Description
Mexican-inspired spicy jalapeño chicken delivers a fiery culinary adventure from traditional family recipes. Zesty marinades and bold seasonings combine to create a mouthwatering meal you’ll savor with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (500 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 fresh jalapeños, sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsps soy sauce
- 2 tbsps honey or brown sugar
- 2 tbsps sriracha or your favorite hot sauce
- 2 tbsps vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Seasoning: Thoroughly massage chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, creating an even coating across all surfaces.
- Searing: Heat a large skillet over medium flame, coat with cooking oil, and carefully place chicken to develop a golden-brown exterior. Cook completely through, rotating occasionally for 5-7 minutes until perfectly done.
- Aromatic Base: Without cleaning the skillet, sauté minced garlic and thinly sliced jalapeno peppers until their fragrant essence fills the kitchen, releasing deep, complex flavors.
- Sauce Creation: Whisk soy sauce, honey, and vinegar directly into the skillet, creating a glossy, dynamic sauce. Reintroduce cooked chicken, ensuring complete sauce coverage by gently rotating pieces.
- Thickening Process: Dissolve cornstarch in water and swirl into the bubbling mixture, watching the sauce transform and thicken. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and reach optimal consistency.
- Garnishing: Elevate the dish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions, adding visual intrigue and a burst of fresh complexity to the final presentation.
Notes
- Control Spice Level: Adjust jalapeno quantity based on heat tolerance; remove seeds for milder flavor or add extra peppers for intense heat.
- Meat Preparation Technique: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown crust and prevent soggy texture during cooking.
- Prevent Sauce Burning: Maintain medium heat while sautéing garlic and jalapenos to release flavors without scorching, which can create bitter undertones.
- Alternative Protein Options: Easily substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or lean pork for dietary variations while maintaining the recipe’s signature spicy-sweet profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg