Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Recipe

If you’re a fan of bold and spicy flavors, Spicy Jalapeno Chicken is the perfect dish for you. This recipe combines the juicy tenderness of chicken with the fiery kick of jalapenos, creating a mouthwatering meal that is both satisfying and exhilarating. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into the recipe and see how you can make this spicy delight at home.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Marinating the Chicken

1. Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until well blended.
2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a large dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

Preparing the Jalapenos

1. Slice the jalapenos: While the chicken is marinating, slice the jalapenos into thin rounds. If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds and membranes.

Cooking Instructions

Pan-Searing Method

1. Heat the skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil to the skillet to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
3. Add the jalapenos: During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the sliced jalapenos to the skillet, placing them on top of the chicken breasts. This will allow the jalapenos to soften slightly and infuse the chicken with their spicy flavor.

Grilling Method

1. Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cook the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
3. Grill the jalapenos: During the last 2 minutes of grilling, add the sliced jalapenos directly to the grill or place them on top of the chicken breasts.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes

• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the spicy jalapeno chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
• Grilled Vegetables: Pair with grilled bell peppers, zucchini, and onions for a healthy side.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the heat of the chicken.

Garnishing Ideas

• Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken while it’s still hot so it melts.
• Avocado: Add sliced avocado for a creamy contrast to the spicy chicken.
• Sour Cream: Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to cool down the heat.
• Cilantro and Green Onions: Garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions for a burst of freshness.

Storage Tips

How to Store Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

• Microwave: Reheat in the microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the chicken.
• Oven: Reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

Variations and Substitutions

Adjusting the Heat Level

• More Heat: Add more jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
• Less Heat: Use fewer jalapenos or opt for milder peppers like poblanos.

Alternative Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
• Pickled Jalapenos: Use pickled jalapenos instead of fresh for a tangy twist.

Tips for Success

Ensuring Juicy Chicken

• Marinate properly: Ensure the chicken marinates for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
• Monitor temperature: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and drying out the chicken.

Perfecting the Spice Blend

• Balanced seasoning: Taste the marinade before adding the chicken and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
• Layer flavors: Add some of the sliced jalapenos to the marinade for extra heat and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. They tend to be juicier and more forgiving if overcooked slightly.

How to Reduce the Spiciness?

Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos to reduce the heat. You can also use fewer jalapenos or milder peppers.

Can I Use Pickled Jalapenos?

Yes, pickled jalapenos can add a tangy flavor. Just be aware they might add extra acidity to the dish.

How to Serve It as a Sandwich?

Slice the cooked chicken breasts and serve them in a toasted bun with cheese, avocado, and your favorite toppings.

Can I Make It Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken the night before and refrigerate it until ready to cook. This allows the flavors to develop even more.

Conclusion

Spicy Jalapeno Chicken is a bold and flavorful dish that brings a delightful kick to your meal. With its juicy, tender chicken and the heat of fresh jalapenos, it’s a recipe that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re grilling it up for a summer barbecue or cooking it on the stovetop for a cozy dinner, this dish is both versatile and easy to make. Try this recipe today and enjoy the fiery goodness of Spicy Jalapeno Chicken!

Yield: 6

Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Recipe

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If you're a fan of bold and spicy flavors, Spicy Jalapeno Chicken is the perfect dish for you. This recipe combines the juicy tenderness of chicken with the fiery kick of jalapenos, creating a mouthwatering meal that is both satisfying and exhilarating. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. Let's dive into the recipe and see how you can make this spicy delight at home.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs *see notes below
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large jalapenos, cut into 1/4 inch slices

Instructions

1. Place the prepared chicken into a bowl with the salt and ground black pepper. Toss to coat well.
2. Next, add the cornstarch and toss until all of the chicken is well coated. Set this aside until you are ready to fry the chicken.
3. In a separate, smaller bowl, add the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and garlic and whisk well to combine. Set that aside.
4. Next, slice the jalapenos into 1/4 inch slices. If you want a milder taste, you can remove the seeds from the slices. If you want a nice kick, leave them in. Set those aside until ready to use.
5. Finally, add four inches of vegetable oil to a heavy bottomed pot. Turn on the heat and heat the oil to 315 degrees F.
6. Once the oil is hot, using tongs, lower the chicken into into the oil one piece at a time. Don’t overcrowd the pot. I tend to fry them four or five pieces at a time. The chicken fries really quickly; it only needs about 5-6 minutes, turning at the halfway mark.
7. Once all of the chicken is fried, increase the heat of the oil to 350 degrees. Carefully place all of the chicken back into the oil. This is what I refer to as the second fry and it will add further crisp to your chicken and it only needs another 3-4 minutes. Remove from the oil and drain well.
8. In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, add the sauce mixture and bring to a boil.
9. Once boiling, add in all of the fried chicken and the sliced jalapenos. Toss the chicken well into the sauce and jalapeno mixture.
10. Continue to move the chicken about the skillet until the sauce has thickened and the water content has evaporated.
11. Once done, transfer to a plate and garnish.