Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Recipe

Craving something spicy and flavorful that will set your taste buds on fire in the best way possible? Spicy Jalapeño Chicken is the dish you need! This recipe is perfect for those who love a bit of heat with their meal. Featuring tender chicken cooked with fresh jalapeños, garlic, and a blend of spices, this dish is both fiery and flavorful. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend feast. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad.

Equipment and Tools

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls (for marinating the chicken)
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Sharp knife (for slicing jalapeños and chicken)
• Cutting board
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Preparing the Spicy Jalapeño Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat the Skillet: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in the hot skillet. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Jalapeño Sauce

1. Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent.
2. Add the Jalapeños: Add the sliced jalapeños to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

1. Add Spices: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and cumin, stirring to combine with the jalapeños and onions.
2. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
3. Stir in the Cream: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, allowing the sauce to thicken and become creamy.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Return the Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
2. Simmer Together: Let the chicken simmer in the jalapeño sauce for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.

Serving Suggestions

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with Cilantro: Before serving, sprinkle chopped cilantro over the chicken for a burst of freshness.
2. Serve: Serve the Spicy Jalapeño Chicken hot, alongside rice, tortillas, or a side of sautéed vegetables. The creamy, spicy sauce is perfect for spooning over your sides.

Tips for Success

Control the Heat Level

• Adjust the Spice: For less heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before cooking. If you want more spice, you can add an extra jalapeño or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Don’t Skip the Marinating Time

• Flavor Infusion: Marinating the chicken is key to infusing it with flavor. Try to let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, let it sit for up to 4 hours.

Use Fresh Jalapeños

• Fresh Ingredients: Fresh jalapeños provide the best flavor and heat. Avoid using pickled jalapeños, as they can alter the taste of the dish.

Variations to Try

Jalapeño Chicken Tacos

• Taco Night: Slice the cooked chicken and serve it in warm tortillas, topped with the jalapeño sauce, shredded lettuce, and cheese for a delicious taco night.

Add Cheese for Extra Creaminess

• Cheesy Twist: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack) into the sauce before adding the chicken back to the skillet for a cheesy, creamy version.

Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Pasta

• Pasta Option: Serve the spicy jalapeño chicken over a bed of pasta, allowing the creamy sauce to coat the noodles for a spicy, comforting meal.

Conclusion

Spicy Jalapeño Chicken is a dish that brings bold flavors and a kick of heat to your dinner table. With tender, marinated chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, spicy jalapeño sauce, this recipe is sure to satisfy anyone who loves a bit of spice in their meals. Perfect for any night of the week, this dish is easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Pair it with your favorite sides and get ready to spice up your dinner routine!

FAQs

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts. They may take a bit longer to cook, but they will be juicy and flavorful.

How Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy?

To reduce the heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños and use fewer jalapeños overall. You can also add more cream to mellow out the spice.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before adding the seared chicken and simmering until done.

What Sides Go Well with Spicy Jalapeño Chicken?

Rice, tortillas, or a simple salad work great with this dish. You can also pair it with sautéed vegetables or roasted potatoes.

Can I Freeze the Leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Yield: 4

Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Recipe

Print

Craving something spicy and flavorful that will set your taste buds on fire in the best way possible? Spicy Jalapeño Chicken is the dish you need! This recipe is perfect for those who love a bit of heat with their meal. Featuring tender chicken cooked with fresh jalapeños, garlic, and a blend of spices, this dish is both fiery and flavorful. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend feast. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 3 fresh jalapeños, sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Prepare the Jalapeño Sauce:
   In the same skillet, add the sliced jalapeños and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
   Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
   Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
   Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and smoked paprika. Stir continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
   
4. Combine and Serve:
   Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the spicy jalapeño sauce over them. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to soak up the flavors.
   Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve the Spicy Jalapeño Chicken with rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite vegetables.

Notes

Adjusting the Heat: For a milder dish, remove the seeds from the jalapeños or use fewer jalapeños. For extra heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or use hotter peppers like serrano.

Cheese Variations: You can substitute the cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese for a different flavor profile.

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving Ideas: This dish pairs well with Mexican-style rice, sautéed vegetables, or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the sauce.