Creole-Style Chicken & Shrimp Paella
Experience the vibrant flavors of New Orleans with this Creole-Style Chicken & Shrimp Paella! This dish combines succulent chicken, juicy shrimp, and smoky sausage with aromatic spices and fluffy rice. It’s not your traditional paella, but it’s packed with a delightful blend of Cajun and Creole influences that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Louisiana. Perfect for gatherings, this one-pot meal is easily scalable, and the leftovers (if there are any!) can be frozen for a quick meal later on.
8
Servings
475
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
chicken, cut-up, bone-in
3 lbs (seasoned with salt and pepper)
water
1/4 cup (none)
oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
onion, chopped
1 large (none)
garlic cloves, minced
2 (none)
parsley, minced
1/2 tablespoon (fresh)
jalapeno, seeded and minced
1 (optional)
long-grain rice
2 cups (uncooked)
turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
chicken broth
4 cups (low sodium recommended)
salt
scant 1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
shrimp, cooked and cleaned
1 lb (can be microwaved, see note)
smoked sausage, sliced thin
1/2 lb (none)
ham, diced small
1/4 lb (none)
salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
1. Season the cut-up chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, ensuring all sides are well-coated. For better cooking, consider cutting the chicken breasts into smaller chunks.
2
2. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and brown them on all sides until golden brown, approximately 10-15 minutes.
3
3. Reduce the heat to medium, add the 1/4 cup of water and oregano, then cover the skillet. Let the chicken cook until it’s tender and fully cooked through, about 30 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
4
4. In the same pan, using the delicious drippings, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and tender, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in the minced parsley and jalapeno, and cook for another 2 minutes.
5
5. Meanwhile, in a separate pot with a tight-fitting lid, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the long-grain rice and turmeric, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted and aromatic.
6
6. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle with the scant 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook the rice for 20 minutes without lifting the lid.
7
7. Once the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid, gently fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Then, fold in the sautéed onion and garlic mixture until evenly distributed.
8
8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 4-quart casserole dish, layer the contents: start with half of the rice, followed by half of the chicken, all of the shrimp, sliced sausage, diced ham, and then top it with the remaining rice and chicken.
9
9. Cover the casserole tightly with foil or a lid and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes. This will allow all the flavors to meld beautifully together.
10
10. Optional Step: If you're using raw shrimp, you can prepare them in the microwave before layering. Place shelled shrimp in a microwavable bowl, uncovered, and cook on full power for about 4 minutes. Stirring halfway through, until they turn pink. Let them sit for 2 minutes, and avoid overcooking.
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
45g
Carbs
21.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creole-Style Chicken & Shrimp Paella?
It is a vibrant, one-pot dish that combines chicken, shrimp, sausage, and ham with Cajun and Creole-inspired spices and rice, reflecting the flavors of New Orleans.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the main proteins used in this paella?
The main proteins are bone-in chicken, cooked shrimp, smoked sausage, and diced ham.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 475 calories.
What type of rice is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of uncooked long-grain rice.
Is this a traditional Spanish paella?
No, it is a Creole-style version that incorporates Louisiana influences rather than traditional Spanish techniques.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish is freezer-friendly and can be stored for a quick meal later on.
How long should I brown the chicken pieces?
The chicken should be browned on all sides for approximately 10 to 15 minutes in olive oil.
What oven temperature is needed for the final baking step?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the casserole bake in the oven?
The layered casserole should bake for approximately 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How can I prepare raw shrimp if I don't have pre-cooked ones?
You can microwave shelled raw shrimp in a bowl on full power for about 4 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they turn pink.
What ingredient gives the rice its yellow color?
Ground turmeric is added to the rice during the sautéing process to provide color and aroma.
Is the jalapeno mandatory for this recipe?
No, the jalapeno is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
What size casserole dish is required?
A 4-quart casserole dish is recommended for layering the paella.
How should the chicken be seasoned?
The chicken should be seasoned generously with salt and pepper before browning.
How long does the rice need to simmer on the stove?
The rice should be cooked covered on low heat for 20 minutes.
What type of chicken broth is best to use?
Low sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the saltiness of the dish.
How should the smoked sausage be prepared?
The smoked sausage should be sliced thin before it is added to the casserole layers.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 18.75g of fat.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are approximately 21.25g of protein per serving.
What herbs are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses dried oregano for cooking the chicken and fresh minced parsley for the aromatics.
How do you prepare the onion and garlic?
One large onion should be chopped and two garlic cloves should be minced, then sautéed until fragrant.
Can I use chicken breast instead of bone-in chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into smaller chunks for easier cooking.
How much carbohydrate is in one serving?
There are approximately 45g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much butter is used to toast the rice?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of melted butter to sauté the rice and turmeric.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 17 ingredients listed for this recipe.
How do you layer the casserole?
Start with half the rice, then half the chicken, all the shrimp, sausage, and ham, followed by the remaining rice and chicken.
What should you do before layering the sautéed vegetables?
Gently fluff the cooked rice with a fork before folding in the sautéed onion and garlic mixture.
How much ham is required for this recipe?
You will need 1/4 pound of ham, diced small.
Should I cover the casserole while baking?
Yes, cover the casserole tightly with foil or a lid before placing it in the oven.