A colorful plate of chicken and shrimp skillet with vegetables, garnished with herbs and lemon wedges.

Chicken and Shrimp Recipes: The Perfect Protein Duo

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Why You’ll Love These Chicken and Shrimp Recipes

Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that combines two of the most beloved proteins in the kitchen: chicken and shrimp. This dynamic duo creates dishes that are not only packed with flavor but also offer a perfect balance of textures and nutritional benefits. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast, a poultry lover, or someone who appreciates the best of both worlds, these chicken and shrimp recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your dinner guests.

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What makes chicken and shrimp such a fantastic combination? For starters, they complement each other beautifully in terms of flavor and texture. The mild, versatile taste of chicken pairs wonderfully with the sweet, briny notes of shrimp. Moreover, this protein duo offers a nutritional powerhouse, providing lean protein, essential amino acids, and a variety of vitamins and minerals.

From quick and easy weeknight dinners to elegant dishes perfect for special occasions, these chicken and shrimp recipes offer something for every palate and skill level. You’ll discover how these two ingredients can transform into mouthwatering stir-fries, comforting pasta dishes, zesty tacos, and so much more.

If you’re a fan of chicken dishes, you might also enjoy our perfect chicken cutlets recipe for another delicious option. And for those who love exploring different shrimp preparations, our rice recipes for fish can be easily adapted for shrimp as well.

A colorful plate of chicken and shrimp skillet with vegetables, garnished with herbs and lemon wedges.

Recipe Quick Facts

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories per serving: 400

What You’ll Need for Our Signature Chicken and Shrimp Skillet

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges for serving
Raw chicken breasts and shrimp in bowls, sliced bell peppers, diced onions, garlic, spices, chicken broth, olive oil, and lemon wedges laid out on a countertop.

How to Create the Perfect Chicken and Shrimp Skillet

Preparing the Ingredients

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the paprika.
  2. In a separate bowl, season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Chop the vegetables and have all ingredients measured and ready.
A hand seasoning chicken pieces, with shrimp, diced onions, sliced bell peppers, and spices neatly arranged on a cutting board.

Cooking the Chicken and Shrimp

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink. Remove and set aside with the chicken.

Creating the Flavorful Base

  1. Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet.
  2. Sauté the onions and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, remaining paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Split view of combining sautéed vegetables with sauce and adding cooked chicken and shrimp back to the skillet.

Bringing It All Together

  1. Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet.
  2. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the shrimp is heated.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  4. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Chicken and shrimp simmering in a tomato-based sauce with bell peppers and onions in a skillet.

Pro Tips for Chicken and Shrimp Recipe Success

  1. Don’t overcook the shrimp – they cook quickly and can become rubbery if left too long in the pan.
  2. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
  3. Use a mix of chicken breasts and thighs for a variety of textures and flavors.
  4. Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
  5. For a creamier version, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking.
  6. Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
  7. Make it a one-pan meal by adding par-cooked potatoes or your favorite vegetables to the skillet.

Nutritional Breakdown

Per serving:

  • Calories: 400
  • Protein: 45g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 8g

Delicious Variations to Try

  • Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta: Toss the cooked chicken and shrimp with pasta and a spicy Cajun cream sauce.
  • Teriyaki Chicken and Shrimp Stir-Fry: Use our teriyaki chicken bowl recipe as a base and add shrimp for a delightful twist.
  • Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Shrimp: Sauté the duo in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce for a indulgent treat.
  • Coconut Curry Chicken and Shrimp: Simmer in a coconut curry sauce for an exotic flavor profile.
Collage of four chicken and shrimp dishes: skillet recipe, creamy pasta, teriyaki stir-fry, and coconut curry.

Serving Ideas for Your Chicken and Shrimp Dishes

These versatile chicken and shrimp recipes pair well with a variety of sides:

  1. Grain Companions: Serve over fluffy rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the delicious sauces.
  2. Veggie Sides: Pair with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal.
  3. Bread Options: Offer crusty bread or our delicious cottage cheese bread for dipping.
  4. Comfort Food Twist: Serve alongside our sweet potato cornbread for a Southern-inspired meal.

For a complete feast, consider starting with our irresistible smoked queso as an appetizer before the main chicken and shrimp dish.

Why These Chicken and Shrimp Recipes Will Be Your New Favorites

Chicken and shrimp recipes offer the best of both worlds – the comforting familiarity of chicken combined with the special treat of succulent shrimp. This protein duo not only provides a delightful contrast in flavors and textures but also offers a nutritionally balanced meal that’s satisfying and delicious.

What makes these recipes stand out is their versatility. The basic concept of combining chicken and shrimp can be adapted to suit various cuisines and dietary preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, creamy, or light and fresh, there’s a chicken and shrimp recipe to satisfy your craving.

Moreover, these dishes are perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. They cook up relatively quickly, making them ideal for busy evenings, yet they’re impressive enough to serve to guests. The combination of chicken and shrimp also makes these dishes feel a bit more special than your average weeknight meal.

Another advantage of these recipes is their customizability. You can easily adjust the proportions of chicken to shrimp based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Plus, the base recipes can be modified to incorporate your favorite vegetables, spices, or sauces, allowing you to create a dish that’s uniquely yours.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, these chicken and shrimp recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen. They offer a perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and ease of preparation that will keep you coming back for more. So why not give them a try? You might just discover your new favorite go-to dinner!

For more information on the nutritional benefits of combining different protein sources in your meals, check out this informative article on protein complementation from Harvard Health Publishing.

A colorful plate of chicken and shrimp skillet with vegetables, garnished with herbs and lemon wedges.

Chicken and Shrimp Skillet

Georgina Smith
A flavorful and easy-to-make chicken and shrimp skillet, combining juicy shrimp and tender chicken with bell peppers and a delicious tomato-based sauce.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 4 people
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Tongs
  • Bowl (for seasoning)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ½ lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 bell peppers mixed colors, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • Season the chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the paprika.
    A hand seasoning chicken pieces, with shrimp, diced onions, sliced bell peppers, and spices neatly arranged on a cutting board.
  • Prepare the shrimp: In a separate bowl, season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
    A beautifully styled kitchen counter with a stainless steel bowl at its center, containing a dozen succulent shrimp surrounded by a sprinkling of flaky sea salt and a few grinds of freshly ground pepper
  • Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
    Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
  • Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
    In the same skillet, the shrimp and chicken cook
  • Sauté the vegetables: Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the onions and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until softened.
    Sauté the vegetables: Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the onions and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  • Add garlic and sauce ingredients: Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, remaining paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
    Split view of combining sautéed vegetables with sauce and adding cooked chicken and shrimp back to the skillet.
  • Return chicken and shrimp: Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the shrimp is heated.
    Chicken and shrimp simmering in a tomato-based sauce with bell peppers and onions in a skillet.
  • Finish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Enjoy!
    A colorful plate of chicken and shrimp skillet with vegetables, garnished with herbs and lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Avoid overcooking the shrimp to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for more flavor.
  • Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes.
  • This recipe pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
 
Try These Variations
  1. Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta: Toss the cooked chicken and shrimp with your favorite pasta and a creamy Cajun sauce for a spicy twist.
  2. Teriyaki Chicken and Shrimp Stir-Fry: Sauté the chicken and shrimp with teriyaki sauce, adding in stir-fry vegetables like broccoli and carrots for a sweet and savory dish.
  3. Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Shrimp: Sauté the chicken and shrimp in a rich garlic butter sauce, then finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an indulgent treat.
  4. Coconut Curry Chicken and Shrimp: Simmer the chicken and shrimp in a fragrant coconut curry sauce, served with jasmine rice or naan for a tropical-inspired meal.
  5. Lemon Garlic Chicken and Shrimp: Make a lighter version by sautéing the chicken and shrimp in a lemon garlic sauce, served with steamed vegetables or over quinoa.
Keyword chicken and shrimp recipes, easy chicken and shrimp dishes, protein-rich dinner ideas, seafood and poultry recipes, skillet chicken and shrimp

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