This Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp Recipe (Copycat) brings bold Cajun flavors with juicy chicken, perfectly seared shrimp, and a rich garlic butter sauce—served over creamy mashed potatoes.
Let’s talk about Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp—aka, the dish that had me shamelessly scraping my plate clean the first time I ordered it.
I still remember sitting in that booth, starving after a long day, and the server recommending this dish. One bite in and… wow. The perfectly seasoned chicken, the juicy shrimp, and that ridiculously good garlic butter sauce melting into creamy mashed potatoes? Let’s just say, I didn’t leave a single drop of sauce behind.
But as much as I loved ordering it, I knew I had to figure out how to make it at home. And let me tell you—this version? It’s every bit as good as the original (maybe even better). Plus, you can customize it however you like—extra shrimp? Done. More sauce? Always.
So, if you’re ready to bring restaurant-quality flavor into your kitchen, let’s get started.
Why You’ll Love This Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken And Shrimp Recipe?
- Bold Cajun flavors – Smoky, garlicky, and just the right amount of spice.
- Juicy, seared chicken & shrimp – Perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection.
- That garlic butter sauce? Unreal. – It’s rich, buttery, and loaded with flavor.
- Way better than takeout – No waiting, no tipping, just good food.
- Customizable – Love shrimp? Add more. Want extra sauce? Go for it.
Ingredient Notes:
This dish is all about layering flavors, and each ingredient plays a role in making it next-level delicious.
The Cajun Seasoning
This homemade blend brings all the bold, smoky, slightly spicy goodness:
- Brown sugar – A little sweetness balances the spice.
- Smoked paprika – Adds that deep, smoky Cajun flavor.
- Oregano – Earthy and warm, a Cajun essential.
- Garlic & onion powder – A must for any good seasoning blend.
- Chili powder & cayenne pepper – Just enough heat to keep things interesting.
- Salt & black pepper – The basics that tie it all together.
The Main Players
- Chicken breast – Lean and flavorful, but you can use thighs if you prefer.
- Shrimp – Tender, juicy, and coated in all that Cajun goodness.
- Butter & oil – The secret to a perfect sear and a rich sauce.
- Garlic – Because everything is better with garlic.
- Chicken broth – Helps create that irresistible sauce.
- Caramelized onions & mushrooms – The extra touch that makes this dish shine.
- Mashed potatoes – The perfect base to soak up all that sauce.
How To Make Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken And Shrimp?
Step 1: Season the Chicken & Shrimp
In a large bowl, combine all the Cajun seasoning ingredients. Toss the chicken and shrimp in the mix, making sure they’re evenly coated. Drizzle with a bit of oil and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if you want that extra flavor boost).
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 5-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
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In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil and butter. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side, just until pink and slightly charred. Remove from the pan and set aside with the chicken.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining butter in the skillet. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scrape up all those flavorful bits from the pan, and let it reduce for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the chicken and shrimp to the skillet, coating them in the garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with caramelized onions, mushrooms, and creamy mashed potatoes.
Step 6: Dig In!
Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over everything, grab a fork, and enjoy!
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: The chicken and shrimp freeze well for up to 2 months, but the sauce is best fresh.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Make it spicier – Add more cayenne or drizzle with hot sauce.
- Go low-carb – Skip the mashed potatoes and serve with steamed veggies.
- Vegetarian option – Swap the chicken and shrimp for grilled tofu or mushrooms.
- Extra saucy – Double the garlic butter sauce (trust me, you’ll want more).
What to Serve with Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken And Shrimp?
Looking to round out the meal? Try these sides:
- Garlic Bread – Because extra sauce deserves to be mopped up.
- Steamed Broccoli – A fresh, healthy contrast to the richness.
- Corn on the Cob – A Southern-inspired classic that pairs beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yep! Just thaw them first and pat them dry before seasoning.
How do I keep the shrimp from getting rubbery?
Don’t overcook them! Shrimp only need about 2 minutes per side.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just store everything separately and reheat before serving.
This Copycat Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp is bold, buttery, and packed with Cajun flavor—just like the original, but even better homemade.
So, what do you think? Is this spot-on, or did you put your own twist on it? I’d love to hear how yours turned out—drop a comment and let me know!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Applebee's Bourbon Street Chicken And Shrimp Recipe (Copycat)
Ingredients
For the Cajun Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅓ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Chicken and Shrimp:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 3 tablespoons canola oil or olive oil divided
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth or bone broth for extra flavor
For Garnish and Serving:
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Caramelized onions
- Fresh parsley finely chopped (optional)
- Lemon wedges
- Garlic mashed potatoes
Instructions
Prepare the Cajun Seasoning
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure an even blend of flavors.
Season the Chicken and Shrimp
- Place the chicken breasts and shrimp in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the prepared Cajun seasoning over them, ensuring they are well coated. Drizzle with one tablespoon of oil and rub the seasoning into the protein. If time allows, marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 5-8 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Cook the Shrimp
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil and butter. Once the butter melts, add the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and slightly charred. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the chicken.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining butter in the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3 minutes, reducing slightly.
Assemble the Dish
- Return the chicken and shrimp to the skillet, ensuring they are well coated in the sauce. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish.
Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the chicken and shrimp to a serving plate. Accompany with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and creamy mashed potatoes for an authentic Applebee’s Bourbon Street experience. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure the Cajun seasoning is free of gluten-containing additives.
- Use gluten-free chicken broth or make a homemade version.
- Pair with gluten-free mashed potatoes or a side of steamed vegetables.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
