Chicken and shrimp are two of the most popular proteins to cook with. They are readily available budget-friendly easy to prepare, and appeal to a wide range of tastes. When combined, chicken and shrimp make a hearty and delicious meal that offers a nice balance of flavors and textures.
There are so many great options for dishes that pair chicken and shrimp. From Italian pastas to Asian stir-fries to Cajun classics the possibilities are endless! Here are 19 must-try recipes that make the most of this tasty pairing.
Cajun and Creole Chicken and Shrimp Dishes
The spicy, robust flavors of Cajun and Creole cooking are a perfect match for chicken and shrimp. Here are some classic Louisiana-inspired recipes to try:
1. Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
This pasta dish brings together Cajun seasoning, chicken, shrimp, peppers, onions, and a creamy sauce for an explosion of flavors. It comes together in just 25 minutes!
2. Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a flavorful Cajun rice dish that typically contains the “holy trinity” of onions, celery, and bell peppers, along with chicken, shrimp, and spices like thyme, oregano, cayenne and paprika. Make it for a quick weeknight meal.
3. Chicken and Shrimp Étouffée
Étouffée is a creamy Cajun stew usually served over rice. This version is made with a rich sauce, chicken, shrimp, and the classic Creole aromatics like the holy trinity, bay leaves and cayenne pepper.
4. Chicken and Shrimp Gumbo
No list of Cajun recipes would be complete without gumbo! This hearty stew contains chicken, shrimp, sausage, vegetables and the “holy trinity.” Ladle it over rice for comfort food at its best.
Pasta Recipes with Chicken and Shrimp
Pasta dishes provide the perfect opportunity to pair chicken and shrimp. Here are some saucy, satisfying recipes to consider:
5. Chicken Carbonara with Shrimp
Carbonara is an Italian pasta made with egg, cheese, bacon and black pepper. Adding shrimp takes this classic to the next level!
6. Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
This dish brings Tuscan flavors like garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and white wine together for a creamy pasta topped with chicken and shrimp.
7. Chicken and Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
For a quick and easy crowd-pleaser, you can’t go wrong with fettuccine Alfredo. Sautéed chicken and shrimp make this creamy, cheesy pasta even better.
8. Chicken and Shrimp Penne with Vodka Sauce
Vodka sauce has a bit of kick from the addition of red pepper flakes. When combined with penne, chicken and shrimp, it becomes a flavorful weeknight dinner option.
Asian Chicken and Shrimp Recipes
The flavors of ginger, garlic, sesame and soy sauce make Asian cuisine a perfect match for chicken and shrimp.
9. Chicken and Shrimp Stir Fry
An easy weeknight stir fry is a total breeze to whip up. Simply stir fry chicken and shrimp with your choice of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, peppers and onions.
10. Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice
Take leftover rice from the night before and give it new life by stir frying it with chicken, shrimp, peas, carrots, eggs and soy sauce.
11. Chicken and Shrimp Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a popular Thai noodle dish made with chicken, shrimp, rice noodles, eggs, peanuts, bean sprouts, garlic, tamarind and more. Once you learn how to make the flavorful sauce, it’s addictive!
12. Chicken and Shrimp Pho
Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup made with a deeply flavored broth. Rice noodles, chicken, shrimp, herbs, bean sprouts and lime all come together for an incredible flavor experience.
More Global Flavor Combinations
These recipes draw inspiration from diverse cuisines around the world to create chicken and shrimp masterpieces:
13. Chicken and Shrimp Paella
Paella originates from Spain and features saffron-infused rice with an assortment of vegetables, beans and proteins like chicken and shrimp.
14. Chicken and Shrimp Enchiladas
Make these flavorful enchiladas with chicken, shrimp, peppers, onions, beans, cheese and enchilada sauce for a satisfying Mexican-inspired meal.
15. Chicken Tikka Masala with Shrimp
This flavor-packed Indian dish combines chicken tikka masala’s creamy, lightly spiced tomato sauce with shrimp for added protein. Serve over rice.
16. Jamaican Chicken and Shrimp
Jerk seasoning gives this dish its signature Jamaican flavor. It’s fantastic served with rice and beans, plantains and mango salsa.
Comfort Food Chicken and Shrimp Recipes
When you want something hearty and indulgent, these chicken and shrimp recipes really deliver:
17. Chicken and Shrimp Pot Pie
Nothing says comfort food like a homemade pot pie filled with chicken, shrimp, vegetables and a flakey crust. Make it on a chilly night for warmth and happiness.
18. Shrimp and Chicken Casserole
Casseroles allow you to combine chicken, shrimp, cheese, veggies, pasta or rice for an easy, one-dish meal. Play around and make it your own!
19. Chicken and Shrimp Stew
Simmer chicken and shrimp in a tomato-based broth with potatoes, carrots, peas and corn for the ultimate cozy stew to enjoy with crusty bread.
With so many great choices, it’s easy to see why chicken and shrimp make such a perfect pair. They can be dressed up or kept simple, adapted to suit a variety of cuisines, and satisfy comfort food cravings. Whatever you’re in the mood for, give one of these tasty chicken and shrimp recipes a try for your next meal!
Pro Tips for Chicken and Shrimp Recipe Success
- Don’t overcook the shrimp – they cook quickly and can become rubbery if left too long in the pan.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use a mix of chicken breasts and thighs for a variety of textures and flavors.
- Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- For a creamier version, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking.
- Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Make it a one-pan meal by adding par-cooked potatoes or your favorite vegetables to the skillet.
Per serving:
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
How to Create the Perfect Chicken and Shrimp Skillet
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the paprika.
- In a separate bowl, season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Chop the vegetables and have all ingredients measured and ready.
Copycat Olive Garden chicken and shrimp carbonara!
FAQ
Can I mix chicken and shrimp together?
When you’re using both chicken and shrimp in a recipe, cooking the chicken first is the way to go, as the chicken takes longer to cook. Once you remove the chicken, the shrimp will cook very quickly in the hot skillet.
Why not mix shrimp with chicken?
- Seafood tends to cook very quickly, while meat and poultry take a bit longer, so sometimes it’s easier to not mix them.
- Related, seafood is often much softer, so it doesn’t match textures as well as various meats and poultry.
What goes well as a side dish with shrimp?
What Are Some Sides I Can Make W/ Fried Shrimp?? Steamed white rice. Roasted broccoli. Corn on the cob. Asparagus. Pasta salad. Green salad.
What pairs with cooked shrimp?
- 01 of 14. Roquefort Pear Salad. …
- 02 of 14. Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan. …
- 03 of 14. Amish Macaroni Salad. …
- 04 of 14. Pesto Zoodles. …
- 05 of 14. Good for You Greek Salad. …
- 06 of 14. Muffin Tin Potatoes Gratin. …
- 07 of 14. Fresh Broccoli Salad. …
- 08 of 14.