Chicken And Shrimp Creole
Chicken and Shrimp Creole is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a rich tomato-based sauce infused with peppers and herbs. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, it offers a comforting blend of spices and fresh ingredients that showcase Louisiana-inspired cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb boneless chicken ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 sweet red pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz) can tomatoes, peeled, undrained ⓘ
- 4 c chicken stock ⓘ
- 1 tsp dried thyme ⓘ
- 1 tsp dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 2 c rice, uncooked ⓘ
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut any visible fat from the chicken, remove the skin, and cut into cubes.
- In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic; cook for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in chopped sweet red and green peppers.
- Add canned tomatoes, breaking them up with the back of a spoon.
- Pour in chicken stock, then add dried thyme, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper; bring to a boil.
- Stir in uncooked rice.
- Cover the pan, reduce heat, and simmer for 25 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add the shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking until they are pink and cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought. You can substitute cooked sausage for the chicken for a different protein twist. Adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the umami in the dish. If you want more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken and Shrimp Creole over a bed of fluffy rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or cornbread to balance the flavors. For a complete experience, consider serving with a refreshing glass of iced tea or a light white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock if it appears dry. This will help retain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Shrimp Creole contains roughly 1413 calories, with 82g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 81g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (316% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (212% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2007mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the dish. This ensures even cooking and helps prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
What can I substitute for rice?
If you're looking for a low-carb option, you can substitute rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa. Both alternatives will absorb the flavors of the dish well and provide a nutritious base.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spice level, you can add more cayenne pepper or include chopped jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables. Additionally, a few dashes of hot sauce can also elevate the heat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).