Are you looking for a flavorful, protein-packed dish that will satisfy both your chicken and seafood cravings? Look no further! Chicken and shrimp recipes combine the best of both worlds, offering tender chicken breasts and juicy shrimp with a variety of bold flavors. These dishes are perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, and with the right seasonings and ingredients, you’ll create a meal that’s sure to impress. In this post, we’ll walk you through a collection of easy-to-follow, mouthwatering chicken and shrimp recipes. Whether you’re craving Cajun-style jambalaya or a creamy alfredo, we have a recipe that will fit perfectly into your weekly meal plan.
Why Combine Chicken and Shrimp Recipes?
Combining chicken and shrimp in a recipe adds layers of flavors and textures that make a dish more exciting. Chicken is hearty and tender, while shrimp adds a juicy and succulent twist. Not only do they complement each other, but they also provide a good mix of lean proteins, making the meal more balanced. Whether you’re frying them up in a skillet or slow-cooking them in a creamy sauce, the possibilities are endless. Plus, with the right seasonings, you can create anything from a Cajun jambalaya to an Italian-inspired pasta. Now, let’s dive into these recipes!
Chicken and Shrimp Stir Fry with Garlic and Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 1pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces.
- ½ pound of jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Cook the shrimp in a sauté pan for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet, stirring occasionally until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil, cooking for an additional minute to combine flavors.
- Add the chicken and shrimp back to the skillet, tossing everything together. Serve over white rice and garnish with green onions for a quick, flavorful dinner.
Creamy Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips.
- ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta, cooked al dente
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- Parsley for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the chicken and shrimp separately with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning each.
- In a spacious skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken strips for 5-7 minutes, until fully cooked and tender. Remove and set aside.
- Add butter to the skillet, and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and bell pepper, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Incorporate the garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute.
- Incorporate the heavy cream and chicken broth, allowing the mixture to reach a simmer. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken and shrimp back into the sauce, and toss in the cooked fettuccine pasta until everything is well combined.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy a creamy, Cajun-inspired meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Chicken and Shrimp Jambalaya
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into pieces
- ½ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions:
- In a spacious saucepan, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Incorporate the onion, bell pepper, and garlic into the pot, allowing them to cook for 5 minutes until they become tender. Stir in the rice, cooking for 1 minute to toast the grains.
- Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and paprika, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until the rice is tender.
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the cooked chicken and shrimp back to the pot, stirring until the shrimp is cooked through.
- Garnish with green onions and enjoy this hearty and flavorful Jambalaya dish.
Lemon Garlic Chicken and Shrimp Skillet
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup cooked rice or pasta (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the butter and remaining olive oil to the skillet, then cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Lower the heat and add garlic, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the lemon juice, zest, and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional minute.
- Return the chicken and shrimp to the skillet, tossing everything to coat in the lemon garlic sauce. Serve over rice or pasta, and garnish with fresh parsley for a light yet flavorful dish.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ pound fettuccine, uncooked
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- In a slow cooker, add the cubed chicken, heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and garlic. Stir everything to combine.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the shrimp and uncooked fettuccine, stirring to ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce.
- Once the pasta is cooked and the shrimp is pink and tender, stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Conclusion
Chicken and shrimp are a delicious pairing that brings together the best of land and sea. Whether you’re making a hearty jambalaya, a creamy alfredo, or a light lemon garlic skillet, these recipes are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With simple ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and fresh vegetables, these meals are quick to make yet packed with flavor. So, next time you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special to serve your family, give one of these chicken and shrimp recipes a try!
These dishes are not only flavorful and easy to prepare, but they’re also perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. And with the flexibility of ingredients, you can easily tweak each recipe to suit your taste. Enjoy these hearty, protein-packed meals that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Happy cooking!
