A canvas of warm browns and deep reds from the spicy soup base, accented with bright green flecks of fresh herbs. Tender chunks of proteins, delicate slices of fennel, and hearty beans peek through the sauce, making the dish vibrant and appealing. Finished with a garnishing of fresh fennel fronds, the dish features a stunning contrast of colors and textures.

Slow Cooker Cajun Fennel Gumbo

Name: Slow Cooker Cajun Fennel Gumbo
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 380 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 large Fennel bulb, 1 thin sliced, (reserve fronds for garnish); 2 Chicken Thighs, boneless and skinless, 2 chopped; Andouille sausage, 1/2 Cup sliced; 1 Can of red kidney beans, 1 Can drained; 1 Onion, 1 chopped; 4 Cloves of Garlic, 4 Cloves minced; 1 Red Bell Pepper, 1 chopped; Cajun seasoning, 1 Tbsp; Smoked Paprika, 1 Tsp; Low-Sodium Chicken Stock, 4 Cups; Olive Oil, 2 Tsps; Salt, to taste; Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste

Category Main Course

Prep 20 minutes

Cook 360 minutes

Style Cajun

Technique Slow Cooking

Diet Friendly Gluten-Free

Daily Recipe: April 10, 2025

Indulge in a flavorful journey with our slow-cooked Cajun-inspired recipe today! We'll blend smoky, spicy Cajun influences with sweet, aromatic fennel for a delicious melody of flavors. Slow cooking brings out the rich aromas and flavors, transforming a usual chilly day into a cozy feast.

Ingredients (for 2)

1 large fennel bulb - 1 - thin sliced, (reserve fronds for garnish)
2 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless - 2 - chopped
Andouille sausage - 1/2 Cup - sliced
1 can of red kidney beans - 1 Can - drained
1 onion - 1 - chopped
4 cloves of garlic - 4 Cloves - minced
1 red bell pepper - 1 - chopped
Cajun seasoning - 1 Tbsp
Smoked paprika - 1 Tsp
Low-sodium chicken stock - 4 Cups
Olive oil - 2 Tsps
Salt - to taste
Freshly ground black pepper - to taste

Preparation

Step 1 - 🍳🍗🔥

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chicken thighs and sausage and cook until they turn brown.
Step 2 - 🍲🍃🧅🔪

Transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker. Add the fennel, onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
Step 3 - 🧂🌶️🥄

Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Step 4 - 🍲🍗💧

Pour in the chicken stock and add the drained beans.
Step 5 - ⏲️🔥🍲

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the flavors are well blended.
Step 6 - 🍵🌿🥣

Serve the gumbo in deep bowls, garnished with reserved fennel fronds.

Additional

The wonderful aspect of this recipe is its versatility. If you wish, you can replace chicken with shrimp or only use plant-based protein for a vegetarian version. Also, kids can help with easy tasks like rinsing the beans or garnishing the dish.