easy chicken and shrimp recipes: 5 Best Dishes for Weeknights

Looking for tasty and simple chicken and shrimp recipes for weeknights? You’re in the right spot. With so many options, picking the perfect dish can be tough. That’s why we’ve picked the best chicken and shrimp recipes that are both delicious and quick to make.

From a simple paella to a shrimp and chicken stir-fry, these recipes are sure to be favorites at home.

Introduction to Chicken and Shrimp Recipes

easy chicken and shrimp recipes are a fantastic way to mix up your meals. They offer a variety of dishes that are both healthy and full of flavor. Whether you’re craving something spicy or light, there’s a recipe for you.

In this article, we’ll dive into some of the top chicken and shrimp recipes perfect for weeknights.

The Perfect Combination of Chicken and Shrimp for Quick Meals

Combining chicken and shrimp makes for a tasty and quick dish. You can whip up homemade recipes in no time. Plus, you can tailor them to your liking, making them both satisfying and healthy.

Chicken and shrimp together offer a good protein boost. For instance, a shrimp and chicken stir-fry cooks in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Adding veggies like bell peppers and broccoli makes it even healthier.

Nutritional Benefits

A serving of chicken and shrimp has about 25g of protein, 10g of carbs, and 21g of fat. It’s also packed with vitamins A, C, and calcium. With a 30-minute cooking time, you can enjoy a nutritious meal fast.

Time-Saving Advantages

Combining chicken and shrimp saves kitchen time. With just a few ingredients, you can make a quick, tasty meal. Try cooking them in a skillet with garlic and ginger, served with rice or noodles.

Popular recipes include chicken and shrimp stir-fry, jambalaya, and skewers. These dishes are not only delicious but also easy to make. You can customize them to please even the most discerning palates.

Essential Ingredients for Chicken and Shrimp Recipes

When making healthy chicken and shrimp recipes, having the right ingredients is key. For quick chicken and shrimp recipes, olive oil, garlic, and ginger are must-haves. These ingredients are the base for many dishes, adding flavor and depth.

Also, keep spices and seasonings like Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, and kosher salt handy. They help add unique flavors to your chicken and shrimp. You can mix them in different ways to create tasty dishes.

Here are some other must-have ingredients for chicken and shrimp recipes:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 pound of large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• ¼ cup olive oil, divided
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced

These ingredients are great for making a variety of dishes. From simple stir-fries to complex meals like quick chicken and shrimp recipes. Having these ingredients ready means you can quickly make a delicious and healthy chicken and shrimp recipe.

homemade chicken and shrimp recipes

Garlic Butter Chicken and Shrimp Skillet

A garlic butter chicken and shrimp skillet is a great choice for a quick weeknight meal. It’s ready in under 30 minutes. You’ll need chicken breasts, shrimp, garlic, and unsalted butter to make it.

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 5 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. Then, cook the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re done. Remove the chicken and cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side until they’re pink.

Remember to use fresh ingredients and not overcrowd the skillet. You can also add your favorite herbs and spices to the garlic butter. Try adding 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, oregano, rosemary, and parsley for extra flavor.

Here are some tips for a perfect garlic butter chicken and shrimp skillet:

• Use a cast-iron skillet for better sear
• Don’t overcook the shrimp, they should be pink and tender
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing
• Serve with a side of rice or noodles for a filling meal

This recipe is a delicious mix of chicken and shrimp. Its rich sauce and garlic and herbs make it a favorite. Try it out and see why it’s loved by many!

Cajun-Style Chicken and Shrimp Pasta

A Cajun-style chicken and shrimp pasta is a standout dish. It combines spicy and savory flavors. This makes it perfect for those who love tasty chicken and shrimp recipes. You can have it ready in just 25 minutes.

The dish’s flavor comes from chicken, shrimp, and Cajun seasoning. You’ll need 1 pound of pasta, 1 pound of shrimp, and 1 pound of chicken thighs. Also, 2-3 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, garlic, and unsalted butter are needed.

Here is a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:

• Calories: 535 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Total fat: 25 g

This recipe is not only tasty but also nutritious. It has 30 grams of protein per serving. Serve it with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

This Cajun-style chicken and shrimp pasta is a great choice. It’s easy to make, delicious, and full of nutrients. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Asian-Inspired Chicken and Shrimp Stir-Fry

An Asian-inspired stir-fry is a fantastic choice for easy chicken and shrimp recipes. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Start by making the sauce, which includes soy sauce, fish sauce, and fresh lime juice.

Cooking the stir-fry is quick and easy. Cook the chicken and shrimp in a wok or large skillet with oil. Then, add your favorite veggies like snow peas, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir constantly over high heat to get a tender yet crispy texture.

Sauce Preparation

To make the sauce, mix the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. The sauce should be thick but still pourable. Adjust the sugar and fish sauce to your taste.

Cooking Technique

Cooking the chicken and shrimp takes just minutes. Cook the chicken for 5-8 minutes until it’s fully cooked. Cook the shrimp for 4-5 minutes until it’s pink and opaque. Then, add the veggies and cook for 4-5 minutes more until they’re tender but crisp.

Vegetable Options

This stir-fry is great because you can choose your favorite veggies. Some options include:

• Snow peas
• Carrots
• Bell peppers
• Mushrooms
• Baby corn

You can also add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for extra flavor.

Here’s an image of a delicious Asian-inspired chicken and shrimp stir-fry:

This dish is not only tasty but also healthy. It has protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs. It’s quick to make and you can customize it. Try this easy chicken and shrimp recipe tonight for a delicious meal!

Mediterranean Chicken and Shrimp Sheet Pan Dinner

This healthy chicken and shrimp recipe is great for a quick weeknight dinner. It takes less than 30 minutes to make. You marinate chicken and shrimp in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. Then, you roast them with veggies in the oven.

To make this quick chicken and shrimp recipe, you need a few ingredients. You’ll need 6 to 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs and 1 ½ lbs of shrimp. Also, grab some asparagus and cherry tomatoes. You’ll also need 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.

Here are the nutritional facts for this recipe:

• Calories per serving: 466.7 kcal
• Carbohydrates per serving: 7.3 g
• Protein per serving: 25.7 g
• Total fat per serving: 37.7 g

This Mediterranean chicken and shrimp sheet pan dinner is perfect for a quick, healthy meal. It’s quick to make and packed with nutritious ingredients. It’s ideal for a busy weeknight.

Creamy Lemon Chicken and Shrimp

This dish is a top pick for quick meals. It’s ready in under 30 minutes. The creamy lemon sauce makes it perfect for a weeknight dinner. You’ll need 1 lb of chicken breasts, 1 lb of pasta, and 1 cup of heavy cream.

Here’s a brief overview of the recipe:

• Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 4 people
• Calories per serving: 612 kcal

This creamy lemon dish is a hit among top chicken and shrimp recipes. It’s not only tasty but also simple to prepare. You can pair it with steamed veggies or a green salad.

To make it, cook the chicken and shrimp in a creamy lemon sauce. Then, serve it over pasta. This flavorful chicken and shrimp recipe is sure to be a favorite.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

To make easy chicken and shrimp recipes, you need some key kitchen tools. The right tools can greatly improve your dish’s quality and look. For delicious chicken and shrimp recipes, a large skillet or wok, sharp knives, and various cookware are crucial.

Other helpful tools include a cutting board, a colander, and measuring cups and spoons. A food thermometer is also a good idea. It helps make sure your chicken and shrimp are cooked safely.

Here are some essential kitchen tools and equipment you’ll need:

• Large skillet or wok
• Set of sharp knives
• Cookware (pots, pans, etc.)
• Cutting board
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Food thermometer

With these tools, you can easily make a variety of easy chicken and shrimp recipes and delicious chicken and shrimp recipes. Always choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best taste and texture.

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Shrimp Combinations

Creating tasty healthy chicken and shrimp recipes is easier with a few tips. Start with fresh, high-quality ingredients. This includes fresh veggies and herbs. It makes your dishes not just yummy but also good for you.

It’s crucial to cook chicken and shrimp to the right temperature. This step prevents foodborne illness and ensures your dishes are perfect. For quick chicken and shrimp recipes, have all ingredients ready before cooking. It makes the process faster and helps you serve a great meal quickly.

Here are more tips for making chicken and shrimp dishes:

• Use a variety of flavors and spices to add depth and interest to your dishes
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques
• Consider using a wok or large skillet to cook your chicken and shrimp, as this will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent burning

By following these tips and being creative, you can make many delicious healthy chicken and shrimp recipes. They’re perfect for any meal. Whether you want something quick or a more complex dish, chicken and shrimp are a great choice.

Storage and Meal Prep Recommendations

Storing and reheating easy chicken and shrimp recipes requires some tips. Use airtight containers to keep the food fresh and flavorful. It’s also important to reheat the dishes to the right temperature to avoid foodborne illnesses.

For delicious chicken and shrimp recipes, meal prep is a big help. Prepare ingredients ahead and store them in separate containers. This makes it easy to put the dish together when you’re ready to eat. Ideas include cooking chicken and shrimp in bulk and portioning them out with veggies and sauces.

Here are some tips for storing and reheating your easy chicken and shrimp recipes:

• Store the dishes in airtight containers to maintain freshness
• Reheat the dishes to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety
• Use a variety of meal prep strategies, such as cooking in bulk and portioning out individual servings

By following these tips, you can enjoy your delicious chicken and shrimp recipes for days. This way, you keep the food quality and safety high.

Conclusion: Mastering Weeknight Chicken and Shrimp Dishes

Congratulations! You’re on your way to becoming a pro at quick and tasty weeknight meals. With the recipes and tips from this article, you can make many delicious dishes. These will surely impress your family and friends.

Make sure to store chicken and shrimp safely. Chicken should be at 40°F (4°C) or below. Shrimp needs to be at 32°F (0°C) or below. Both should last 3-4 days in the fridge.

When cooking, chicken should reach 165°F. Shrimp should be cooked until just pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. This ensures they’re safe and tasty.

With practice, you’ll make easy chicken and shrimp recipes quickly. Try one-pan meals and use marinades and seasonings to add flavor. Get ready to wow your loved ones with your cooking skills.