Grilled chicken and shrimp recipes are a beloved fusion of land and sea, offering bold flavors, juicy textures, and a hit of smoky char that turns an ordinary meal into something unforgettable. I still remember the first time I helped my dad grill marinated chicken thighs and skewered shrimp on a summer weekend it was smoky, buttery, spicy perfection. From backyard barbecues to quick weeknight dinners, grilled chicken and shrimp recipes have stood the test of time because they are fast, flexible, and full of flavor. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a casual meal or preparing a surf-and-turf platter for guests, this recipe will become a go-to in your cooking rotation.
Why It Works
One of the best things about grilled chicken and shrimp recipes is how easy they are to customize. Want bold Cajun flavor? Toss in a dry rub. Craving something tropical? A citrus marinade works wonders. They’re quick to cook shrimp only needs a few minutes, and chicken grills up perfectly with minimal prep. Plus, the combination of proteins ensures every bite offers something a little different. These chicken and shrimp recipes also pair well with everything from rice and salads to grilled veggies or pasta.
Ingredients List
For the Marinade
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tbsp lemon juice (or lime juice)
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Chicken & Shrimp
1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges, for serving
Skewers (metal or soaked wooden ones)
How to Make Cheesecake Cookie Dough Tacos
Step 1
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices until well combined. This will serve as the marinade for both proteins in your grilled chicken and shrimp recipes.
Step 2
Place chicken in one zip-top bag or bowl and shrimp in another. Divide the marinade equally between them. Let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes minimum (up to 4 hours in the fridge). Shrimp only needs 15–20 minutes.
Step 3
While the meats are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
Step 4
Thread chicken and shrimp onto skewers, keeping them on separate skewers for even cooking. Do not overcrowd.
Step 5
Grill chicken skewers for 5–6 minutes per side or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Grill shrimp skewers for 2–3 minutes per side or until pink and opaque.
Step 6
Transfer skewers to a platter, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and serve with lemon wedges. Enjoy your smoky, juicy grilled chicken and shrimp recipes hot off the grill!
Serving & Garnish
Grilled chicken and shrimp recipes are extremely versatile. You can serve them on a bed of jasmine rice, over a chopped salad, in tacos, or with grilled pineapple salsa. Garnish with chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon, or a drizzle of garlic butter. For more flavorful inspiration, check out this perfect fried rice with egg, chicken, and shrimp to use your leftovers creatively.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking Shrimp
Shrimp cooks quickly and can turn rubbery fast. Keep an eye on them just 2–3 minutes per side!
Uneven Skewers
Always skewer shrimp and chicken separately; they have different cook times.
Skipping the Marinade
Don’t underestimate the flavor of a good marinade. It brings grilled chicken and shrimp recipes to life!
Not Oiling the Grill
A dry grill leads to sticking. Oil lightly before cooking to prevent frustration and preserve those nice char marks.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or oil to keep things moist. Shrimp is best enjoyed freshly grilled but still holds up in reheated tacos or pasta dishes.
Rita’s Note
I love serving these grilled chicken and shrimp recipes with a side of buttered corn on the cob and fresh avocado slices. For a fun twist, serve them with chimichurri sauce or stack them in a wrap. And if you’re into spicy-sweet combos, try brushing the skewers with a little honey and hot sauce during the last minute of grilling. And hey don’t miss exploring chicken and shrimp rice recipes for another amazing way to enjoy this flavorful duo!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Just adjust cooking time since breasts may cook a bit faster and dry out if overcooked.
What’s the best way to serve this at a party?
Assemble individual surf-and-turf skewers with alternating shrimp and chicken, and serve with sauces on the side.
Is it okay to bake this instead of grilling?
Yes! Use a 425°F oven and bake chicken for 20–25 minutes, and shrimp for 8–10 minutes on a sheet pan.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and shrimp the day before. Just be sure to cook them fresh for best texture.
Conclusion for Grilled Chicken and Shrimp Recipes
Grilled chicken and shrimp recipes are a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed way to bring together the best of land and sea. With bold spices, juicy textures, and quick cook times, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, festive gatherings, or healthy meal preps. Serve it however you like over rice, in wraps, or with salad and you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy this delicious duo. Be sure to explore more chicken and shrimp ideas and discover how versatile these ingredients can be in your kitchen.
Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!
Print
Grilled Chicken and Shrimp Recipes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A bold and flavorful grilled chicken and shrimp recipe featuring garlic, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, and olive oil for the perfect char.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tbsp lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Lemon wedges for serving
Skewers (metal or soaked wooden)
Instructions
Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cayenne, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create the marinade.
Place chicken in one bowl and shrimp in another; divide the marinade evenly.
Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours); shrimp for 15–20 minutes.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
Thread chicken and shrimp separately onto skewers.
Grill chicken skewers 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through.
Grill shrimp skewers 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Serve hot with chopped herbs and lemon wedges.
Notes
Use metal skewers for easier grilling.
Separate shrimp and chicken for even cook times.
Marinate ahead for maximum flavor.
For indoor prep, use a grill pan or broiler.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
Keywords: grilled chicken and shrimp recipes, grilled surf and turf, BBQ chicken shrimp skewers, lemon garlic shrimp chicken