Chicken and Shrimp Jambalaya
A delightful mixture of chicken, shrimp, rice, and vegetables seasoned with Cajun spices for a comforting dish that embodies the flavors of Louisiana.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces Use halal chicken if preferred.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper chopped (red or green)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth Halal compliant.
- 2 teaspoons Cajun or Creole seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) Add as a fresh touch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken to the pot, season with salt, pepper, and half of the Cajun seasoning. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Use a slotted spoon to remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes (with juice), rice, and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Mix well to coat the rice.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, add the partially cooked chicken back into the pot along with the shrimp. Stir gently and cover again. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and the rice is tender.
- Remove from heat, let it rest for a few minutes, and then fluff the rice with a fork. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For substitutions, you can use halal beef or turkey sausage if chicken and shrimp aren't preferred. Allow the dish to sit after cooking for optimal flavor. Avoid adding too much liquid by sticking closely to the ingredient ratios.