Cheddar's Key West Chicken and Shrimp Copycat Recipe

Hey there! I'm thrilled to share a slice of the tropics right in your kitchen with the Cheddar's

Restaurant Key West Chicken and Shrimp recipe. Imagine the melding of tangy pineapple salsa

succulent shrimp, and perfectly grilled chicken, all bursting with the vibrant flavors of the

Florida Keys. This dish is a testament to how a unique blend of ingredients can transport you to

sunny shores without leaving home. What's even better? You can recreate this mouth-watering

dish at an incredibly affordable price. So if you're ready to add some tropical flair to your

mealtime, keep reading because this copycat recipe is about to make waves in your kitchen

Key takeaways. Experience the tropics at home with this flavorful fusion of chicken

shrimp, and pineapple salsa. Unique ingredients come together to bring the essence of the Florida

Keys right to your table. Restaurant quality taste made affordable and approachable for any home cook

Starting with the right ingredients is key. First things you'll need are blend of soy sauce

a dash of honey for that perfect hint of sweetness, and the zest of a famous Key West

lime juice to give our chicken breasts and shrimp that great soy lime flavor. For our vibrant pineapple salsa, gather up fresh pineapple, red onion, and a sprinkle of fresh

cilantro. If you're catering to a medically restrictive diet, don't fret. Swapping out the

soy sauce for coconut aminosus, a fantastic way to keep all those great blend of flavors without

any worry. Remember, the fresher the ingredients, the deeper the flavors, making for a delicious

meal that echoes the essence of Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen. Getting those tropical flavors to burst

through in every bite of our Cheddar's Key West chicken and shrimp recipe begins with a bit of

marinating magic. Now here's the lowdown. The key is not only in the blend of soy sauce, fresh lime

juice, and that hint of honey, but also in the timing and technique. I can't stress enough the

importance of a shallow container for this dance of flavors. It ensures that every inch of chicken

and shrimp gets its fair share of that mouth-watering marinade. And yes, timing is pretty crucial here

Marinate the chicken breasts for about an hour, but those shrimp, they only need about 15 minutes

Any longer, and we're talking a potentially rubbery disaster. Don't forget, a stint in the

refrigerator keeps everything chill while the flavors meld together beautifully, setting you up

for that tropical taste escapade right in your own kitchen. All right, let's dive into making the

heart and soul of our tropical dish, the Pineapple Pico de Gallo. Imagine the zesty burst of flavors

lighting up your taste buds with every bite. We begin by lovingly combining diced pineapple

its sweetness a nod to those sun-soaked Florida Keys. To this, we add vegetables and cilantro

freshly chopped, infusing the mix with freshness and vibrancy. The pineapple isn't just there to

remind us of palm trees swaying in the breeze. It's the core of our tropical taste, turning a

simple meal into a feast for the senses. But here's where you get to play, the jalapeno

Depending on how much of a kick you want, adjust the amount of diced jalapeno

a little for a gentle hum or more for a sizzling dance on your tongue. Remember, it's all about

finding that perfect balance that speaks to you and transports you right to the heart of Cheddar's

Key West vibes from the comfort of your home. Grilling these marinated beauties on an indoor

or outdoor grill couldn't be simpler, yet it's this step that locks in those tantalizing tropical

flavors we're after. First off, give those grates a good brush and swipe them with a tablespoon

olive oil. This little trick is a game changer to prevent our chicken and shrimp from sticking

Now, let's talk chicken breasts. Place them on the grill over medium-high heat and watch as those

grill marks start to form, flipping once to ensure an even cook. But here's the key, we want juiciness

not dryness, so keep an eye on them. As for the shrimp, they require your undivided attention

These guys cook fast, so a minute or two per side should do it, just until they're pink and opaque

Remember, achieving those perfect grill marks on both the shrimp and chicken adds not just visual

appeal, but ramps up the flavor too. A little attention here ensures every bite is a mini

escape to the Florida Keys, without the fear of overcooked shrimp or underwhelming presentation

Layering the chicken, pineapple pico de gallo, and shrimp from our tropical escapade starts with

placing each chicken breast on a plate as a warm welcoming bed. Spoon an abundant scoop of vibrant

pineapple pico de gallo on top, ensuring each piece gets a good share of those zesty bits

But wait, it doesn't stop there. Crown this assembly with an array of perfectly grilled

shrimp, their char marks singing of flavor and the smoky whispers of an outdoor grill

Don't forget to sprinkle generously with fresh cilantro and those lively lime slices that add

just the right touch of zesty flair. Here's where I urge you to let your inner artist out

Think of your plate as a canvas, these ingredients as your palette, and impress not just with taste

but with a serving that captivates at first glance. Creativity in plating isn't just encouraged

it's practically mandatory for a completely immersive tropical dining experience. So dive in and let those tropical flavors at home make a splash. Now, let's talk about

jazzing up this tropical chicken dish with sides of your choice that will take your palette for

a joyride. Personally, I'm all about balance in a meal, so insight from my culinary adventures

suggests two stellar performers, cauliflower rice and a tossed salad. Imagine the fluffy

light cauliflower rice soaking up all those mouth-watering juices, adding a healthy yet

delightful twist. And who can resist the crisp, refreshing embrace of a vibrant salad? It's like

a splash of colors on your plate, making the meal not just a feast for your taste buds, but also a

visual delight. Let me nudge you, my fellow food adventurers, this is a great way to get creative

with these sides. There's a whole spectrum of possibilities out there. Maybe toss in some red

bell peppers or onion rings into that salad for an extra crunch, or stir some mango salsa into

your cauliflower rice for that unexpected pop of sweetness. It's all about creating a meal that's

a vibrant symphony of flavors and textures. And remember, the more color, the more nutrients

so don't hold back. Make your plate your canvas and let the tropical vibes of Cheddar's Key West

Chicken and Shrimp Dish inspire you. Diving into this dish takes more than just a keen sense of

taste. It's about creating an ambiance that teleports you straight to the sandy shores of

the Florida Keys. To capture that essence, I love draping my dining table with vibrant table cloths

that scream tropical paradise. Coconut shell bowls are a must-have for me. They add such an authentic

touch and really tie the whole theme together. And don't even get me started on themed decorations

Think tiny umbrellas, flamboyant flowers, and anything that brings that sun-kissed vibe indoors

To top it all off, I play tropical music in the background. It's like the cherry on top that sets

the whole mood, making you feel as if you're dining by the beach with the gentle breeze playing with

your hair. Trust me, it makes every bite of this Cheddar's Key West Chicken and Shrimp Dish taste

like a mini vacation. Ah, a journey through flavors and sights unseen, all from our very own kitchens

Bringing a taste of the Florida Keys into our homes with this Cheddar's Key West Chicken and

Shrimp Recipe feels like a mini vacation, doesn't it? The tropical blend of fresh lime juice

mouth-watering mango salsa, and the zest of red bell peppers somehow manages to transport us

No plane ticket required. Each bite reminds us that great food doesn't just fill our bellies

it enriches our lives. I'm so curious to see how you've made this dish uniquely yours

Did you throw in some extra chili powder for a bit more kick? Or maybe you decided to swap out

the shrimp for a top sirloin steak for a surf and turf version Cheddar's at Cheddar would envy

Whichever personal twist you added, I'm all ears, or eyes, I should say. Share your stories, your

photos, and let's inspire each other with our culinary adventures. Let's keep this tropical

vibe going strong, shall we? If you love copycat recipes, check out my Houston's Hawaiian Ribeye

Recipe. Prep time, one hour, 15 minutes. Cook time, 15 minutes. Total time, one hour, 30 minutes

3 1⁄4 cup fresh pineapple, diced 1⁄4 cup red onion, diced 1⁄4 cup jalapeno pepper

minced 1⁄4 cup tomato, diced, 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1⁄4 teaspoon salt, 1⁄2 cup orange juice, 1⁄2 cup jalapeno peppers, minced, 1⁄4 cup white

wine vinegar, 1 lime, zested and juiced, 2 tablespoons avocado oil, 3 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon garlic, minced salt and black pepper to taste, 4 chicken

breasts, 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Mix together pineapple, red onion, 1⁄4 cup finely

chopped jalapeno, tomato, 3 tablespoons of chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, and a pinch

of salt in a non-reactive bowl until well combined. Chill in the refrigerator until needed. In a bowl

with a lid, combine orange juice, 1⁄2 cup of finely chopped jalapeno, white wine vinegar

zest and juice of 1 lime, avocado oil, honey, soy sauce, granulated garlic, salt, and black pepper

Stir until thoroughly mixed. Evenly pound the chicken to a consistent thickness and place it

in an 11 x 7 inch baking dish. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, cover and refrigerate

for one hour, flipping halfway through. Store the remaining marinade covered in the refrigerator

until ready to use. After the chicken has marinated for 45 minutes, add the shrimp to the

bowl with the reserved marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes

Remove the shrimp from the marinade, leaving them slightly wet. Thread the shrimp onto wooden

skewers and chill until ready to use. Discard the marinade. Preheat pan to medium heat and add a

little oil if it isn't non-stick. Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the excess

Cook the chicken until cooked through, approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side

depending on thickness. The internal temperature should reach at least 165 degrees F

74 degrees C. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm

I used a grill pan to grill the shrimp skewers until they are opaque and lightly charred

about 1 to 2 minutes per side. To serve, plate each chicken breast with pineapple pico de gallo

on top. Arrange the grilled shrimp on top and garnish with lime slices and additional cilantro

if desired