Get ready to elevate your grilling game with the most mouthwatering, flavor-packed dish that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! These barbecued shrimp and chicken skewers are not just a meal – they're a tantalizing journey of smoky, savory perfection that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With a perfect blend of succulent shrimp and tender chicken, marinated in a rich barbecue sauce, this recipe promises to be the star of your next cookout or weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by thoroughly washing the shrimp and chicken. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning and browning.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, barbecue sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk the marinade until well blended.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade first, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Next, add the shrimp to the marinade and gently toss to coat. Allow the shrimp to marinate for 5 minutes, being careful not to over-marinate as shrimp can become tough.
- Preheat the grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat, around 400°F (204°C).
- Thread the marinated chicken and shrimp alternately onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and place the skewers on the grill.
- Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the shrimp turns pink and opaque.
- Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, and accompanied by a side of rice or grilled vegetables.
Tips
- Marination Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. The key to intense flavor is allowing the meat to absorb the marinade, but be careful not to over-marinate the shrimp.
- Temperature Control: Maintain a medium-high heat (around 400°F) to ensure proper cooking without burning the skewers.
- Skewering Secrets: Alternate shrimp and chicken pieces, leaving small spaces between them to promote even cooking and beautiful grill marks.
- Moisture Matters: Pat the shrimp and chicken dry before marinating to help the sauce adhere better and achieve a perfect caramelization.
- Resting is Best: Allow the skewers to rest for 2-3 minutes after grilling to lock in the juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- Prevent Sticking: Lightly oil the grill grates before cooking to prevent the skewers from sticking and tearing.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a fresh herb garnish and sides like grilled vegetables or rice to complete the meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 220mg
