Delicious Shrimp and Chicken Recipes to Try Tonight

As the sun sets, the smell of cooking seafood and chicken wafts through the air. It invites you to come and enjoy a meal. Whether you’re in the mood for a Cubano torta or Elote en Vaso, shrimp and chicken have endless possibilities. Let’s dive into some tasty recipes that will make your home cooking stand out.

Key Takeaways

Discover a variety of delicious shrimp and chicken recipes for any occasion.
Learn how to create restaurant-quality meals in your own kitchen.
Explore a range of flavors, from Mexican-inspired dishes to classic favorites.
Elevate your cooking skills and impress your family and friends.
Enjoy the versatility and convenience of these protein-packed ingredients.

Essential Kitchen Tools and Ingredients for Seafood and Poultry Dishes

Improve your cooking skills with the right tools and ingredients for shrimp and chicken dishes. We cover must-have equipment, pantry staples, and fresh ingredient guides.

Must-Have Cooking Equipment

Get these essential tools for seafood and poultry prep and cooking:

A Hybrid BBQ Grill Pan ($95 discounted from $159) for searing and grilling proteins with ease
A set of Stainless Mixing Bowls ($79 discounted from $99) for marinating, mixing, and serving
A high-quality Damascus Steel Chef’s Knife ($79 discounted from $99) for precise cutting and trimming

Basic Pantry Ingredients

Stock your pantry with these essential items for flavorful seafood and poultry dishes:

Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs
Cooking oils such as olive oil, avocado oil, and sesame oil
Condiments like soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce

Fresh Ingredients Shopping Guide

Make sure to have these fresh ingredients for your seafood and poultry dishes:

Ingredient	Quantity
Prawns/Shrimp	2¼ pounds/1 kg
Chicken Breasts or Thighs	As needed
Fresh Herbs (e.g., parsley, basil, cilantro)	As needed
Vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, onions, tomatoes)	As needed

With the right cooking techniques, kitchen essentials, pantry staples, and fresh ingredients, you’ll make delicious seafood and poultry dishes at home.

Understanding Protein Cooking Times and Temperatures

It’s important to cook proteins like shrimp and chicken right to keep them safe and tasty. The FDA says chicken should be cooked to 165°F and seafood to 145°F. This kills harmful bacteria and makes the proteins safe to eat.

To bake chicken and shrimp in the oven, preheat to 350°F. Cook for 15-20 minutes until they’re fully heated. If you’re microwaving, cover with a paper towel. Heat on high for 3 minutes, then rest for 3 minutes to finish cooking.

Protein	Minimum Internal Temperature
Chicken	165°F (74°C)
Shrimp	145°F (63°C)

By using these cooking methods and temperatures, your shrimp and chicken will be perfect. They’ll stay juicy and full of flavor, all while being safe to eat.

“Proper cooking times and temperatures are essential for creating delicious and safe-to-eat shrimp and chicken dishes.”

Popular Shrimp and Chicken Recipes for Quick Weeknight Meals

Weeknight dinners can be easy with tasty shrimp and chicken recipes. These dishes are quick to make, perfect for busy nights. You’ll find 30-minute meals, one-pan wonders, and make-ahead options here.

30-Minute Dinner Solutions

When time is tight, try quick shrimp and chicken dishes. Shrimp Yakisoba is a great choice, ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a flavorful stir-fry with noodles, veggies, and a sweet sauce.

One-Pan Recipe Options

Make weeknight cooking easier with one-pan meals. Sheet pan dinners like Lemon-Garlic Chicken and Shrimp with Roasted Vegetables are perfect. They bake together for an easy cleanup. Skillet meals, like Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo, also cook quickly in one pan.

Make-Ahead Meal Ideas

Save time by preparing parts of your meal ahead. Marinate chicken or shrimp over the weekend. Then, just sauté or grill them during the week. Chop veggies early to reduce prep time. With some planning, you can enjoy tasty shrimp and chicken meals even on the busiest nights.

Dish	Prep Time	Cooking Time	Total Time
Shrimp Yakisoba	15 minutes	12 minutes	27 minutes
Lemon-Garlic Chicken and Shrimp with Roasted Vegetables	20 minutes	35 minutes	55 minutes
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo	10 minutes	25 minutes	35 minutes

“With a little planning, you can have delicious shrimp and chicken dishes ready to go on even the busiest weeknights.”

Marinades and Seasonings for Enhanced Flavor

Take your shrimp and chicken dishes to the next level with tasty marinades and seasoning blends. Try out different herbs, spices, oils, and acids to make unique flavors. You can go for zesty Mexican seasonings or classic marinades that remind you of Cuba or the Mediterranean.

Begin by making a flavorful marinade for your proteins. Mix soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, and garlic for a tasty chicken dish. Let the chicken marinate for 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low in your slow cooker for the best flavor.

Chicken breasts: 1 ½ lbs (~680 grams), approximately 3 large breast halves
Soy sauce: ½ cup
Apple cider vinegar: ¼ cup
Honey: ¼ cup
Brown sugar: ¼ cup
Garlic: 2 cloves
Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
Water: to mix with cornstarch

For a different taste, try a teriyaki marinade. It’s made with soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic. This marinade makes the protein flavorful and tender, perfect with steamed veggies or fluffy rice.

“Enhancing the flavor of your shrimp and chicken dishes is all about experimenting with seasoning blends and flavorful marinades. The possibilities are endless!”

Don’t be shy to try new things with your flavor enhancers. Herbs, spices, and citrus can turn simple proteins into amazing dishes. With a bit of time and creativity, you’ll have many flavorful marinades and seasoning blends to impress everyone.

International-Inspired Seafood and Poultry Combinations

Discover the world of global flavors by adding international flair to your shrimp and chicken dishes. From Asia’s woks to the Mediterranean’s sun and Latin America’s streets, there’s much to explore. These inspirations can make your international cuisine and fusion recipes truly special.

Asian Fusion Dishes

Explore Asia’s bold tastes with shrimp or chicken stir-fries, curries, and rice bowls. Use soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers for global flavors that excite. Add crunchy veggies, aromatic herbs, and toasted sesame oil for an authentic Asian touch.

Mediterranean Favorites

Bring Mediterranean flavors to your table with grilled chicken and seafood paella. Season chicken with lemon, garlic, and oregano. Paella should have shrimp, saffron, and paprika. Use olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs to feel like you’re in Greece or Spain.

Latin American Specialties

Add vibrant spices and textures to your dishes with Latin American flair. Try a Cubano torta with ham, white cheese, and carnitas. Or, make Elote en Vaso (Mexican street corn) and Maria’s Burritos for a mix of global flavors and fusion recipes.

“Embrace the world’s diverse culinary traditions and let your shrimp and chicken dishes transport you to new and exciting flavor destinations.”

Healthy Cooking Methods for Shrimp and Chicken

Choosing the right cooking methods is key to making nutritious meals. For shrimp and chicken, pick methods that use less fat and keep their natural flavors. This way, you get the most out of these lean proteins.

Grilling is a top choice for cooking shrimp and chicken. It seals in juices, making the proteins tender and full of flavor. Baking is also great, as it uses no extra oils or butter. Steaming is another light option that keeps moisture and nutrients in without fat.

For extra flavor without extra fat, marinate your proteins in citrus, herbs, and spices. This makes the meat tender and adds great taste. When seasoning, use low-sodium options and avoid creamy sauces that add too many calories.

Cooking Method	Benefits	Recommended Temperature
Grilling	Locks in natural juices, adds smoky flavor	Shrimp: 400-450°F, Chicken: 375-450°F
Baking	Requires little to no added fats, easy preparation	Shrimp: 400-425°F, Chicken: 400-425°F
Steaming	Retains nutrients, low-calorie cooking method	Shrimp: 212°F, Chicken: 165°F internal temperature

Using these healthy cooking methods in your recipes makes for tasty and nutritious meals. Try different flavors and techniques to find what you like best.

“Cooking healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. By choosing the right techniques, you can enjoy all the benefits of lean proteins like shrimp and chicken without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.”

Family-Friendly Shrimp and Chicken Recipes

Getting the family together for dinner is easy with our tasty shrimp and chicken recipes. We have a variety of dishes that everyone will love. From easy chicken tenders to yummy shrimp skewers, there’s something for everyone.

Kid-Approved Dishes

Our kid-friendly meals are a hit with even the pickiest eaters. Our crispy chicken tenders are a favorite, thanks to their crunchy breading and baking. Kids will have fun making their own shrimp skewers with different sauces.

Batch Cooking Options

Make meal planning easier with our batch cooking ideas. Grill lots of chicken or marinated shrimp for the week. Use them in salads, wraps, or rice bowls. Or, cook a big batch of shrimp and chicken to reheat and customize with different toppings.

Recipe	Serving Size	Prep Time	Cook Time
Crispy Chicken Tenders	4 servings	15 minutes	25 minutes
Shrimp Skewers with Dipping Sauces	6 servings	20 minutes	15 minutes
Grilled Chicken and Veggie Bowls	4 servings	30 minutes	20 minutes

Our family-friendly shrimp and chicken recipes are quick, delicious, and loved by all. They’re perfect for a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

Tips for Selecting and Storing Fresh Ingredients

When making tasty shrimp and chicken dishes, it’s key to pick the best ingredients. Look for proteins from trusted, local sources or stores that focus on freshness. Check the shrimp and chicken for any color changes, smells, or signs of spoilage before buying.

After getting your ingredients, it’s important to store them right. Keep raw shrimp and chicken in the fridge at 40°F or lower. Use them within 1-2 days for the best taste. If you can’t use them right away, freeze them. Make sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn and keep their quality.

When buying pre-made meals or dishes, always check the labels for allergens or preservatives. Follow the storage tips given, whether it’s refrigerating or freezing. This way, you’ll keep the dishes fresh and safe to eat. By following these simple steps for ingredient selection and food storage, you’ll enjoy delicious freshness tips in your shrimp and chicken recipes.

FAQ

What are some delicious shrimp and chicken recipes to try?

Discover a range of tasty shrimp and chicken recipes. Try stir-fries, pasta dishes, and Mexican corn in a cup. Also, don’t miss out on classic Cubano tortas.

What essential kitchen tools and ingredients are needed for seafood and poultry dishes?

Get the basics like spices, oils, and condiments. You’ll also need a springform pan, mixing bowls, and a microwave-safe plate. Make a list for fresh proteins, veggies, and herbs.

What are the proper cooking times and temperatures for shrimp and chicken?

The FDA says chicken should be at least 165°F and seafood at 145°F. For oven-baked dishes, preheat to 350°F. Cook for 15-20 minutes until hot through.When microwaving, heat on high for 3 minutes. Then, rest for 3 minutes.

What are some quick and easy shrimp and chicken recipes for busy weeknights?

For quick dinners, try stir-fries or grilled dishes. One-pan meals are great for easy cleanup. Prepare proteins and ingredients ahead of time for faster cooking.

How can I elevate my shrimp and chicken dishes with marinades and seasonings?

Play with herbs, spices, oils, and acids for unique flavors. Use Mexican seasonings or classic marinades for Cuban sandwiches or Mediterranean dishes.

What are some international-inspired shrimp and chicken recipes I can try?

Try Asian fusion like stir-fries or curries. Or go for Mediterranean with grilled chicken. Latin American options include the Cubano torta and Mexican dishes.

What are some healthy cooking methods for shrimp and chicken?

Grill, bake, or steam to cut down on fat. Choose lean proteins like skinless chicken or grilled shrimp. Add veggies and whole grains for balanced meals.Look for lighter versions of recipes, like using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

What are some family-friendly shrimp and chicken recipes?

Make dishes kids will love, like chicken tenders or shrimp skewers. Batch cooking helps with meal planning. Try taco bars or build-your-own rice bowls.

How do I select and store fresh shrimp and chicken?

Choose high-quality, fresh ingredients. Store raw proteins in the fridge at 40°F or below. Use within 1-2 days for best taste.Freeze if not using right away. Wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn. Check labels and follow storage tips for pre-made meals.