As a busy parent, finding quick and tasty meals is a must. That’s why I’m excited to share 25 easy chicken and shrimp recipes. These dishes are perfect for dinner, with flavors ranging from soups to tacos.
Craving something comforting? Try the Quick Chicken and Prawn Soup. Or, for a zesty twist, go for the Chicken and Shrimp Tacos. For a special treat, make the Olive Garden’s Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara at home.
Best of all, many of these recipes are ready in under an hour. This makes them great for busy weeknights or meal prep. Get ready to impress your family with these easy and delicious dishes.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Discover 25 easy homestyle chicken and shrimp recipes for your dinner table
- Explore a variety of comforting and satisfying dishes, from soups and tacos to restaurant-inspired favorites
- Many recipes are ready in under an hour, making them perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping
- Enjoy the versatility of chicken and shrimp in quick and easy seafood dishes
- Elevate your weeknight meals with these delicious and family-friendly recipes
Why Pair Chicken and Shrimp?
Chicken and shrimp are a great pair for tasty, healthy meals. They mix well, bringing out the best in each other. This mix of flavors and textures is sure to please your taste buds.
Flavor Combinations
The mild taste of chicken is a perfect base for shrimp’s sweet, briny flavor. You can try Cajun shrimp or teriyaki chicken for endless flavor options. Chicken holds the dish together, while shrimp adds a burst of flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
Both chicken and shrimp are great for protein, making them perfect for dinner. Chicken is lean and low in fat, while shrimp is full of vitamins and minerals. Together, they make a meal that’s both nutritious and filling.
“The combination of chicken and shrimp is a culinary match made in heaven, with a delightful balance of flavors and a nutritional boost that is hard to beat.”
Essential Ingredients for Chicken and Shrimp Dishes
Creating tasty chicken and shrimp dishes starts with key ingredients. Garlic, onions, and bell peppers form the base. They add a savory flavor. The trick is to mix these with the right seasonings and spices.
Common Seasonings
Seasonings like Cajun blends and Italian herbs can make your dishes pop. Cajun spice mixes add a bold, spicy taste. For a Mediterranean twist, use dried basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Asian sauces like teriyaki or sweet and sour also work well. They enhance the flavors of chicken and shrimp.
Fresh Vs. Frozen
Fresh ingredients are best for flavor, but frozen shrimp can be a good substitute. Make sure to thaw and dry frozen shrimp before cooking. This ensures they cook well and taste great.
With proper preparation, frozen shrimp can be as tasty as fresh ones. They’re perfect for easy seafood dishes and stir-fries.
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Tenders | 1 pound |
Large or Jumbo Shrimp | 1 pound |
Unsalted Butter | 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) |
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil | 1/4 cup |
Garlic Cloves | 4 |
Fresh Basil, Coarsely Chopped | 1 tablespoon |
Fresh Parsley, Coarsely Chopped | 1 tablespoon |
Kosher Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Creole Seasoning | 1/2 teaspoon |
This mix of ingredients, from chicken and shrimp to seasonings, makes for a delicious dish. With a few simple steps, you can make a meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
Quick and Easy Chicken and Shrimp Skillet Meals
Looking for a tasty one-pot dinner that’s quick to make? These chicken and shrimp skillet meals are perfect. They offer tender chicken and juicy shrimp, making them great for one-pot dinners and quick weeknight meals that everyone will enjoy.
One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Shrimp
This One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Shrimp skillet is a hit for weeknights. It has chicken, shrimp, and a zesty lemon-garlic sauce. Prep time is just 10 minutes, and cooking takes 20 minutes, making it ideal for quick weeknight meals.
Spicy Cajun Chicken and Shrimp
The Spicy Cajun Chicken and Shrimp skillet has a bold flavor. It combines chicken, shrimp, bell peppers, onions, and Cajun seasonings. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a one-pot dinner that will quickly become a family favorite.
Recipe | Rating | Storage | Nutrition |
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Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp | 4.56 (from 59 votes) |
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These skillet meals are a great mix of convenience and taste. They’re perfect for one-pot dinners and quick weeknight meals. With their quick prep and cooking times, you can enjoy tasty chicken and shrimp dishes even on the busiest nights.
Delicious Chicken and Shrimp Casseroles
Casseroles are a comforting, all-in-one meal that makes dinner easy. They mix chicken and shrimp flavors, making them tasty and protein-rich. Here are two tasty chicken and shrimp casserole recipes that will be family favorites.
Cheesy Chicken and Shrimp Bake
The Cheesy Chicken and Shrimp Bake is irresistible. It combines tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and creamy cheese sauce. The recipe uses 1 pound of chicken breasts or tenders and 1 pound of large shrimp.
The cheese sauce is made with 3 ounces of unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil, and 4 cloves of garlic. It’s seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of Creamy Cajun seasoning. Serve it over 1 cup of cooked pasta or rice for a complete meal.
Creamy Garlic Alfredo Casserole
The Creamy Garlic Alfredo Casserole is a rich and comforting dish. It has tender chicken and shrimp in a creamy Alfredo sauce. The recipe uses the same amounts of chicken and shrimp as the Cheesy Chicken and Shrimp Bake.
To make the Alfredo sauce, you need 3 ounces of unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil, and 4 cloves of garlic. It’s seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1 tablespoon each of fresh basil and parsley. This casserole is a true indulgence.
Both casseroles can be made ahead of time and baked when needed. They’re perfect for meal planning and busy weeknights. Serve them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying easy seafood dishes or healthy protein meals.
Light and Healthy Chicken and Shrimp Salads
Looking for a refreshing and nutritious meal? Try light and healthy chicken and shrimp salads. They’re full of lean proteins, fresh veggies, and tasty dressings. They’re great for your taste buds and your body.
Grilled Chicken and Shrimp Salad
Fire up the grill for a salad with smoky flavors. The Grilled Chicken and Shrimp Salad has grilled chicken and grilled shrimp skewers on a bed of greens and veggies. Top it with your favorite toppings and a tangy vinaigrette for a healthy meal.
Avocado Chicken and Shrimp Salad
The Avocado Chicken and Shrimp Salad is creamy and indulgent. It mixes grilled or sautéed chicken and shrimp with lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. A lemon-herb vinaigrette or yogurt dressing makes it a delightful and nutritious choice.
These salads are easy to customize. Change up the greens, veggies, and dressings to make it your own. Enjoy these healthy protein meals whenever you need a nutritious and tasty meal.
Flavorful Chicken and Shrimp Stir-Fries
Stir-fry dishes are quick and easy to make. They combine chicken’s savory taste with shrimp’s sweetness. Try two tasty stir-fry recipes that will make your taste buds happy.
Sweet and Sour Chicken with Shrimp
This stir-fry recipe is a mix of tangy and sweet flavors. It has chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. The sauce, made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar, is perfect.
This stir-fry is ready in 15 minutes, great for weeknights. Prepare the veggies ahead to cook faster. Serve it over rice for a full meal.
Teriyaki Chicken and Shrimp Stir-Fry
This Teriyaki Chicken and Shrimp Stir-Fry is savory and sweet. It has chicken, shrimp, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas. The teriyaki sauce, with soy sauce, mirin, and brown sugar, makes it special.
This teriyaki chicken stir-fry is ready in under 35 minutes. It’s full of veggies and protein from chicken and shrimp. You can change the veggies or proteins to make it your own.
Choose between Sweet and Sour Chicken with Shrimp or Teriyaki Chicken and Shrimp Stir-Fry for a tasty meal. These stir-fry recipes are quick, flavorful, and easy to make. They offer a delicious and simple way to eat.
Satisfying Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Dishes
Pasta dishes are great for quick weeknight meals. Two tasty options are Shrimp Scampi Pasta with Grilled Chicken and Pesto Chicken and Shrimp Pasta.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta with Grilled Chicken
This recipe mixes the flavors of shrimp scampi and grilled chicken. It uses 1 lb of linguine, 10 oz of shrimp, and 1 chicken breast. The shrimp is sautéed in garlic butter, and the chicken is grilled.
Then, the chicken and shrimp are tossed with pasta and Parmesan cheese. This makes a delicious, easy seafood dish for a quick weeknight meal.
Pesto Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
The Pesto Chicken and Shrimp Pasta is vibrant and flavorful. It has a basil pesto sauce with chicken and shrimp, all mixed with 1 lb of penne pasta. The pesto is made with basil, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil.
This easy seafood dish is ready in about 45 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
“These pasta dishes are not only satisfying, but they come together quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights.”
Both Shrimp Scampi Pasta with Grilled Chicken and Pesto Chicken and Shrimp Pasta are great for easy seafood dishes. They’re quick to make and have balanced flavors. They’re sure to become family favorites.
Exciting Chicken and Shrimp Tacos
Tacos are a fun and flexible meal that everyone can enjoy. They’re perfect for a quick dinner, whether you want something spicy or a tropical flavor. Let’s look at two tasty variations that will make your mealtime special.
Spicy Chicken and Shrimp Tacos
Make your taco night exciting with Spicy Chicken and Shrimp Tacos. Season the chicken and shrimp with Cajun spices and cook them until they’re just right. Place them in taco shells or tortillas, then add sour cream and queso fresco cheese.
The spicy and creamy mix is a hit. It’s a perfect way to satisfy your taste buds.
Mango Salsa Chicken and Shrimp Tacos
Try Mango Salsa Chicken and Shrimp Tacos for a fresh twist. Grill or sauté the chicken and shrimp, then top them with mango salsa. The mango, bell pepper, and red onion add sweet and tangy flavors.
Serve in warm tortillas or taco boats. Let everyone add their favorite toppings like avocado, lime, and cilantro.
Both recipes are quick and easy, great for busy nights. With a few ingredients and some cooking, you’ll have a tasty taco feast ready in no time.
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Old El Paso Stand ‘n Stuff taco dinner kit hard shells | 1 (8.8-ounce) box (10 count) |
Old El Paso flour tortilla taco boats | 1 (6.7-ounce) package (8 count) |
Large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed | 30 |
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 (approximately 1½ pounds) |
Sour cream | 16 ounces |
Queso fresco cheese, crumbled | 10 ounces |
Fresh pineapple chunks for the salsa | 3 cups |
Red bell pepper for the salsa | 1½ cups |
Red onion for the salsa | ¾ cup |
These chicken and shrimp taco recipes are versatile and delicious. They can turn your weeknight dinners into something exciting. Whether you like spice or a tropical flavor, these recipes are sure to be loved by your family.
Perfecting Your Chicken and Shrimp Cooking Techniques
Cooking chicken and shrimp to perfection needs focus on technique. Whether grilling, baking, or sautéing, a few key tips can make a big difference. This ensures juicy, flavorful dishes for your dinner.
Grilling Tips
For tasty grilled shrimp skewers, heat your grill to medium-high. This helps the shrimp cook fast without drying out. Thread shrimp on skewers for easy handling and even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the skewers for good searing.
For baked chicken breasts, use a rimmed baking sheet or casserole dish. This catches juices. Marinate the chicken first for extra flavor. Cook the chicken to 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked without drying out.
Baking Tips
When baking chicken and shrimp together, use a rimmed baking sheet or casserole dish. Marinating the proteins before baking adds flavor. Watch the shrimp closely, as they cook faster than chicken and can get overcooked.
Technique | Key Considerations |
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Grilling |
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Baking |
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By following these tips, you’ll make delicious grilled shrimp skewers and baked chicken breasts. These dishes will impress your family and guests.
Pairing Sides with Chicken and Shrimp Recipes
Choosing the right sides for your chicken and shrimp dishes is key to a great meal. You can pick from vibrant salads, roasted veggies, or tasty rice and pasta. The right sides can boost your main dish’s flavors, making your meal complete and enjoyable.
Ideal Side Dishes
Try steamed or roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts, green beans, or sweet potatoes. They add crunch and nutrients to your meal. For something heartier, go for a quinoa pilaf or wild rice blend. They soak up the juices from your main dish.
A crisp salad with mixed greens, avocado, and tangy vinaigrette is also great. It balances the richness of your protein-packed meal.
Recommended Sauces and Dips
Flavorful sauces and dips can take your chicken and shrimp dishes to the next level. A creamy garlic aioli or zesty remoulade adds creaminess and flavor. For sweetness and heat, mango salsa or tangy-sweet chili sauce works well.
These accompaniments let you explore different flavors. They make your meal memorable and exciting.