Easy Chicken and Shrimp Recipes for Delicious Meals

Chicken and shrimp are undeniably two of the most versatile proteins in the culinary world. From rich flavors to quick cooking times, these ingredients make meal prep a breeze. Whether you’re craving something spicy, creamy, or savory, chicken and shrimp dishes have something for everyone. If you’ve been searching for easy chicken and shrimp recipes that the whole family will love, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to discover three mouthwatering recipes that will have you coming back for seconds.
1. Garlic Butter Chicken and Shrimp Skillet
This one-pan recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners. The combination of garlic butter flavors, tender chicken, and juicy shrimp creates a dish that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 12 large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add butter and garlic to the same skillet. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toss the shrimp in and cook for 2 minutes per side or until pink and curled up.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, stirring everything to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
2. Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
If you love bold flavors, this Cajun chicken and shrimp pasta will become a household favorite. Creamy pasta tossed with smoky spiced protein is comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless chicken thighs (cut into strips)
- 12 medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook pasta as per package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season chicken and shrimp with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked, then remove it from the pan.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Lower the heat and add garlic to the pan. Sauté for 1-2 minutes before pouring in heavy cream.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and reserved pasta water. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss everything until well coated.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
3. Chicken and Shrimp Stir-Fry
For a quick and healthy dinner, this chicken and shrimp stir-fry hits all the marks. Packed with colorful veggies and irresistible flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to add to your weekly rotation.
Ingredients:
- 1 chicken breast (thinly sliced)
- 12 shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 zucchini (sliced)
- 1 yellow onion (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken and stir-fry for 5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil and toss in the shrimp. Stir-fry for 2 minutes or until pink, then remove and set aside.
- Add bell pepper, zucchini, and onion to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes or until the veggies are tender but crisp.
- Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in cornstarch.
- Return the chicken and shrimp to the skillet, then pour the sauce over the mixture. Stir everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
- Serve over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles.
Tips for Cooking Chicken and Shrimp Together
- Timing is Key: Shrimp cooks faster than chicken, so always cook the chicken first or remove shrimp early to avoid overcooking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: This ensures tender, juicy chicken and shrimp every time.
- Versatility: Feel free to customize these recipes with your favorite vegetables, spices, or grains.
Now that you know how to cook chicken and shrimp, why not try these recipes this week? They’re flavorful, easy to make, and sure to impress anyone at the table. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just meal-prepping for the week, these delicious chicken and shrimp dishes are guaranteed to become new staples in your kitchen.