Easy Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp Recipe
Ever wanted to bring the taste of New Orleans’ Bourbon Street home? This easy Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp recipe does just that. It’s inspired by Applebee’s famous dish. It combines Cajun-seasoned chicken and shrimp with garlic butter sauce, all in one pan.
With just six ingredients, you can make a meal that tastes like a restaurant. It’s simple and delicious, perfect for
Table of Contents
Introduction to Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp
Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp is a dish that brings together blackened shrimp and Cajun-seasoned chicken. It’s a favorite at Applebee’s, loved for its bold flavors. It’s a mix of Cajun tastes that people enjoy.
What is Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp?
Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp is a blend of blackened shrimp and Cajun chicken. It’s named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans. This name shows its connection to the city’s lively food scene.
Origin of the Dish
The exact start of Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp is unknown. But, its taste comes from Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole cooking. The dish’s mix of blackened shrimp and Cajun chicken takes you to New Orleans’ streets.
| Cajun-Inspired Taste | Applebee’s Popular Dish | Blackened Shrimp |
|---|---|---|
| The dish’s flavors are rooted in the vibrant Cajun and Creole culinary traditions of Louisiana. | Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp has become a staple on the menu at Applebee’s restaurants. | The blackened shrimp, with its smoky and spicy notes, is a key component of the dish. |
If you love Cajun food or want to try something new, Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp is for you. It’s a dish that will excite your taste buds and take you to New Orleans.
Key Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
To make the perfect Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp, you need the right ingredients. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts and large shrimp (peeled and deveined) as the main stars.
Chicken: Choosing the Right Cut
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best choice for this recipe. They have a lean texture and mild flavor. This lets the bold Cajun seasoning take center stage. Make sure the breasts are the same size for even cooking.
Shrimp: Fresh vs. Frozen
Large shrimp, whether fresh or frozen, work great in this dish. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking. This ensures they soak up the marinade’s flavors and cook evenly.
Essential Herbs and Spices
The secret to the authentic Bourbon Street taste is in the herbs and spices. Cajun seasoning is essential, offering a mix of heat, smokiness, and flavor depth. You’ll also need brown sugar, kosher salt, olive oil, unsalted butter, and minced garlic. These ingredients complete the marinade and give the dish its unique Louisiana flavor.
Preparing the Marinade
To make your Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp taste amazing, start with a great marinade. Mix Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, and salt. This combo brings out the best in the proteins and adds a delicious spice mix.
Importance of Marinating
Marinating the chicken and shrimp is key to getting that Bourbon Street taste. It lets the Cajun seasoning blend soak into the meat. This creates a perfect mix of spices and sweetness from the brown sugar. Also, marinating makes the proteins tender and juicy, keeping them flavorful while cooking.
Steps to Make the Marinade
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt until well combined.
- Add the chicken thighs and shrimp to separate bowls, then drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning blend over the chicken and shrimp, gently tossing to ensure complete coverage.
- Cover the bowls and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to enhance the overall dish.
By marinating the proteins well, you’ll get a flavor depth that makes your Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp truly special.
Cooking Instructions for Bourbon Street Chicken
To cook Bourbon Street chicken perfectly, start by heating your oven to 350°F. Next, sear the chicken in a skillet to keep its juices in and get a golden crust. Use butter and oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a skillet, heat a combination of butter and oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until the exterior is nicely browned.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 12-18 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature is perfect.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Chicken
- Searing the chicken helps lock in the juices and creates a delicious, crispy skin.
- Monitoring the internal temperature with a meat thermometer is crucial to avoid overcooking or undercooking the chicken.
- The target internal temperature for safe and perfectly cooked chicken is 165°F.
- Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender, flavorful dish.
Follow these steps and keep an eye on the chicken’s temperature. This way, your Bourbon Street chicken will be perfectly seared and cooked every time.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 416 kcal |
| Protein | 23g |
| Fat | 34g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Cholesterol | 154mg |
| Sodium | 662mg |
| Potassium | 496mg |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Vitamin A | 2399IU |
| Vitamin C | 3mg |
| Calcium | 62mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
The Bourbon Street Chicken recipe has a high rating of 4.56 out of 5 from 59 votes. It’s loved for its perfect searing, oven-baking, and temperature monitoring. You can make delicious Bourbon Street chicken at home with these steps.
Cooking Instructions for Shrimp
Timing is key when cooking shrimp for your Bourbon Street dish. You want to sear them until they’re opaque but still juicy. This makes sure they pair well with the chicken.
Timing is Everything
Begin by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of butter or oil once it’s hot. Then, add the shrimp carefully, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Cook the shrimp for 1 to 3 minutes on each side. This will make them seared and turn a lovely pink color.
How to Achieve the Perfect Shrimp
- Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best taste. Frozen shrimp can also work, but thaw them first.
- Season the shrimp with Cajun or Creole spices. Use paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to add Bourbon Street flavor.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp. It can make them tough and unpleasant. Watch the time closely and remove them when they’re opaque and seared.
- After cooking, move the shrimp to a plate. Keep them warm while you complete the dish.
By following these tips, you’ll get perfectly cooked shrimp. They’ll make your Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp dish even better.
Combining Chicken and Shrimp
The secret to the Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp dish is mixing chicken and shrimp perfectly. By using smart mixing techniques, you can balance textures and tastes. This will make your taste buds happy.
Mixing Techniques for Flavor
Once the chicken and shrimp are cooked, put them on a serving plate. Drizzle the leftover garlic butter sauce from the skillet over them. This step boosts the flavor combination and makes the dish look shiny and appealing.
Plating Ideas
- Place the chicken and shrimp side by side on the plate to make a striking pattern.
- Add fresh, chopped parsley on top for color and freshness.
- Include a lemon wedge on the side. This lets guests add a zesty citrus touch.
Using these plating techniques can make your Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp look amazing. It becomes a dish that’s as pleasing to see as it is to eat.
Popular Serving Suggestions
To enjoy the bold flavors of Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp, try pairing it with classic sides. Serve it with garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed mushrooms and onions for a taste of New Orleans. The creamy potatoes and caramelized mushrooms and onions will balance the spicy main course.
For more side dish ideas, steamed broccoli or zucchini noodles are great. They add vibrant colors and fresh textures that match the rich flavors of the Bourbon Street dish.
Beverage Pairings for Bourbon Street Dish
For the spicy and bold flavors of Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp, a cold beer or crisp white wine is perfect. Beer’s carbonation and coolness cleanse the palate. White wine’s acidity and crispness balance the dish’s heat. Try a Cajun-inspired craft beer or a dry, unoaked chardonnay.
| Side Dish | Pairing Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Garlic mashed potatoes | Craft beer or dry white wine |
| Sautéed mushrooms and onions | Crisp white wine or a light, hoppy beer |
| Steamed broccoli | Light-bodied red wine or a pale ale |
| Zucchini noodles | Sauvignon blanc or a pilsner |
Pairing Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp with the right sides and drinks makes for a memorable meal. It celebrates the bold, spicy flavors of this New Orleans classic.
Tips for Meal Prep and Storage
Storing and reheating your Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp right keeps the flavors and textures great. This way, you can enjoy every bite, even when it’s not freshly made. Here are some key tips to make your leftovers taste as good as the first time.
Storing Leftovers Safely
Keep your Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp fresh by putting leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
When freezing, use a container or bag safe for the freezer. This prevents freezer burn and keeps the ingredients fresh.
Reheating Techniques for Best Flavor
Reheating your Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp is crucial for the best taste. Avoid drying out the chicken or overcooking the shrimp. The best way is to use a skillet over medium heat.
Gently heat the dish while stirring it often until it’s warm all the way through. This method keeps the flavors and textures just right.
Always check the dish’s internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving. This ensures it’s safe to eat. With these easy tips, you can enjoy Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp for days.
Variations on the Classic Recipe
The classic Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp recipe is a hit for its flavor balance. But, it’s also super versatile. You can make it spicier or add vegetarian options. These changes can make your cooking more fun and exciting.
Spicy Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp
Want a dish with more heat? Try a spicy version of Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp. Just add more Cajun seasoning or sprinkle red pepper flakes. This spicy dish is great for those who love bold flavors.
Vegetarian Substitutes
- Use tofu or seitan instead of chicken for a plant-based protein. It’s tasty and has good texture.
- Try grilled veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant. They add crunch and juiciness.
- Portobello mushrooms are a great plant-based protein. They have a meaty taste similar to seafood.
These simple swaps let you enjoy Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp without meat. It’s a way to make the dish vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it.
Creating recipe variations is all about keeping the core flavors while adding your own twist. Try different things and find the version you love the most!
Cooking for a Crowd
Hosting a big gathering can feel overwhelming. But, scaling up your Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp recipe is easy. The trick is to adjust ingredients while keeping the dish’s authentic taste.
Scaling the Recipe Up or Down
To feed more people, just multiply all the ingredients. For instance, if the recipe uses 1 pound of chicken, use 2 or 3 pounds for a bigger group. Keep the shrimp, herbs, and spices in the same ratio to preserve the dish’s unique flavor.
Tips for Buffet Style Serving
- Place the chicken and shrimp on separate buffet stations. This lets guests choose their favorite.
- Put the Bourbon Street sauce in a separate dish. Guests can then add it to their liking.
- Use warmers to keep the chicken and shrimp hot and inviting.
- Provide serving tools like tongs or ladles for easy serving.
These tips help create a buffet that’s both beautiful and functional. Your guests will love the ease and taste of Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp.
| Dish | Calories | Fat (g) | Cholesterol (mg) | Sodium (mg) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Red Beans and Rice (1 cup) | 291 | 3 | 32 | 1,070 | 44 | 24 |
| Mini Muffuletta (1 wedge) | 119 | 8 | 16 | 537 | 7 | 6 |
| Cajun Etouffee (1 cup) | 251 | 13 | 186 | 688 | 10 | 22 |
For successful large batch cooking, adjust ingredients right and present the buffet well. These tips will help you serve a delicious Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp that everyone will love.
Conclusion: Enjoying Your Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp
Now you can make the famous Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp at home. This recipe lets you customize the flavors to your liking. It’s a great way to enjoy a top-notch meal in your own kitchen.
Share Your Experience!
We invite you to try out the recipe and share your own twist. Maybe you’ve added a spicy kick or used vegetarian options. We’re excited to hear about your cooking successes.
Your stories and tips can help others enjoy this dish too. By sharing, you join a community of home cooks who love to create and share great food.
