chicken and shrimp recipes
This versatile chicken and shrimp recipe offers a delicious surf-and-turf experience that's easy to customize. Learn how to prepare, season, and cook chicken and shrimp to perfection, whether you're aiming for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dinner party dish. Get tips on selecting fresh ingredients, avoiding common cooking mistakes, and serving suggestions to create a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breasts
- Fresh shrimp peeled and deveined
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Paprika parsley, cilantro, bell peppers, zucchini, soy sauce, ginger, other herbs and spices to taste
- Rice or pasta for serving
- Pros:
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Versatile and adaptable to different cuisines
- Can be customized with various seasonings and vegetables
- Provides a balanced meal with protein and optional carbohydrates
- Great for both casual dinners and dinner parties
- Cons:
- Shrimp can easily become overcooked if not watched carefully.
- Requires fresh ingredients for optimal flavor.
- Marinating time adds to the overall preparation time although a quick marinade is possible.
- Can be high in sodium depending on seasoning choices.
- May require cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients. Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces. Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry. Devein and remove tails from shrimp if desired.
- Marinate: In a bowl, combine chicken and shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings (e.g., paprika, soy sauce, ginger). Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or a minimum of 10 minutes if short on time.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
- Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet with the chicken. Cook until shrimp turns pink and opaque (about 3-5 minutes). Be careful not to overcook.
- Combine: Ensure both chicken and shrimp are evenly distributed in the pan, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, etc.) for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve: Serve over rice or pasta. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan over the top. Garnish with a slice of lemon, if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy!