Jalapeño Chicken – This dish is the perfect balance of juicy, tender chicken infused with the vibrant, spicy kick of jalapeños for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
Why You’ll Love Jalapeño Chicken
- Perfect balance of flavors: The heat from the jalapeños is mellowed by the juicy chicken, resulting in a dish that is both spicy and savory without being overwhelming.
- Versatile: Whether served on its own, with rice, or in tacos, this recipe works in multiple settings.
- Quick and Easy: This dish takes under an hour to prepare and is perfect for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekends.
- Customizable Heat: Control the spice level by adjusting the amount of jalapeños or using different varieties of peppers.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Jalapeño Chicken
- Control the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before cooking, as this is where most of the heat is stored.
- Use Chicken Thighs for More Flavor: While chicken breasts are leaner, thighs tend to be more flavorful and stay juicier when cooked.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep the juices inside.
- Make it Crispy: For an extra crispy finish, broil the chicken for 2 minutes after it’s fully cooked.
Delicious Variations of Jalapeño Chicken
- Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken: Add a layer of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top of the chicken during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for a creamy, spicy twist.
- Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Chicken: Wrap the chicken in bacon before cooking for a smoky, savory upgrade. The bacon adds an extra layer of flavor and crispiness.
- Grilled Jalapeño Chicken: Marinate the chicken in olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and sliced jalapeños, then grill for a smoky and charred version of this dish. Serve with avocado slices for a refreshing contrast.
- Creamy Jalapeño Chicken: Add a half cup of heavy cream or cream cheese to the skillet after the chicken has cooked to create a rich, creamy sauce.
How to Serve Jalapeño Chicken
Jalapeño chicken is versatile and can be served in numerous ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Over Rice or Quinoa: A classic way to soak up the spicy juices and serve a wholesome meal.
- In Tacos or Burritos: Shred the chicken and wrap it in a soft tortilla with toppings like avocado, sour cream, and salsa.
- With a Side Salad: Keep it light by pairing the chicken with a fresh green salad or a tomato and avocado salad.
- With Vegetables: Serve with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots for a low-carb meal.
How to Store Jalapeño Chicken
Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken.
Freezer: If you want to freeze the jalapeño chicken, allow it to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. It will keep for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Jalapeño Chicken Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use other peppers besides jalapeños?
A: Absolutely! If you want a milder heat, try using poblano peppers. For more spice, you can experiment with serrano or habanero peppers.
Q: Is Jalapeño Chicken keto-friendly?
A: Yes! Jalapeño chicken is low in carbs, making it a great option for a keto or low-carb diet. Just be mindful of what you serve it with, and stick to low-carb sides like cauliflower rice or a green salad.
Q: Can I make this recipe in the oven?
A: Yes! After searing the chicken in the skillet, transfer it to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. This method is great for cooking larger portions.
Q: How do I reduce the spiciness of the dish?
A: To make it less spicy, you can reduce the number of jalapeños or remove the seeds and membranes. Adding a dollop of sour cream or a side of guacamole also helps balance the heat.
Jalapeno Chicken
Jalapeño Chicken - This dish is the perfect balance of juicy, tender chicken infused with the vibrant, spicy kick of jalapeños for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ⅓ cup water
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 large jalapeños (thinly sliced)
- ½ yellow onion (diced)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and water. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken (in batches if necessary). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F internally).
- Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
- Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, sauté onions and jalapeños for 4-6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Combine and Finish: Add the cooked chicken and soy sauce mixture back into the skillet. Stir well and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve over a bed of fluffy white rice.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 641Total Fat 29gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 22gCholesterol 277mgSodium 1644mgCarbohydrates 38gFiber 2gSugar 16gProtein 59g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Jalapeño chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings a little spice and a lot of joy to the dinner table. Whether you’re a fan of heat or just want to try something new, this recipe is endlessly adaptable and guaranteed to impress.
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