heather@EasyKetoDishes says
Gumbo is one of those meals I rarely make time for, but I need to!!! Love that its keto friendly!
Heather H says
Man I would love to eat with some warm hearty bread! The flavors of this are just amazing!
linda spiker says
Love the step by step. Thanks!
ChihYu says
I love gumbo and love this even more because it's delicious, easy to make and keto friendly!
Jean Choi says
LOVE gumbo and this look so comforting! Can't wait to try it.
Don Baiocchi says
Nothing better than flavorful comfort food!