Although I was "not an easy child," my Cajun daddy says there are many reasons he loves me. I think this recipe may be at the top of a very short list!

Ingredients

• 2 cups enriched white rice
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, once around the pan
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 pound boneless, skinless white or dark meat chicken
• 3/4 pound andouille, casing removed and diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 bay leaf, fresh or dried
• Several drops hot sauce or 2 pinches cayenne pepper
• 2 to 3 tablespoons (a handful) all-purpose flour
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice
• 1(14-ounce) can or paper container chicken stock or broth
• 1 teaspoon (1/3 palmful) cumin
• 1 rounded teaspoon (1/2 palmful) dark chili powder
• 1 teaspoon (1/3 palmful) poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 pound medium shrimp, raw, deveined and peeled (ask for easy peel at fish counter)
• Coarse salt and black pepper
• Chopped scallions, for garnish
• Fresh thyme, chopped for garnish

Directions