Top 5 Chicken and Shrimp Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners
Introduction
Imagine coming home after a busy day, craving a hearty, delicious meal but without the time or energy to spend hours cooking. Chicken and shrimp recipes are the perfect answer, combining juicy flavors and high protein content to create filling and flavorful dinners. Not only are these recipes quick and easy to make, but they also bring a variety of flavors that make each meal feel special. Here are five simple and satisfying chicken and shrimp recipes designed to elevate your weeknight dinners. From a creamy pasta to a lemon herb skillet, you’re sure to find something that will make dinner the highlight of your day.
Explore the Recipe Steps
One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Shrimp
1 Chicken and Shrimp Recipes
Notes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | 1 lb |
| Shrimp | 1 lb |
| Butter | 3 tbsp |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Lemon Juice | 2 tbsp |
| Parsley, chopped | 2 tbsp |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste |
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: In a large pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same pan, add the remaining butter, then cook the shrimp with garlic until pink and cooked through.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the pan, add lemon juice, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Serve: Serve hot with a side of vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
Creamy Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
2 Chicken and Shrimp Recipes
Notes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | 1 lb, sliced |
| Shrimp | 1 lb |
| Cajun Seasoning | 2 tbsp |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup |
| Pasta | 12 oz |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup, grated |
| Bell Pepper | 1, sliced |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
- Season the Chicken and Shrimp: Toss the chicken and shrimp with Cajun seasoning, ensuring an even coat.
- Cook the Chicken and Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook the chicken until golden, followed by the shrimp. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Add the bell pepper, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until smooth. Return the chicken, shrimp, and pasta to the pan and toss to coat.
- Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan and serve immediately.
Chicken and Shrimp Stir-Fry with Vegetables
3 Chicken and Shrimp Recipes
Notes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Thigh | 1 lb, sliced |
| Shrimp | 1 lb |
| Broccoli Florets | 1 cup |
| Bell Pepper | 1, sliced |
| Carrots | 1, sliced |
| Soy Sauce | 3 tbsp |
| Fresh Ginger, grated | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Olive Oil | 1 tbsp |
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Mix soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in a small bowl.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a wok or large skillet, add chicken slices, and cook until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots. Cook until tender-crisp.
- Add Shrimp and Sauce: Add shrimp and the soy-ginger sauce, cooking until the shrimp are pink. Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat everything in the sauce.
- Serve: Serve hot over rice or noodles for a filling, balanced meal.
Honey Garlic Chicken and Shrimp
4 Chicken and Shrimp Recipes
Notes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | 1 lb |
| Shrimp | 1 lb |
| Honey | 3 tbsp |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Soy Sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh Ginger | 1 tbsp, grated |
| Olive Oil | 1 tbsp |
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the chicken until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, add garlic, soy sauce, honey, and ginger. Stir and let it simmer until it thickens slightly.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp to the pan and cook until pink, then return the chicken and coat both proteins in the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions, and serve over rice or vegetables.
Lemon Herb Chicken and Shrimp Skillet
5 Chicken and Shrimp Recipes
Notes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Thigh | 1 lb, sliced |
| Shrimp | 1 lb |
| Lemon (juice & zest) | 1 |
| Fresh Thyme | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh Rosemary | 1 tbsp |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste |
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken and Shrimp: Toss the chicken and shrimp with lemon juice, zest, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking until pink and opaque. Return the chicken to the pan and toss with any remaining marinade.
- Serve: Serve immediately with a side of vegetables or a light salad.
FAQ Section
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken and Shrimp Recipes
1. Can I use frozen shrimp and chicken for these recipes?
Yes, frozen shrimp and chicken work well. Be sure to thaw them fully and pat dry before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent excess moisture.
2. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
3. Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more flavor and moisture and work well in all these recipes.
4. How can I make these recipes spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce or seasoning to bring extra heat to any dish.
5. Are there healthier substitutions for these recipes?
You can use olive oil instead of butter, reduce the cream in the Cajun pasta, or add more vegetables for extra fiber and nutrients.
6. What side dishes pair well with chicken and shrimp recipes?
These recipes pair well with rice, quinoa, or pasta, as well as roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a balanced meal.
7. Are there healthier substitutions for these recipes?
For healthier versions, consider using olive oil instead of butter, reducing or substituting cream with a lower-fat alternative in the Cajun pasta, or adding extra vegetables for fiber and nutrients.
This FAQ section provides quick answers to common questions, ensuring readers have all the information needed to make these recipes successful, offer helpful insights for making and customizing these chicken and shrimp recipes
Elevate Your Weeknight Dinners with These Easy Chicken and Shrimp Recipes
Bringing variety to your weeknight dinners doesn’t have to be complicated. These chicken and shrimp recipes are designed to be flavorful, quick, and satisfying, giving you a range of options that suit any taste. From the rich, creamy Cajun pasta to the fresh lemon herb skillet, there’s a recipe here for every mood and craving. Give these dishes a try, and let them become part of your regular meal rotation. They’re easy to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ready to Try These Easy Chicken and Shrimp Recipes?
With these recipes, you’ll have dinner covered with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Explore our site for more weeknight dinner ideas that make home-cooked meals simple and delicious.
