Louisiana Chicken And Shrimp Chili
A hearty Louisiana-inspired chili featuring tender chicken, succulent shrimp, smoky bacon, and vibrant peppers, perfect for comforting gatherings and bold flavor lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grill the chicken breasts until cooked through, then dice into cubes.
- If the shrimp are large, dice them into smaller pieces.
- Drain the liquid from the roasted red peppers and dice them.
- Dice the bacon and fry it in a large soup pot until very crisp.
- Add the diced onions to the bacon and cook until transparent.
- Remove the bacon and onions from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Make a roux by mixing olive oil and bacon fat in the pot, then gradually whisk in the flour until the mixture is like wet sand.
- Slowly add chicken broth, whisking until smooth.
- Add the diced chicken, shrimp, peppers, black beans, diced green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Simmer the chili for 30 minutes, stirring often.
- Season to taste and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier chili, add more chili powder or diced jalapeños. You can substitute the chicken with turkey or use a mix of beans for added texture. If you want a vegetarian version, replace the chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms and tofu, while increasing the vegetable broth. This dish can hold up well to additional spices and herbs, so feel free to experiment.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or crusty bread for dipping. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a side salad. Leftovers can be repurposed into burritos or tacos, making it a versatile dish. Enjoy with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. If the chili thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Louisiana Chicken And Shrimp Chili contains roughly 729 calories, with 59g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (119% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and iron (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1744mg per serving (76% 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, but make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the chili. This ensures even cooking and better texture. Simply place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for a quick thaw.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth is a great alternative for a vegetarian option. You can also use water, but it may result in a less flavorful chili. Adding extra spices or a splash of soy sauce can enhance the taste if using water.
How can I make this chili less spicy?
To reduce the heat, cut back on the chili powder and use mild diced green chilies. Additionally, you can add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of sugar to balance the flavors. Always taste as you go to achieve the desired spice level.
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).