Delicious Chicken and Shrimp Recipes You’ll Love
As a busy parent, finding a tasty, healthy meal every night can be tough. But, you can make amazing surf and turf dishes at home. This is thanks to combining chicken and shrimp recipes, two of our favorite proteins.
These chicken and shrimp recipes mix great flavors, textures, and nutrition. They’re perfect for any meal, from weeknight dinners to big gatherings. You can choose from spicy Cajun dishes to classic Asian stir-fries, all delicious and satisfying.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Protein-Packed Surf and Turf Combinations
Get ready to discover the delightful harmonies that arise when you pair juicy chicken and succulent shrimp in your meals. These healthy protein sources not only offer a nutritional boost but also unlock a world of flavor combinations that will tantalize your taste buds.
Benefits of Combining Chicken and Seafood
Chicken and shrimp recipes make for an unbeatable protein duo. Chicken is a lean, versatile meat that provides a solid foundation, while shrimp add a delicate, briny touch. Together, they deliver a well-balanced meal packed with essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals. This dynamic combination can help support muscle growth, bone health, and overall wellness.
Essential Kitchen Tools and Ingredients
- Cast-iron skillet: Ideal for searing and achieving that perfect char on your proteins.
- Instant-read thermometer: Ensures your chicken and shrimp recipes are cooked to the right temperature for food safety and optimal texture.
- Fresh garlic and butter: These kitchen essentials enhance the natural flavors of your proteins and create a mouthwatering sauce.
Tips for Perfect Protein Pairing
- Marinate your chicken in a flavorful blend of herbs, spices, and acids to tenderize the meat and infuse it with bold flavors.
- Cook the chicken and shrimp separately, as they have different cooking times, to ensure each is perfectly cooked.
- Pay close attention to the internal temperature of your chicken, aiming for 165°F, and shrimp, which should turn pink and opaque.
- Experiment with a variety of flavor combinations, such as Cajun seasoning or Asian-inspired marinades, to keep your surf and turf dishes exciting.
Elevate your meals by embracing the dynamic duo of chicken and shrimp recipes. With the right kitchen tools and a few simple tips, you’ll be whipping up protein-packed dishes that are both nutritious and delicious.
| Ingredient | Nutrition (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Calories: 444kcal Carbohydrates: 44g Protein: 34g Fat: 13g |
| Shrimp | 1 pound |
| Hibachi Rice | 3 cups cooked white rice Fresh eggs |
“The key to a perfect surf and turf dish is balancing the robust flavors of the chicken with the delicate sweetness of the shrimp. It’s a harmony of textures and tastes that’s truly hard to beat.”
Applebee’s Bourbon Street Style Chicken and Shrimp
Bring the bold flavors of New Orleans to your kitchen with this copycat recipe of Applebee’s famous Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp recipes . This restaurant-style meal features succulent Cajun-seasoned chicken breast and juicy shrimp sautéed in a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce.
To recreate this Cajun-seasoned dishes at home, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 pound jumbo shrimp
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 6 tbsp butter
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, and kosher salt to taste
Start by seasoning the chicken and shrimp recipes with the Cajun spice blend, brown sugar, and a sprinkle of kosher salt. In a large skillet, sauté the chicken and shrimp recipes in the olive oil until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the garlic and mushrooms until fragrant and tender. Deglaze the pan with the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Return the chicken and shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in the flavorful sauce.
Serve this copycat recipe of Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp recipes over creamy garlic mashed potatoes, with a side of sautéed onions and mushrooms for a complete restaurant-style meals. Enjoy this Cajun-seasoned dishes that brings the bold tastes of the Big Easy right to your table.
Quick and Easy Chicken and Shrimp Stir-Fry
Craving a tasty, protein-rich meal fast? This chicken and shrimp stir-fry is your answer! It cooks in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight.
Preparation Techniques
The secret to this quick stir-fry is in the prep. Start by cutting the chicken breasts into thin pieces. Choose medium-sized, peeled, and deveined shrimp for even cooking.
Sauce Making Tips
The sauce makes this dish special. Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and a bit of sriracha. Cook it briefly to blend the flavors.
Vegetable Pairing Options
- Crisp red bell peppers for color and crunch
- Earthy shiitake mushrooms for umami
- Tender baby spinach for nutrition
Cook the chicken first, then the shrimp, and lastly the veggies. This way, each part is cooked right and keeps its taste and texture.
This quick and easy chicken and shrimp stir-fry is a delicious, protein-packed meal. It’s great for a quick meal prep or a tasty vegetable combination.
Classic Chicken and Shrimp Recipes for Family Dinners
Classic chicken and shrimp dishes are perfect for family meals. They mix the comfort of chicken with the protein-rich taste of shrimp. These recipes, from casseroles to skillet meals, are great for family dinners.
The Taste of Home’s Chicken and Shrimp Jambalaya is a standout. It’s a quick, one-pan dish with chicken, shrimp, and veggies in a Cajun sauce. Prep time is 15 minutes, and cooking takes 45 minutes. Serve it over brown rice for a cozy meal.
Try the Chicken and Shrimp Tetrazzini for a twist on comfort food. This creamy pasta dish has chicken, shrimp, and cheese, all baked to perfection. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family gatherings.
“These recipes are not only delicious, but they’re also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them based on your family’s preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.”
These classic chicken and shrimp recipes are sure to be family favorites. They offer great flavor, texture, and nutrition. They’re perfect for satisfying everyone’s taste buds at dinner time.
One-Pan Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Dishes
Make your weeknight dinners special with one-pan Cajun chicken and shrimp dishes. These meals are full of flavor, packed with protein, and easy to make. They mix the bold taste of Cajun spices with the tender chicken and juicy shrimp. Whether it’s a quick stir-fry or a comforting one-pot dish, these recipes are perfect for busy cooks.
Seasoning Blends and Marinades
The secret to Cajun flavor is in the seasoning blend. Mix paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, black pepper, and dried herbs like oregano. Marinate the chicken in this mix for 2 to 24 hours. This lets the flavors soak into the meat.
Cooking Temperature Guidelines
Make sure your chicken reaches 165°F. Shrimp should turn opaque and pink. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperatures. This ensures your protein is cooked right and safe to eat.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your Cajun chicken and shrimp recipes with fluffy white rice, cornbread, or roasted veggies. The dish’s vibrant flavors complement the starch and veggies. This makes for a complete and nourishing meal.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories | 749 |
| Fat | 39g |
| Saturated Fat | 21g |
| Cholesterol | 260mg |
| Sodium | 490mg |
| Protein | 50g |
| Vitamin A | 3383IU (68% DV) |
| Calcium | 228mg (23% DV) |
| Iron | 3mg (17% DV) |
“The secret to the perfect one-pan Cajun cuisine dish is in the marinade and the balance of flavors. With just a few simple steps, you can transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of New Orleans.”
Healthy and Low-Carb Options
Discover a variety of low-carb meals, gluten-free options, and diet-friendly recipes with chicken and shrimp. Say goodbye to heavy carbs and hello to zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Grilling and baking keep things lean, and tamari replaces soy sauce for a gluten-free twist.
The Taste of Home’s Test Kitchen offers a dish of simmered shrimp in chicken broth with garlic and olives. Melissa Rodriguez from Van Nuys, California, shares a garlicky lime marinade shrimp recipe. Mark Oppe from North Pole, Alaska, suggests shrimp with lots of sauce and low-carb yakitori noodles. Leah Lenz from Los Angeles, California, has a rosemary skewered shrimp recipe, and Lisa Speer from Palm Beach, Florida, offers a quick, healthy grilled shrimp dish.
Chicken lovers will enjoy each low-carb recipe, with 15 grams of carbs or less per serving. They’re quick to make, ready in 30 minutes or less. Try a 20-minute low-carb chicken dinner or the healthy Mediterranean cauliflower rice bowls with grilled chicken. The creamy chicken and mushroom recipe is great over whole-wheat egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
| Recipe | Net Carbs | Prep Time |
|---|---|---|
| Keto Jambalaya | 3g | Up to 1 week (refrigerator), 6 months (freezer) |
| Lemon-Garlic Chicken Cutlets | 15g or less | 10 minutes |
| Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice Bowls with Grilled Chicken | 15g or less | 30 minutes |
| Creamy Chicken and Mushroom | 15g or less | 30 minutes |
Enjoy these low-carb meals, gluten-free options, and diet-friendly recipes featuring chicken and shrimp. They’re delicious and good for your health and wellness.
Asian-Inspired Chicken and Shrimp Combinations
Take your cooking to the next level with these delicious Asian-inspired chicken and shrimp dishes. Learn the art of wok cooking and discover authentic flavors. These will take your taste buds on a thrilling journey through the East’s vibrant cuisines.
Wok Cooking Techniques
Getting restaurant-quality results starts with using a wok right. Make sure your wok is seasoned well and keep the heat high. This will give your proteins a perfect sear. Practice tossing and stirring to cook your ingredients evenly and fill them with amazing aromas.
Signature Asian Sauces
Dive into the bold world of Asian sauces. Make your own teriyaki, sweet and sour, or soy-based marinades. These will add irresistible flavors to your chicken and shrimp. Find the right mix of sweet, savory, and spicy to make your dishes stand out.
Rice and Noodle Pairings
Find the perfect sides for your Asian dishes. Try fluffy white rice, fragrant jasmine rice, or hearty brown rice. Also, explore different noodles like lo mein, rice noodles, or zucchini noodles. They add to the authentic taste of your meals.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 1 large (0.75 lbs) |
| Shrimp | 0.75 lbs, thawed |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Hoisin sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Rice vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Granulated sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Sriracha sauce | 0.5 tablespoons |
Bring the vibrant tastes of Asian cuisine into your kitchen. With the right techniques, sauces, and sides, you’ll make dishes that rival restaurants. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.
Storage and Meal Prep Guidelines
Proper storage is key to enjoying your chicken and shrimp dishes. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, use freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent drying. Meal planning and prepping ahead can save time on busy weeknights. With good storage and prep, you can enjoy these dishes anytime.
Meal prepping for the week or freezing for later? These tips will help you enjoy your chicken and shrimp dishes for days. Mastering meal planning and storage reduces waste, saves time, and makes weeknight dinners stress-free.
