Are you looking to spice up your dinner routine with some delicious chicken and shrimp recipes? You’re in luck! These two versatile proteins pair perfectly together, creating mouthwatering dishes that are sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, easy chicken and shrimp recipes offer a world of flavors to explore.
In this article, you’ll discover some of the best chicken with shrimp recipes to add to your culinary repertoire. From classic chicken and shrimp scampi to zesty Cajun-inspired pasta, we’ll guide you through simple yet flavorful meals that are perfect for any occasion. You’ll also learn about a quick stir-fry option for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence. So, get ready to elevate your cooking game with these tasty and satisfying dishes!
Classic Chicken and Shrimp recipes Scampi
This delightful dish combines the best of both worlds, featuring tender chicken and succulent shrimp in a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce. It’s one of those easy chicken and shrimp recipes that’s sure to impress your family or dinner guests. Let’s dive into how you can create this flavorful meal in your own kitchen.
Preparing the Chicken
To start your chicken and shrimp scampi, you’ll want to prepare the chicken first. Begin by slicing boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips. Season them with salt, pepper, and a touch of Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Lightly coat the chicken strips in flour, which will help create a golden crust when cooked. In a large skillet, melt a combination of butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside and keep it warm.
Preparing the Shrimp
For the shrimp component of your chicken with shrimp recipe, opt for large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on if desired for presentation. To ensure tender, juicy shrimp, you can toss them in a bit of baking soda and let them sit for a few minutes before rinsing. This simple trick will give your shrimp a wonderful texture when cooked.
Making the Scampi Sauce
The heart of any good chicken and shrimp scampi lies in its sauce. In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt some butter and add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic. Pour in a dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, and let it simmer to reduce by half. This will concentrate the flavors and cook off the alcohol. Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness and a touch of heavy cream if you prefer a richer sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cajun Chicken and Shrimp recipes Pasta
If you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine, this Cajun chicken and shrimp pasta is the perfect choice. It’s a flavorful and easy chicken and shrimp recipe that combines tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a creamy, spicy sauce. Here’s how you can create this mouthwatering dish in your own kitchen.
Seasoning the Proteins
To start, you’ll want to season your chicken and shrimp with Cajun spices. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper to create your own Cajun seasoning blend. Coat the chicken pieces and shrimp with this spice mixture, ensuring they’re well-covered for maximum flavor.
Cooking the Vegetables
While your proteins are marinating in the spices, it’s time to prepare the vegetables. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions, bell peppers, and if you like, some mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-8 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant. This vegetable mixture will add depth and texture to your chicken with shrimp recipe.
Creating the Creamy Sauce
The heart of this Cajun chicken and shrimp pasta lies in its creamy, spicy sauce. In the same skillet, add some butter and minced garlic. Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in some white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Next, stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly. For an extra kick, you can add a splash of hot sauce or more Cajun seasoning to taste.
Combining All Elements
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s nearly done. Then, toss in the shrimp and cook for a few more minutes until they turn pink. Finally, add your cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, making sure the pasta is well-coated with the creamy Cajun sauce. Let the flavors meld together for a minute or two, and your delicious Cajun chicken and shrimp pasta is ready to serve!
Quick Chicken and Shrimp recipes Stir-Fry
When you’re short on time but craving a flavorful meal, a quick chicken and shrimp stir-fry is the perfect solution. This easy chicken and shrimp recipe combines tender proteins with colorful vegetables in a savory sauce, all ready in under 30 minutes.
Prepping the Ingredients chicken and shrimp recipes Stir-Fry
To start your stir-fry, cut boneless chicken breasts into thin strips or cubes. Season with salt and pepper, then toss with cornstarch to create a light coating. For the shrimp, ensure they are peeled and deveined. Prepare your vegetables by cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Popular choices include bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and snow peas.
Cooking the Proteins
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken first, cooking for about 5 minutes until it’s no longer pink and slightly browned. Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pan, cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Set the shrimp aside with the chicken.
Sautéing the Vegetables
Using the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in your prepared vegetables. Stir-fry them for 3-4 minutes until they’re crisp-tender. The key is to cook them quickly at high heat to maintain their crunch and vibrant colors.
Making the Stir-Fry Sauce
While your vegetables are cooking, quickly whisk together your stir-fry sauce. A basic sauce might include soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch. For added flavor, include minced garlic and ginger 1. This homemade sauce allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the flavors to your liking.
Once your vegetables are nearly done, return the chicken and shrimp to the pan. Pour the sauce over everything and stir to combine. Let it simmer for a minute or two until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients. Your quick and easy chicken and shrimp stir-fry is now ready to serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Conclusion
To wrap up, these chicken and shrimp recipes offer a variety of options to spice up your meals. From the classic scampi to the zesty Cajun pasta and quick stir-fry, each dish has its unique flavors and textures. These recipes not only provide delicious meals but also give you the chance to expand your cooking skills.
Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, these dishes are sure to impress. They show how versatile chicken and shrimp can be when combined in different ways. So, next time you’re in the kitchen, give one of these recipes a try. You might just find a new favorite meal that becomes a regular part of your cooking routine.
FAQs
What is the correct way to cook shrimp and chicken together?
Cooking shrimp and chicken together in the same pan is a great way to minimize cleanup and is perfectly safe. To ensure even cooking, consider cutting boneless chicken breast halves into strips or using chicken tenders. Always follow the recipe closely to make sure both proteins are thoroughly cooked.
What side dishes pair well with shrimp?
Shrimp can be complemented with a variety of side dishes. Some popular choices include Roquefort Pear Salad, Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan, Amish Macaroni Salad, Pesto Zoodles, a healthy Greek Salad, Muffin Tin Potatoes Gratin, and Fresh Broccoli Salad, among others. These sides can help round out your meal, offering a good balance of flavors and textures.