15 Irresistible Chicken and Shrimp Recipes That’ll Make Your Mouth Water

Ever stared into your fridge wondering what the heck to make with that chicken and shrimp you bought? Been there! As a food enthusiast who’s constantly experimenting in the kitchen, I’ve discovered that combining these two proteins creates magic on a plate.

Chicken and shrimp are like the dynamic duo of the protein world – one brings the hearty satisfaction, the other adds that special pop of seafood flavor. Together? They’re unstoppable!

I’ve gathered 15 mouthwatering recipes that showcase this perfect pairing. Whether you’re craving something spicy, creamy, or globally-inspired these dishes will transform your everyday ingredients into something spectacular.

Cajun-Inspired Chicken and Shrimp Delights

If there’s one flavor profile that absolutely sings with this protein combo, it’s Cajun seasonings. The spicy, bold flavors complement both meats beautifully

1. Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo

This creamy, spicy pasta dish combines the best of both worlds. The chicken and shrimp are seasoned with Cajun spices before being tossed in a rich alfredo sauce. The heat from the Cajun seasoning balances perfectly with the creamy sauce.

What makes this dish special is the contrast between the tender chicken, the succulent shrimp, and that velvety sauce that coats every bite. I love serving this over fettuccine, but any pasta shape works great!

2. Easy Jambalaya

This Southern classic combines chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage in a zesty tomato-based rice dish. The holy trinity of Cajun cooking (bell peppers, onions, and celery) creates the aromatic base.

The key to great jambalaya is layering flavors – cook the chicken first then remove it while you build the rest of the dish adding the shrimp at the end so it doesn’t overcook. The rice soaks up all those amazing flavors for a one-pot meal that’ll transport you straight to New Orleans.

3. Rouxless Gumbo

For those watching their carbs, this gumbo skips the traditional flour-based roux but doesn’t sacrifice flavor. The chicken and shrimp shine in this spicy, brothy dish packed with okra, bell peppers, and Cajun seasonings.

Asian-Inspired Chicken and Shrimp Recipes

4. Chicken and Shrimp Pad Thai

This Thai street food favorite gets an extra protein boost when you add both chicken and shrimp. The sweet, sour, and slightly spicy sauce coats the rice noodles perfectly, while bean sprouts and crushed peanuts add a satisfying crunch.

Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list – many are pantry staples like soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime. The trick to perfect pad Thai is having all ingredients prepped before you start cooking, as everything comes together quickly in the wok.

5. Chicken and Shrimp Stir Fry

Quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor, this stir fry starts by caramelizing onions, then adding aromatic garlic and ginger. The chicken and shrimp cook quickly with broccoli or your favorite veggies.

What I love about stir-fries is their versatility – use whatever veggies you have on hand and adjust the sauce to your taste preferences. Serve over steamed rice or enjoy it on its own for a lighter meal.

6. Shrimp and Chicken Pancit Canton

This Filipino noodle dish might be new to some, but it’s absolutely worth trying! Most ingredients are readily available at regular supermarkets, though you might need to hunt down Chinese sausage at an Asian market.

The technique is simple: cook the proteins first, add the veggies, then toss with cooked noodles. The result is a satisfying, slightly sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for family dinners.

Mediterranean-Inspired Dishes

7. Chicken & Shrimp Spanish Paella

This colorful rice dish is a showstopper at dinner parties. Traditional paella includes saffron for that distinctive yellow color and unique flavor, but if you’re watching your budget, a bit of extra turmeric works in a pinch.

The key to authentic paella is developing the socarrat—that crispy layer of rice at the bottom of the pan. Let it cook undisturbed for the last few minutes to achieve this coveted texture.

8. Authentic Vietnamese Spring Rolls

These fresh, light spring rolls filled with chicken, shrimp, rice noodles, and vegetables make a perfect appetizer or light meal. The rice paper wrappers might take some practice to work with, but the results are worth it!

Don’t skip the dipping sauce – a mixture of hoisin, peanut butter, and a splash of sriracha creates the perfect complement to these rolls.

Creamy Comfort Food

9. Creamy Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo

When you’re craving something indulgent, this pasta dish hits all the right notes. The decadent cream cheese sauce is enhanced with Italian seasonings and pairs beautifully with both proteins.

I like to add some sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil to brighten up this rich dish. It’s pure comfort in a bowl!

10. Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

This copycat recipe brings the restaurant favorite home. Unlike traditional carbonara, Olive Garden’s version includes heavy cream for extra richness, plus breaded chicken tenders, juicy shrimp, and bell peppers.

The combination of crispy chicken and tender shrimp in that creamy sauce is absolutely irresistible. Serve with garlic bread for the full restaurant experience!

Quick Weeknight Options

11. Garlic Chicken and Shrimp

Ready in just 30 minutes, this simple recipe lets the natural flavors of the proteins shine. Plenty of garlic, a splash of white wine, and a squeeze of lemon are all you need to create a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Serve with pasta, rice, or a crisp salad for a complete meal that feels special but comes together quickly.

12. Chicken and Shrimp Fajitas

Fajitas are the ultimate customizable dinner. Cook the chicken and shrimp separately (to prevent rubbery shrimp), then serve with sautéed peppers and onions, warm tortillas, and all your favorite toppings.

Pro tip: pre-cook the shrimp until just pink, remove from the skillet while you cook everything else, then add back for the final few minutes. One pan, less cleanup!

Global Fusion Favorites

13. Jack Daniel’s Chicken and Shrimp

The star of this dish is definitely the sauce – a mouthwatering blend of Jack Daniel’s honey whiskey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, honey, Sriracha, ketchup, and garlic. It creates a sweet-savory glaze that coats the chicken and shrimp beautifully.

This is one of those dishes that makes people think you spent hours in the kitchen, when really it’s quite simple. The complex flavors of the sauce do all the heavy lifting!

14. Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp

This Applebee’s copycat brings the restaurant favorite to your kitchen. The bourbon marinade creates deeply flavorful chicken and shrimp that pair perfectly with rustic mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries.

What I love about this dish is how the glaze caramelizes on the proteins, creating little pockets of intensely flavored bites throughout the dish.

15. Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice

Fried rice is the ultimate leftovers makeover! Day-old rice works best for this dish, as freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and can become mushy.

With just a few pantry staples like soy sauce, vegetables, and your leftover chicken and shrimp, you can create a satisfying meal that’s better than takeout. The trick is cooking over high heat and keeping everything moving in the pan.

Tips for Cooking Chicken and Shrimp Together

Combining these proteins can be tricky since they have different cooking times. Here are some strategies I’ve found helpful:

• Cook separately: Cook the chicken first (since it takes longer), then add the shrimp for the last few minutes.
• Size matters: Cut chicken into smaller pieces so they cook at a similar rate to the shrimp.
• Don’t overcook: Shrimp can go from perfect to rubbery in seconds! They’re done when they turn pink and opaque.
• Seasoning balance: Both proteins take well to similar seasonings, but be careful not to mask the delicate flavor of shrimp.

Why Chicken and Shrimp Make a Perfect Pair

There’s a reason this combination appears in cuisines worldwide:

• Complementary flavors: Chicken’s mild flavor lets the shrimp’s sweetness shine.
• Textural contrast: Tender chicken and snappy shrimp create interesting texture in every bite.
• Nutritional powerhouse: Lean protein from chicken, omega-3s from shrimp – it’s a win-win!
• Versatility: This duo works with nearly any flavor profile, from Asian to Mediterranean to Cajun.

Wrapping Up

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just trying to use up what’s in your fridge, these chicken and shrimp recipes offer something for everyone. From spicy Cajun dishes to comforting pasta and fresh Asian-inspired meals, the combination of these two proteins creates meals that are greater than the sum of their parts.

I hope these recipes inspire you to get creative in the kitchen! What’s your favorite way to prepare chicken and shrimp together? I’d love to hear about your culinary adventures with this dynamic duo!

Now excuse me while I go raid my freezer – all this talk of chicken and shrimp has made me hungry!

Yes, you can absolutely mix chicken and shrimp in the same dish, as they are highly versatile proteins that complement each other well in many cuisines, including stir-fries, jambalaya, and scampi. The key is to consider their different cooking times and marinating properties, cooking the chicken first and adding the shrimp later, and to avoid marinating them together for too long, especially if using strong marinades.