Top 5 Chicken and Shrimp Recipes for Smoking at Home

If you’re looking to elevate your backyard BBQ game, smoked chicken and shrimp are the ultimate crowd-pleasers. These two versatile proteins absorb smoky flavors beautifully, creating dishes that are both tender and packed with mouthwatering taste.

Smoking at home isn’t just about cooking; it’s about creating an experience. With the right recipes and techniques, you can unlock flavors that rival your favorite barbecue joints—all from the comfort of your kitchen or patio. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating your family to a flavorful feast, smoked chicken and shrimp recipes are sure to impress.

In this post, we’ll dive into the top 5 chicken and shrimp recipes for smoking at home. From classic combos to bold, creative pairings, these recipes are easy to follow and perfect for any occasion. Fire up your smoker, and let’s get started!

Classic Smoked Chicken and Shrimp Combo

Why It’s a Favorite
The classic smoked chicken and shrimp combo is a timeless favorite, offering the perfect balance of rich, smoky chicken and tender, flavorful shrimp. This pairing brings out the best in both proteins, creating a dish that’s satisfying and versatile for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 tbsp BBQ rub (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup applewood chips (or your preferred wood)
• Tangy BBQ sauce for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken and Shrimp:
   • Rub the chicken thighs generously with BBQ rub, ensuring even coverage.
   • Lightly season the shrimp with the same rub and set aside.
2. Preheat Your Smoker:
   • Set the smoker to 225°F and add applewood chips for a mild, sweet flavor.
3. Smoke the Chicken and Shrimp:
   • Place the chicken thighs in the smoker and cook for about 2 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
   • Add the shrimp to the smoker in the last 30 minutes, cooking until they turn pink and opaque.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Remove the chicken and shrimp from the smoker. Serve with tangy BBQ sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Cajun-Spiced Smoked Shrimp and Chicken Skewers

Flavor Profile
Bring a taste of the South to your smoker with these Cajun-spiced shrimp and chicken skewers. The bold flavors of Cajun seasoning paired with the smokiness of hickory wood create a dish that’s spicy, aromatic, and bursting with southern charm.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Wooden or metal skewers
• 1 cup hickory wood chips

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken and Shrimp:
   • In a bowl, mix Cajun seasoning and olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and shrimp, tossing until well-coated.
   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
2. Prepare the Skewers:
   • Thread chicken and shrimp alternately onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking.
3. Preheat Your Smoker:
   • Set the smoker to 250°F and add hickory wood chips for a robust, smoky flavor.
4. Smoke the Skewers:
   • Place the skewers in the smoker and cook for approximately 1.5 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, and the shrimp are pink and opaque.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Remove the skewers from the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with a side of Cajun dipping sauce or a fresh salad.

Lemon-Herb Smoked Chicken and Shrimp

Light and Fresh
For a lighter, fresher take on smoked chicken and shrimp, this lemon-herb combination is perfect for summer smoking. The bright, zesty lemon and aromatic fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and shrimp, while the mesquite wood imparts a mild smokiness that’s refreshing yet bold.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme (chopped)
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup mesquite wood chips
• Garlic butter for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken and Shrimp:
   • In a bowl, combine lemon zest, thyme, rosemary, and olive oil. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts and shrimp.
2. Preheat Your Smoker:
   • Set your smoker to 225°F, adding mesquite wood chips for a subtle, smoky flavor.
3. Smoke the Chicken and Shrimp:
   • Place the chicken and shrimp in the smoker. Smoke for about 2 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the shrimp are pink and opaque.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once smoked, remove the chicken and shrimp from the smoker. Drizzle with warm garlic butter and serve immediately for a light, savory dish that’s perfect for summer.

Sweet and Spicy Smoked Chicken Wings with Shrimp

Bold and Sweet
These sweet and spicy smoked chicken wings with shrimp are a bold combination that brings a delightful kick to your taste buds. The honey glaze adds a perfect touch of sweetness, while the chili flakes introduce just the right amount of heat. Smoked over pecan wood, the result is a dish full of complexity and flavor that’s perfect for those who like a little heat in their meal.

Ingredients

• 12 chicken wings
• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup pecan wood chips
• Your favorite dipping sauce (blue cheese, ranch, or spicy mayo)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Honey-Chili Glaze:
   • In a small saucepan, combine honey and chili flakes. Warm over low heat until the honey is thin and the chili flakes are well dissolved.
2. Glaze the Chicken and Shrimp:
   • Brush the chicken wings and shrimp with the honey-chili glaze, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
3. Preheat Your Smoker:
   • Set your smoker to 225°F and add pecan wood chips for a rich, nutty smokiness.
4. Smoke the Chicken and Shrimp:
   • Place the chicken wings in the smoker and cook for 2 hours, or until crispy and fully cooked.
   • Add the shrimp to the smoker in the last 30 minutes, cooking until they turn pink and opaque.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once smoked, remove the chicken wings and shrimp from the smoker. Serve with a side of your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor and enjoyment.

Asian-Inspired Smoked Chicken and Shrimp

Unique Twist
For a flavorful twist on traditional smoked chicken and shrimp, this Asian-inspired recipe incorporates the rich umami of soy sauce, the warmth of ginger, and the depth of sesame oil. The sweet and savory marinade infuses the meat with bold flavors, while the cherrywood chips provide a subtle smokiness that complements the Asian ingredients beautifully.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 cup cherrywood chips
• Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken and Shrimp:
   • In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Add the chicken and shrimp, tossing to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
2. Preheat Your Smoker:
   • Set your smoker to 250°F and add cherrywood chips for a delicate, fruity smokiness.
3. Smoke the Chicken and Shrimp:
   • Place the chicken and shrimp in the smoker. Smoke until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the shrimp are pink and opaque, approximately 1.5-2 hours.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Remove the chicken and shrimp from the smoker and garnish with sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions. Serve immediately for a beautifully flavored dish that brings the taste of Asia to your backyard.

Conclusion

Smoked chicken and shrimp is an incredibly versatile way to bring out deep, smoky flavors that elevate these proteins to new heights. Whether you’re craving a classic combo, a spicy kick, or a fresh, herb-infused dish, there’s a smoked chicken and shrimp recipe here for every palate.

We hope these recipes inspire you to fire up your smoker and try something new at home. Smoking is all about experimenting with flavors, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your rubs, marinades, and wood chips.

We’d love to hear about your smoked adventures! Share your results in the comments below or tag us on social media with your smoking chicken and shrimp creations. Happy smoking!