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Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp Recipe

Applebee’s is among my favorite dining spots, and for many reasons.

Not only do they keep the tradition alive by keeping most of their menu items for years, but they’re also not afraid to experiment with new dishes, especially when it comes to dessert.

Their extensive, well-thought-out menu is packed with both healthy, low-calorie options, as well as indulging specialties higher in calories.

You already know that Applebee’s keeps their recipes under lock and key, but our copycat Applebee’s Bourbon Street chicken and shrimp recipe is so close to the original that you won’t even be able to tell the difference!

How to Make Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp

applebees bourbon street chicken and shrimp recipe

When making the famous Applebee’s chicken and shrimp, or any similar chicken recipe for that matter, it is advised to slice the chicken breast lengthwise to create thinner pieces.

This will ensure that each chicken filet is cooked thoroughly.

Cooking larger, thicker pieces could result in uneven cooking and a raw middle part.

What’s more, thicker chicken pieces require more cooking time, which could dry out the chicken completely and strip it off all its natural juices.

When seasoning the chicken, it is necessary to rub the spice mix into the meat, making sure to cover the entire piece.

This step will ensure that the chicken is well-seasoned and packed with flavors.

Another important piece of advice concerns the preparation of the shrimp.

When cooking your shrimp, make sure not to add too many at a time.

There should be enough room in the pan for you to toss the shrimp, as they’re cooked on high heat just enough for them to develop a golden outside layer.

Ingredients:

(4 servings)

For the chicken and shrimp:

  • 1 lb chicken breast (boneless)
  • 1 lb shrimp (tail-on, deveined, peeled)
  • ⅓ cup butter
  • 3 tbsp olive oil (divided)
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • ¾ cup chicken stock (or bone broth)

For the homemade Cajun seasoning:

  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ⅓ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp onion powder

cajun seasoning in a bowl cs

Instructions:

Step 1:

Mix all the listed homemade Cajun seasoning ingredients to create a seasoning mixture for your chicken and shrimp.

Add in the chicken and the shrimp, and make sure they’re all coated evenly, especially the chicken.

Rub the seasoning mixture into the meat.

Add one tablespoon of olive oil to help the meat absorb the seasoning.

This step will also make it easier for you to distribute the seasoning evenly.

Step 2:

Cover the seasoned chicken and shrimp with plastic wrap and let it marinate in this mixture overnight, or at least an hour before making your Applebee’s Bourbon Street chicken and shrimp.

The longer you marinate the chicken and the shrimp in this mixture, the more flavorful and aromatic the dish will turn out.

The marinating process also tenderizes the chicken and allows it to remain soft and juicy.

Step 3:

Take the chicken and shrimp mixture out of the fridge, and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking it.

Grab a nonstick pan or skillet and heat up one tablespoon of butter and one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

Step 4:

Add the chicken tenders onto the hot pan, and sear them on both sides for about 5-8 minutes until the outside layer is golden brown.

If you’re unsure whether the chicken is cooked thoroughly, you can always use the meat thermometer and check if the internal temperature of the meat is 165 degrees F or higher.

Step 5:

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan, and set it aside.

In the same pan, melt another tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter over medium heat.

Add the shrimp to the hot pan and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side.

It is important not to overcook the shrimp; all you need is a charred, golden brown outside layer.

Once the shrimp is ready, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

Step 6:

Add the remaining butter to the same pan where you cooked the chicken and the shrimp, and let it melt over medium heat.

Add in the minced garlic, and saute it for about 45 seconds, or until the garlic is soft and fragrant.

Lower the heat in case the garlic starts burning.

Remove any browned bits of chicken and shrimp to prevent the garlic from burning, as well.

Step 7:

Once the garlic is soft and fragrant, it is time to pour in the chicken stock or bone broth, depending on your preference.

Once the sauce reaches a low boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Remember to stir the sauce, especially once it starts getting thicker so it doesn’t burn.

Step 8:

Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, pour it over the chicken and shrimp and serve warm.

Ingredient Substitutions

Pretty much any recipe, including our copycat Applebee’s Bourbon Street chicken and shrimp recipe, has some key ingredients that represent the very essence of the dish.

That being said, with the right substitutes, you can still get a very similar result, even if you make a few adjustments.

1. Turkey breast

Do you prefer turkey over chicken? A lot of people consider it to be more flavorful and less neutral than chicken.

Swapping chicken for turkey in this recipe won’t make too much of a difference when it comes to both the texture and the flavor.

As long as you’re using the same seasoning mixture and sauce, your dish will still taste like Applebee’s famous chicken and shrimp combo.

2. Store-bought Cajun Seasoning

You can always use the store-bought Cajun seasoning instead of making your own mixture.

While it is quite easy to make, in case you don’t have all the necessary ingredients at home, the store-bought stuff will do!

3. Canola oil

Canola oil is an excellent replacement for olive oil, not only in this recipe but in many other recipes, as well.

While olive oil is somewhat fruity and has a distinctive aroma (especially if you’re using high-quality extra virgin olive oil), canola oil is quite neutral, so you may gravitate towards it if you don’t want the added aroma from the oil.

What to Serve with Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp

This Applebee’s Bourbon Street chicken and shrimp dish is one of those combos that you can serve with pretty much any side dish, as it is very versatile.

However, here are some of our top recommendations if you’re low on ideas when it comes to completing this flavor-packed chicken and shrimp dish.

Caramelized onions

Caramelized onions are a great side dish if you feel like this chicken and shrimp combo lacks a sweet component.

It will also contribute to the overall creaminess of the dish and add more texture and flavor.

Caramelized onions will also add a touch of that recognizable nutty, toasty aroma.

Mashed potatoes

The ultimate side dish requires no introduction, as it can complete and elevate pretty much any dish, especially a dish based on chicken and seafood.

It is simple, easy to make, yet highly effective.

Pasta

Boil your favorite pasta, then add it directly into the garlic and chicken stock sauce with the chicken and the shrimp, or simply serve it on your plate and top it with the Bourbon Street chicken and shrimp.

Pasta will add more texture to the dish, and it is an excellent choice of carbs to balance out the components.

How to Reheat Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp

Keep on reading to discover the best methods and hacks you can use to preserve the flavors and juiciness of the chicken and shrimp.

How to Reheat Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp On the stovetop

Take the leftover chicken and shrimp out of the fridge, and let it get to room temperature before transferring it to a skillet or a nonstick pan.

Heat up a little bit of butter and oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Then, add the chicken and shrimp combo. In case the meat has absorbed all the sauce, you may want to add some more chicken stock to get the desired consistency.

Reduce the heat to low, and cover the skillet with a lid (only if you’ve added more liquid).

Let it cook for about 5-6 minutes.

If you’re able to separate the meat and the sauce, heat them up separately.

Transfer the sauce to a saucepan and warm it up over medium heat, adding more liquid (chicken stock, bone broth, or water) if necessary.

Sear the chicken on a hot skillet or pan for a few minutes on each side.

Then, remove it and toss the shrimp for about a minute. Finally, combine all the ingredients.

How to Reheat Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken and ShrimpIn the microwave

Transfer the chicken and shrimp to a microwave-safe dish and microwave it on high in 30-second intervals.

Repeat the process as many times as necessary.

If there isn’t much sauce left, you can add more chicken stock, bone broth, or water to get the desired consistency.

How to Store Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp

The first step when storing your dishes is to always allow them to cool down completely before transferring them to your fridge or freezer.

Store in the fridge

Transfer the leftover chicken and shrimp to an airtight container, and ensure that it is properly closed.

Use up within 3-4 days.

Store in the freezer

You can easily freeze your leftover Applebee’s Bourbon Street chicken and shrimp by transferring the dish to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty Ziploc freezer bag.

Use up your leftovers within 3-4 months.

applebees bourbon street chicken and shrimp recipe

Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp Recipe

You can now replicate Applebee’s secret Bourbon Street chicken and shrimp recipe in your own kitchen, with only a few simple ingredients! Learn how to get perfectly juicy chicken and shrimp every time, as well as that savory, flavor-packed sauce.
5 from 11 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 780 kcal
Equipment
  • 1 skillet (or pan)
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Knife
  • 1 mixing bowl
Ingredients
  
For the chicken and shrimp
  • 1 lb chicken breast boneless
  • 1 lb shrimp tail-on, deveined, peeled
  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 3 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 3/4 cup chicken stock or bone broth
For the homemade Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/3 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
 
  • Mix all the listed homemade Cajun seasoning ingredients to create a seasoning mixture for your chicken and shrimp.
  • Add in the chicken and the shrimp, and make sure they’re all coated evenly, especially the chicken. Rub the seasoning mixture into the meat.
  • Add one tablespoon of olive oil to help the meat absorb the seasoning. This step will also make it easier for you to distribute the seasoning evenly.
  • Cover the seasoned chicken and shrimp with plastic wrap and let it marinate in this mixture overnight, or at least an hour before making your Applebee’s Bourbon Street chicken and shrimp.
  • The longer you marinate the chicken and the shrimp in this mixture, the more flavorful and aromatic the dish will turn out. The marinating process also tenderizes the chicken and allows it to remain soft and juicy.
  • Take the chicken and shrimp mixture out of the fridge, and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking it.
  • Grab a nonstick pan or skillet and heat up one tablespoon of butter and one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chicken tenders onto the hot pan, and sear them on both sides for about 5-8 minutes until the outside layer is golden brown.
  • If you’re unsure whether the chicken is cooked thoroughly, you can always use the meat thermometer and check if the internal temperature of the meat is 165 degrees F or higher.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan, and set it aside.
  • In the same pan, melt another tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
  • Add the shrimp to the hot pan and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side. It is important not to overcook the shrimp; all you need is a charred, golden brown outside layer.
  • Once the shrimp is ready, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
  • Add the remaining butter to the same pan where you cooked the chicken and the shrimp, and let it melt over medium heat.
  • Add in the minced garlic, and sauté it for about 45 seconds, or until the garlic is soft and fragrant. Lower the heat in case the garlic starts burning. Remove any browned bits of chicken and shrimp to prevent the garlic from burning, as well.
  • Once the garlic is soft and fragrant, it is time to pour in the chicken stock or bone broth, depending on your preference.
  • Once the sauce reaches a low boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remember to stir the sauce, especially once it starts getting thicker so it doesn’t burn.
  • Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, pour it over the chicken and shrimp and serve warm.
Nutrition
Calories: 780kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 55gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 225mgSodium: 2580mg

applebees bourbon street chicken and shrimp recipe pn

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Passionate chef, in love with everything related to food and cooking it to perfection!
Michael Cook
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