Description
Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp is a flavorful Cajun-inspired dish featuring marinated chicken breasts and large shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce. The chicken is seared on the stovetop and then baked to juicy perfection, while the shrimp are sautéed quickly to retain their tenderness. This recipe combines spicy Cajun seasoning with a touch of brown sugar to balance heat and sweetness, making for an irresistible meal perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
Seasoning Blend
- ¼ cup Cajun seasoning (salt-free recommended)
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Protein
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
Cooking Fats & Aromatics
- ¼ cup olive oil (divided)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick, divided)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Protein: In a small bowl, whisk together the Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, and kosher salt. Place the chicken breasts and shrimp in two separate medium-sized bowls. Drizzle each portion with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with the seasoning blend. Toss to coat thoroughly, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 24 hours to enhance flavor.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Workspace: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Set a plate and a large sheet of aluminum foil nearby to hold cooked shrimp and keep warm.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 3 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and develop a seared exterior. Remove shrimp from skillet, place on the prepared plate, and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Sear the Chicken: Wipe out the skillet to remove any shrimp residue. Melt the remaining butter and olive oil together in the skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken into the preheated oven. Bake until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), approximately 12 to 18 minutes depending on thickness.
- Serve: Remove chicken from oven and transfer both chicken and shrimp to a serving platter. Drizzle with the remaining garlic butter sauce from the skillet. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken and shrimp for at least 2 hours; overnight marinating intensifies flavor.
- Ensure shrimp is peeled and deveined for ease of eating, tails on or off depending on preference.
- Use a thermometer to check chicken doneness for safe and juicy results.
- If you don’t have kosher salt, use regular salt but reduce slightly to avoid over-salting.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, best eaten reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Cajun