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1
In a large saucepot, combine the chicken, water, quartered onion, quartered celery, sliced garlic, 1 t salt and reserved shrimp shells.
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2
Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and cook (partially covered) until the chicken is cooked, about 20 minutes.
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3
Remove the chicken from the cooking liquid.
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4
Drain and reserve the cooking liquid, discarding the solids.
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5
(At this point, I place cheesecloth over my fine mesh strainer and pour the strained liquid through. Now all the teeny particles are strained as well and you have a beautifully clear stock!) Add enough water to the reserved cooking liquid to make 4 cups.
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6
Remove and discard the chicken bones.
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7
Coarsely chop the breast meat and set it aside.
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8
(I put it in the bowl with the shrimp in the refrigerator. Why dirty two bowls?) Heat the oil in a 5-quart Dutch oven.
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9
Add the sausage and cook over medium heat until lightly browned.
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10
Add all the chopped veggies and the garlic and saute' until crisp tender.
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11
Then add the Worcestershire, salt, cayenne, and thyme.
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12
(If your thyme has been in your cupboard for awhile, it wouldn't hurt to use 1/2 tsp instead of 1/4 tsp).
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13
Bring to a simmer.
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14
Stir in the rice and return to a simmer.
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15
Cover with a tight fitting lid and simmer over low heat until the rice has absorbed all the liquid, about 25 minutes.
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16
(I check and give it a stir every so often. Also at this time, I take the chicken and shrimp out of the fridge to take the chill off them.) Once the liquid is absorbed, remove from heat.
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17
Stir in the reserved shrimp and chicken.
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18
Cover and let stand for 5 minutes.