Let’s set the stage: A sizzling hot skillet, tender, juicy grilled chicken, succulent shrimp, a smoky bourbon sauce, and the crowning glory – a sprinkling of crispy, golden fried onions. This, my friends, is the famed Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp that has been making waves at Applebee’s.
This dish is a sensory spectacle – the aroma of the bourbon sauce, the sizzle of the skillet, the texture of the perfectly cooked chicken and shrimp, all creating a symphony of flavors that can make any food lover weak in the knees.
Tip: To recreate the smoky aroma of the bourbon sauce, use a quality bourbon whisky. You can find a great selection here.
Unlocking the Secrets: The Bourbon Sauce
The Bourbon Sauce is the heart of this dish. It’s a blend of bourbon whisky, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. The trick is to let the sauce bubble and simmer until it thickens into a luscious, sticky glaze that clings lovingly to every morsel of chicken and shrimp.
Don’t be afraid to let the sauce reduce; the longer it simmers, the more intense the flavor becomes. The result is a sweet, salty, smoky sauce with a hint of heat that is simply irresistible.
Tip: Use fresh garlic and ginger for a vibrant flavor. If you’re not a fan of chopping, check out this handy garlic press.
The Main Event: Grilled Chicken and Shrimp
No dish is complete without its star ingredients, and in this case, we have two – chicken and shrimp. The chicken is seasoned, grilled until perfectly tender, then smothered in the bourbon sauce. The shrimp are cooked until they turn a beautiful pink, then added to the skillet, soaking up all the delicious sauce.
You want to ensure that your chicken is cooked but still juicy, and your shrimp are tender, not rubbery. This balance is key to capturing the essence of this dish.
Tip: Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature. You can find one here.
The Finale: Crispy Fried Onions
Just when you think this dish couldn’t get any better, in come the crispy fried onions. These little gems add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and shrimp. They’re the final touch that takes this dish from great to extraordinary.
Make sure your onions are thinly sliced and fried until golden and crispy. They’re not just a garnish; they’re an integral part of the dish, adding a unique texture and flavor that ties everything together.
Tip: For perfectly crispy onions, use a mandoline slicer. Check out this model here.
There you have it, the secrets behind the Applebee’s dish that’s got everyone talking. It’s time to roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and create your own culinary masterpiece. Happy cooking!
Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken + Shrimp Copycat Recipe
Course: Main CourseCuisine: American4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalA sensational copycat recipe of Applebee’s famed Bourbon Street Chicken + Shrimp. Let’s recreate the magic in your kitchen.
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
20 shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup bourbon whisky
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup onions, thinly sliced
Oil for frying
Directions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill until cooked through. Set aside.
- Cook shrimp in a hot skillet until pink. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, combine bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until sauce thickens.
- Return chicken and shrimp to the skillet. Coat with the bourbon sauce.
- In a separate pan, heat oil. Fry onions until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
- Top chicken and shrimp with fried onions. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of bourbon according to your taste.
- Make sure to not overcook the shrimp to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of alcohol other than bourbon?
A: Yes, but keep in mind that the flavor profile may change. If you’re not a fan of bourbon, you can try using rum or brandy.
Q: What can I use as a substitute for brown sugar?
A: You can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute. However, brown sugar is preferred for its unique molasses flavor.
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
Q: Can I make this dish without the fried onions?
A: Yes, but the fried onions add a delightful crunch and unique flavor that really elevates the dish. We highly recommend including them.
