11 Best Chicken and Shrimp Recipes for Delicious Dinners

When it comes to delicious meal options, chicken and shrimp are two of my favorite ingredients. They are both versatile, cook quickly, and can be prepared in various ways. I believe that incorporating them into your recipes can lead to a delightful dining experience that suits many tastes.

In this article, I will share what I consider the 11 best chicken and shrimp recipes. Each of these dishes highlights the unique flavors of both ingredients while offering simple cooking methods. With these recipes, I aim to inspire you to create satisfying meals that are perfect for any occasion.

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp and Chicken

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Chicken is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken and juicy shrimp in a rich garlic butter sauce. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

I start by preparing the ingredients: 1 pound of shrimp, 1 pound of chicken breast, and 4 tablespoons of butter. I also chop 4 cloves of garlic and gather salt, pepper, and parsley for seasoning.

To cook, I follow these steps:

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the chicken pieces. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
4. Stir in the shrimp and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are pink and opaque.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and freshly chopped parsley.

This dish pairs well with rice or pasta and is sure to impress anyone at the table. Enjoy the rich flavors that come together so easily!

2. Honey Garlic Chicken and Shrimp Stir Fry

Honey Garlic Chicken and Shrimp Stir Fry is a delicious dish that combines tender chicken, shrimp, and a sweet and savory sauce. It’s a quick meal that’s packed with flavor.

I find this recipe easy to make, perfect for a busy night. It takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish.

To prepare, I start by gathering the ingredients: chicken breast, shrimp, honey, garlic, soy sauce, and vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and peel the shrimp.
2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and minced garlic for flavor.
3. Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, around 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Shrimp: Stir in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Combine: Pour the sauce over the chicken and shrimp, then add the vegetables. Stir everything together for another 3-4 minutes.

This dish pairs well with rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy your cooking!

3. Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Shrimp

Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Shrimp is a delicious dish that combines chicken and shrimp in a rich, creamy sauce with Tuscan flavors. It features garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. The dish is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

To prepare this dish, I follow these simple steps:

1. Ingredients: Gather chicken breasts, shrimp, garlic, heavy cream, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat. I season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
3. Add Shrimp: I remove the chicken and in the same skillet, add shrimp. I cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink, then set aside with the chicken.
4. Make Sauce: I add garlic, followed by heavy cream, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. I let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Combine: Finally, I add the chicken and shrimp back to the skillet, mixing well with the sauce. I cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.

This dish is rich in flavor and perfect for any occasion.

4. Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta

Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful dish that blends the tastes of Cajun spices with the richness of chicken and shrimp. It is a comforting meal that is not too difficult to prepare.

To make this dish, I start by gathering my ingredients: chicken breast, shrimp, pasta, Cajun seasoning, garlic, onions, and bell peppers. This meal can be ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Here are the simple steps I follow:

1. Cook Pasta: Boil water and cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat oil. Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook until soft.
3. Add Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add to the skillet and sprinkle Cajun seasoning. Cook until browned.
4. Cook Shrimp: Add cleaned shrimp to the skillet. Cook until shrimp turn pink.
5. Combine: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well. Adjust seasoning to taste.

This dish brings a taste of Louisiana right to my kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser.

5. Lemon Chicken and Shrimp Scampi

Lemon Chicken and Shrimp Scampi is a tasty dish that combines tender chicken, shrimp, and a zesty lemon flavor. It’s simple to make and perfect for a quick dinner.

To prepare this dish, I start by gathering my ingredients. I need chicken breasts, shrimp, garlic, lemon juice, butter, olive oil, and some seasonings like salt and pepper.

Here are the basic steps to follow:

1. Cook Chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the sliced chicken until it is golden brown. This usually takes about 5-6 minutes.
2. Add Shrimp: Next, I add the shrimp to the skillet. This only takes about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink.
3. Flavor It: Then, I add minced garlic and cook for another minute. After that, I pour in lemon juice and stir in butter until it melts.
4. Serve: Finally, I season it with salt and pepper, and serve it warm over pasta or rice.

This dish is full of fresh flavors and can be made in about 20 minutes, making it a great choice for busy nights.

6. BBQ Chicken and Shrimp Skewers

BBQ chicken and shrimp skewers are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a grilled meal. They combine tender chicken pieces with juicy shrimp, all glazed with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner.

Making these skewers is straightforward. First, I cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate them with my favorite BBQ sauce. I also season the shrimp with some spices.

1. Marinate: Allow the chicken and shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Skewer: Alternate chicken and shrimp on soaked wooden skewers.
3. Preheat grill: Heat the grill to medium-high.
4. Cook: Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.

These skewers are best served hot off the grill. I like to pair them with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables. Enjoying this meal is simple and satisfying, making it a favorite dish for my family and friends.

7. Herb Roasted Chicken and Shrimp

Herb Roasted Chicken and Shrimp is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken and juicy shrimp with a mix of herbs. It offers a delicious way to enjoy both proteins in one meal.

I find this recipe easy to make, even for beginners. You can have it ready in about 45 minutes.

To start, gather these ingredients: chicken pieces, shrimp, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat the chicken pieces with the mixture and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 25 minutes.
4. After 25 minutes, add shrimp to the sheet.
5. Roast for another 10-15 minutes until the shrimp are pink and the chicken is cooked through.

This dish pairs well with a side of vegetables or rice. It’s a satisfying meal that highlights the natural flavors of both chicken and shrimp.

8. Firecracker Chicken and Shrimp

Firecracker Chicken and Shrimp is a spicy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken and shrimp in a zesty sauce. The name reflects the dish’s bold flavors that pack a punch.

I find this recipe easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a great choice when I’m short on time.

To prepare, I gather the following ingredients:

1. 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2. 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
3. 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
4. 1 tablespoon of garlic, minced
5. ¼ cup of soy sauce
6. 2 tablespoons of chili paste

The steps are straightforward:

1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Finally, stir in the soy sauce and chili paste, cooking for another 2 minutes.

This dish goes well with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

9. Spicy Thai Basil Chicken and Shrimp

Spicy Thai Basil Chicken and Shrimp is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken and shrimp with fresh basil and spicy chilies. This meal represents a classic taste of Thai cuisine.

I find it easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and simple steps. Here’s how to prepare it in just a few steps:

1. Ingredients: Gather chicken, shrimp, fresh Thai basil, garlic, and chilies. Add soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce for flavor.
2. Prep: Chop the chicken and shrimp into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and slice the chilies.
3. Cook: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic and chilies until fragrant.
4. Add Protein: Toss in the chicken and cook until lightly browned. Add the shrimp and stir-fry until they turn pink.
5. Season: Pour in the sauces and mix well. Stir in the basil leaves and cook for another minute until they wilt.

This dish is perfect with steamed rice, balancing spice and flavor beautifully.

10. Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo

Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo is a creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and a rich Alfredo sauce. This dish is both comforting and satisfying.

Making Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo is quite easy. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights.

To prepare this dish, follow these simple steps:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil your choice of pasta in salted water until al dente. Usually, fettuccine works best.
2. Cook Chicken and Shrimp: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced chicken breast and cook for about 5 minutes. Then, add shrimp and cook until they turn pink, which takes about 3-4 minutes.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens.
4. Combine: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and shrimp. Toss everything together until well coated with the sauce.

This dish is delicious when garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan. Enjoy!

11. Teriyaki Chicken and Shrimp Bowls

Teriyaki Chicken and Shrimp Bowls are a delicious and satisfying dish. This meal combines tender chicken and shrimp with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. It’s an easy recipe that I often enjoy making at home.

To prepare this dish, I follow these simple steps:

1. Ingredients: I gather chicken breast, shrimp, soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Fresh vegetables can also be added.
2. Marinate: I mix soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger in a bowl. I then marinate the chicken and shrimp in this mixture for about 30 minutes.
3. Cook: I heat a pan over medium heat. I cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown. Then I add the shrimp and cook for another 3-5 minutes until they turn pink.
4. Serve: I serve the chicken and shrimp over a bowl of rice. I often top it with steamed vegetables and extra teriyaki sauce for flavor.

This meal is not only quick to make but also packed with flavor. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

What Are the Health Benefits of Chicken and Shrimp?

Chicken and shrimp are popular proteins that offer various health benefits. They provide essential nutrients that support a balanced diet. Here, I will outline their nutritional value, protein content, and the presence of omega-3 fatty acids.

What Is the Nutritional Value of Chicken and Shrimp?

Chicken is low in fat and calories, especially if I choose lean cuts like breast meat. It is rich in vitamins such as B6 and B12, which support energy production and nerve function. The minerals in chicken, like phosphorus and selenium, are essential for bone health and immune function.

Shrimp, on the other hand, is low in calories while being packed with essential nutrients. A serving of shrimp provides significant amounts of iodine, a mineral important for thyroid function. Shrimp also contains antioxidants like astaxanthin, which may help reduce inflammation. Together, these qualities make chicken and shrimp valuable additions to my meals.

How Does Chicken and Shrimp Provide High Protein Content?

One of the main advantages of chicken and shrimp is their high protein content. Chicken contains about 26 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving. Protein is crucial for muscle growth, tissue repair, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.

Shrimp offers a similar protein punch, with around 20 grams per 3-ounce serving. This makes both chicken and shrimp excellent choices for anyone looking to increase their protein intake while keeping calories in check. Including these proteins in my diet can help in weight management and fitness.

How Do Shrimp Contribute Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

While chicken is not a significant source of omega-3 fatty acids, shrimp does provide some. Omega-3s are important for heart health and brain function. Consuming shrimp can help me increase my intake of these beneficial fats.

Shrimp contains about 300 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per 3-ounce serving. Including shrimp in my meals can support cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. For a balanced diet, it’s beneficial to pair chicken with shrimp, ensuring I get a variety of nutrients.

What Are the Cooking Tips for Chicken and Shrimp?

When preparing chicken and shrimp, specific techniques can enhance flavors and ensure the best results. Attention to marination, cooking temperatures, and flavor pairings can make a significant difference in your dishes.

What Are the Best Marination Techniques for Chicken and Shrimp?

Marinating chicken and shrimp adds depth of flavor and moisture. I typically use a mix of acidic ingredients, like lemon juice or vinegar, with herbs and spices. For chicken, I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes, while shrimp can benefit from 15 to 30 minutes.

A simple marinade could include soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and some olive oil. This combination works well for both proteins. I prefer using a resealable plastic bag or a glass container for easy mixing and coating.

What Are the Ideal Cooking Temperatures for Chicken and Shrimp?

Cooking chicken and shrimp at the right temperature ensures that they are safe to eat and delicious. For chicken, I target an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). I often use a meat thermometer to check this.

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. Generally, they cook quickly, so I find that a temperature range of 120°F to 140°F (49°C to 60°C) works well. This helps retain moisture and tenderness in both proteins.

What Are the Best Flavor Pairings for Chicken and Shrimp?

Choosing the right flavors can elevate your dishes. I enjoy pairing chicken with ingredients like garlic, rosemary, and lemon. For shrimp, I often use lime, cilantro, and spices like paprika or chili powder.

Combining these flavors can create vibrant dishes. For a tasty option, consider a mango salsa with shrimp or a creamy garlic sauce for chicken. Balancing these elements can make each bite exciting and delicious.