1 Copycat Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp

Key Takeaways

Bourbon Street Chicken, a delightful sweet and savory chicken dish, can be easily recreated at home, offering the familiar taste of Applebee’s without leaving your kitchen. At evilchefmom, we help you craft the perfect copycat version, ensuring a sizzling chicken experience. Explore the secrets of the bourbon glaze, Cajun spice, and the art of surf and turf cooking, enhancing your skills in creating memorable meals with similar dishes like bourbon-street-chicken-shrimp, while achieving the perfect sizzling chicken effect.

What’s the Secret to Recreating Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp?

The secret lies in mastering the bourbon glaze and Cajun seasoning, combined with the proper cooking technique to achieve that signature sizzling presentation.

Recreating Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp at home is surprisingly achievable, allowing you to enjoy this restaurant favourite whenever you desire. The key components are the bourbon glaze, the Cajun seasoning, and the sizzling presentation. By understanding these elements, you can craft a dish that rivals the original in flavour and appeal. We, the security experts at evilchefmom, are here to guide you through each step, ensuring a delicious and successful outcome.

First, let’s consider the bourbon glaze. This sweet and savory sauce is the heart of the dish, providing a distinctive flavour profile that’s both rich and slightly tangy. The glaze typically includes bourbon (of course!), brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. The balance of these ingredients is crucial to achieving the perfect flavour.

Next, the Cajun seasoning adds depth and complexity to the chicken and shrimp. A blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and black pepper creates a warm, slightly spicy flavour that complements the sweetness of the bourbon glaze. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the level of heat.

Finally, the sizzling presentation is what elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Serving the chicken and shrimp on a hot cast iron skillet creates a dramatic effect and keeps the food warm throughout the meal. The sizzling sound and aroma also enhance the dining experience.

To ensure your copycat version is a success, pay attention to the quality of ingredients. Use fresh, high-quality chicken and shrimp, and don’t skimp on the bourbon! A good-quality bourbon will add depth and complexity to the glaze.

How Do You Make the Perfect Bourbon Glaze for Bourbon Street Chicken?

Achieving the perfect bourbon glaze involves balancing sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, using high-quality bourbon, and simmering until it reaches a glossy, syrupy consistency.

The bourbon glaze is the signature element of Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp, offering a unique blend of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. To recreate this glaze at home, you need to understand the key ingredients and the cooking process. Here’s a detailed guide from the security experts at evilchefmom to help you achieve glaze perfection.

Ingredients:

• • ½ cup bourbon (a good quality brand such as Maker’s Mark or Jim Beam)
• • ½ cup packed brown sugar
• • ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium is recommended)
• • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry)

Instructions:

1. 1.
   Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes.
2. 2.
   Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure the brown sugar dissolves completely.
3. 3.
   Thicken: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and add the cornstarch slurry. Stir continuously until the glaze begins to thicken, about 1-2 minutes.
4. 4.
   Reduce: Continue to simmer the glaze for another 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches a glossy, syrupy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. 5.
   Cool: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the glaze cool slightly. As it cools, it will thicken further.
6. 6.
   Taste and Adjust: Taste the glaze and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a bit more brown sugar. For more heat, add a pinch more red pepper flakes.

Tips for Glaze Perfection:

• •
  Use Quality Bourbon: The quality of the bourbon directly impacts the flavour of the glaze. Opt for a reputable brand that you enjoy drinking on its own.
• •
  Control the Heat: Be mindful of the heat level when adding red pepper flakes. A little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and add more to taste.
• •
  Adjust Consistency: If the glaze becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce further.
• •
  Storage: Store the bourbon glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently before using.

By following these instructions and tips, you can create a bourbon glaze that perfectly captures the essence of Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp. This glaze is not only delicious on chicken and shrimp but also versatile enough to use on other meats, vegetables, or even as a dipping sauce.

What Role Does Cajun Spice Play in Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp?

Cajun spice provides a warm, slightly spicy flavour that complements the sweetness of the bourbon glaze, adding depth and complexity to the dish.

Cajun spice is an essential component of Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp, contributing a distinctive flavour profile that balances the sweetness of the bourbon glaze. This spice blend adds warmth, depth, and a touch of heat to the dish, enhancing its overall appeal. As the security experts at evilchefmom, we understand the importance of flavour balance, and Cajun spice is a key player in achieving that.

Understanding Cajun Spice:

Cajun spice is a blend of various spices, each contributing its unique flavour to the mix. While the exact ingredients and proportions may vary depending on the recipe, the most common components include:

• • Paprika
• • Cayenne pepper
• • Garlic powder
• • Onion powder
• • Oregano
• • Thyme
• • Black pepper
• • Salt

Benefits of Cajun Spice:

• •
  Enhances Flavour: Cajun spice adds a complex and layered flavour to the chicken and shrimp, making it more interesting and satisfying.
• •
  Adds Warmth: The combination of paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper creates a warm sensation that complements the sweetness of the bourbon glaze.
• •
  Provides Visual Appeal: Paprika and cayenne pepper give the chicken and shrimp a vibrant reddish hue, making the dish more visually appealing.

How to Use Cajun Spice:

1. 1.
   Prepare the Chicken and Shrimp: Pat the chicken and shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps the Cajun spice adhere better.
2. 2.
   Season Generously: Sprinkle the Cajun spice generously over the chicken and shrimp, making sure to coat all sides evenly.
3. 3.
   Cook: Cook the chicken and shrimp according to your preferred method, such as grilling, pan-frying, or baking.
4. 4.
   Serve: Serve the Cajun-spiced chicken and shrimp with the bourbon glaze and your favourite sides.

Tips for Using Cajun Spice:

• •
  Adjust the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the Cajun spice blend.
• •
  Make Your Own Blend: Making your own Cajun spice blend allows you to customize the flavour to your liking. Experiment with different proportions of spices until you find your perfect blend.
• •
  Store Properly: Store Cajun spice in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve its flavour and potency.

By understanding the role and benefits of Cajun spice, you can elevate your Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp to a new level of flavour and enjoyment. This spice blend is a versatile addition to your kitchen, adding warmth and complexity to a variety of dishes.

How Do You Properly Cook Chicken and Shrimp Together (Surf and Turf)?

To properly cook chicken and shrimp together, ensure the chicken is cooked through before adding the shrimp, as shrimp cooks much faster. Use similar seasoning profiles and cooking methods for a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

Cooking chicken and shrimp together, often referred to as surf and turf, requires careful attention to cooking times and techniques to ensure both are cooked perfectly. Chicken takes longer to cook than shrimp, so it’s essential to start cooking the chicken first and add the shrimp later. Here’s a comprehensive guide from the security experts at evilchefmom to help you master the art of cooking chicken and shrimp together.

Choosing the Right Ingredients:

• •
  Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for quick and even cooking. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips for faster cooking.
• •
  Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp. The size of the shrimp will affect the cooking time, so choose a size that complements the chicken pieces.

Cooking Methods:

• •
  Pan-Frying: This is a quick and easy method for cooking chicken and shrimp together. Use a large skillet or wok to ensure even cooking.
• •
  Grilling: Grilling adds a smoky flavour to both the chicken and shrimp. Use skewers to prevent the shrimp from falling through the grill grates.
• •
  Stir-Frying: Stir-frying is a great way to cook chicken and shrimp with vegetables and a flavorful sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Pan-Frying):

1. 1.
   Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken with Cajun spice, salt, and pepper.
2. 2.
   Cook the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. 3.
   Prepare the Shrimp: Season the shrimp with Cajun spice, salt, and pepper.
4. 4.
   Cook the Shrimp: Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the shrimp and cook until it’s pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. 5.
   Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the shrimp. Add the bourbon glaze and toss to coat.
6. 6.
   Serve: Serve immediately on a sizzling cast iron skillet, if desired.

Tips for Cooking Chicken and Shrimp Together:

• •
  Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. Cook just until it’s pink and opaque.
• •
  Use Similar Seasonings: Using similar seasonings on both the chicken and shrimp helps to create a cohesive flavour profile.
• •
  Adjust Cooking Times: Adjust the cooking times based on the size of the chicken and shrimp. Smaller pieces will cook faster than larger pieces.

By following these instructions and tips, you can