You'll find all of the classic ingredients here in this gumbo, including the "holy trinity" of onion, bell pepper, and celery, along with sliced okra, chicken, shrimp, spicy sausage, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Chicken thighs offer more flavor than chicken breasts but feel free to use boneless chicken breasts if you prefer.
Add sausage; cook and stir until browned, about 5 minutes. Add Cajun seasoning, garlic, and black pepper; cook and stir until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Pour chicken stock over vegetable-sausage mixture; reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Add shrimp and cook until shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
Add Cajun seasoning, garlic, and black pepper; cook and stir until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Pour chicken stock over vegetable-sausage mixture; reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Add shrimp and cook until shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
In small sauce pan add water and shrimp shells and simmer for 20 minutes covered. Remove from heat and let sit for another 20 minutes, covered. Strain stock and reserve for later. Season chicken and shrimp with 2-3 tablespoons of creole seasoning and set aside.