Craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that transports you straight to the heart of New Orleans? Look no further! This Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a symphony of spicy Cajun flavors and juicy, tender protein. This recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes you can create with homemade cooking, offering a healthy meal option that's quicker than you think!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup bourbon (optional, for added depth of flavor – can substitute with chicken broth)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
- Prep the Veggies: Start by finely chopping the onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Mince the garlic cloves. Having your ingredients prepped will make the cooking process much smoother. This is a great tip for all easy recipes!
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Season the Protein: In a bowl, toss the chicken and shrimp with the Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Cook the Chicken & Shrimp: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the shrimp and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until pink and opaque.
- Simmer in Flavor: Pour in the chicken broth and bourbon (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. This step allows all the wonderful flavors to meld together.
- Garnish & Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Serve the Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp hot over cooked rice.
Tips & Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to control the spiciness to your liking. For a milder dish, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper entirely.
- Protein Swap: Feel free to substitute the chicken and shrimp with other proteins, such as andouille sausage, chicken thighs, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Veggie Boost: Add other vegetables like diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.
- Creamy Variation: For a richer sauce, stir in a dollop of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp recipe is a quick dinner idea that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a perfect example of how easy it is to create healthy meals at home without sacrificing taste. Enjoy this taste of New Orleans! This recipe is among the best recipes for its ease and deliciousness.