Name: Jalapeno Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, (fat removed, cut into 1-inch pieces); ¼ cup (32 g) cornstarch; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; ⅓ cup (85 g) soy sauce; ⅓ cup (83 g) water; ⅓ cup (67 g) light brown sugar, (packed); 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 teaspoons garlic, (minced); ½ yellow onion, (diced); 2 large jalapeno peppers, (sliced into thin rounds); sesame seeds, (for garnish); cooked white rice, (for serving)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinner routine, this Jalapeno Chicken will be your new obsession! Juicy, bite-sized pieces of chicken simmer alongside golden onions and plenty of vibrant jalapeno, all tossed in a savory-sweet soy glaze that manages to strike the perfect balance of heat and umami. A shower of sesame seeds and a fluffy pile of rice rounds out this comfort-food classic, making it a dish you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Jalapeno Chicken is a dream for both flavor-lovers and anyone who appreciates simple prep. Each ingredient pulls its own weight, coming together for layered flavor, delicate heat, and a mouthwatering finish full of contrasting textures and colors.

Chicken thighs: These keep the meat extra juicy and tender, even after a good sear.
Cornstarch: Lightly coats the chicken, giving it that irresistible, crispy edge and helping the sauce cling beautifully.
Kosher salt: Enhances every bite—don’t skip or skimp!
Ground black pepper: Lends warmth and a touch of earthy spice to every mouthful.
Extra virgin olive oil: Used for searing; its flavor is mild but crucial for browning.
Soy sauce: Delivers that classic salty-savory backbone, balancing sweet and spicy notes.
Water: Prevents the glaze from getting too thick, keeping things saucy and glossy.
Light brown sugar: Adds caramel undertones and a touch of sweetness to round out the spiciness.
Sesame oil: Provides a toasty, nutty finish that’s essential for Asian-inspired chicken dishes.
Garlic: Fragrant and punchy, infusing the sauce with depth.
Yellow onion: Softens and sweetens, complementing both the chicken and spicy jalapeno.
Jalapeno peppers: The star of the show! Slice them thin for heat that permeates without overpowering.
Sesame seeds: A final flourish for crunch and visual appeal—you’ll want to sprinkle them liberally.
Cooked white rice: The essential base that soaks up every luscious drop of sauce.

How to Make Jalapeno Chicken

Step 1: Toss Chicken with Seasonings and Cornstarch

Start by patting your chicken pieces dry for the best sear. In a generous bowl, combine the chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss until every piece is lightly coated; not only does this help the chicken brown up with a little crunch, but it also makes sure those wonderful juices stay locked in as they cook.

Step 2: Prep the Flavorful Sauce

Grab another bowl and whisk together the water, soy sauce, packed brown sugar, sesame oil, and a generous spoonful of minced garlic. This mixture will become your magic sauce—sweet, salty, aromatic, and totally slurp-worthy.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Heat your olive oil in a large nonstick skillet until it’s shimmering (careful, it’ll be hot!). Add the chicken, spacing the pieces out so they sear and not steam. Depending on your pan, you might need to work in batches. Cook them until golden on both sides and just cooked through—about 2-3 minutes per side—then transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 4: Sauté Onions and Jalapeno

Without cleaning the skillet, add the diced onion and sliced jalapeno peppers. Give them about 4–6 minutes over medium-high heat to soften, sizzle, and take on a little color. This step is key for mellowing the onion and coaxing out the floral heat from the jalapenos.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Return the chicken (and any accompanying juices) to the pan. Pour over that gorgeous soy sauce mixture. Stir everything gently to coat; let it bubble for a few minutes so the flavors soak into the chicken and veggies. The sauce thickens slightly as it simmers, coating every glorious bite.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Spoon generous helpings of Jalapeno Chicken over warm white rice, shower with sesame seeds, and dive in while it’s still steaming. The combination of saucy, spiced chicken and fluffy rice is pure comfort!

How to Serve Jalapeno Chicken

Garnishes

The right garnish really makes Jalapeno Chicken pop. Sprinkle on a handful of sesame seeds for delicate crunch, and if you want extra color, add thinly sliced green onions or a small scatter of cilantro for a bright, herbal note.

Side Dishes

This dish marries beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, but don’t be afraid to branch out! Try it with stir-fried broccoli, crispy roasted green beans, or even a simple cucumber salad to cool off the jalapeno heat. Anything with a little freshness or crunch is a great match.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, pile Jalapeno Chicken into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held appetizer, or serve family-style in a wide bowl with a mound of rice and a rainbow of veggies on the side. Sometimes, I even tuck leftovers into soft tortillas for a zesty Asian-inspired taco twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled Jalapeno Chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, so leftovers are just as craveable as the day you made it!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish. Store cooled chicken (ideally without rice) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat Jalapeno Chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. The microwave works just fine too—cover your dish and heat in short bursts, stirring often to keep everything moist and saucy.

FAQs

Is Jalapeno Chicken very spicy?

It’s got a gentle kick, but it’s not blow-your-head-off hot! If you prefer milder heat, remove the seeds from your jalapenos or use just one pepper. Like more spice? Leave the seeds in or add an extra jalapeno to the mix.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well here, though the meat may be a touch drier compared to the ultra-juicy thighs. Be careful not to overcook it, and consider marinating the pieces in a splash of soy sauce ahead of time for extra tenderness.

What can I substitute for soy sauce?

If you need a gluten-free version, tamari is an excellent substitute. Coconut aminos also work well and bring a slightly sweeter flavor profile to your Jalapeno Chicken.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for firm tofu, pressed and cubed, or use tempeh for a hearty bite. Sear as you would the chicken, then follow the recipe as written for a totally plant-based, flavor-packed meal.

Can I double the recipe?

No problem! Simply double each ingredient and cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding your pan. It’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a hungry crowd.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for something new that’s quick and bursting with flavor, give Jalapeno Chicken a spot on your menu this week. It’s spicy enough to excite but balanced for everyone to enjoy—a satisfying, homemade meal you’ll want to make again and again!

Jalapeno Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 29 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A spicy and flavorful dish, this Jalapeno Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of tender chicken pieces, savory soy sauce, and the heat of jalapeno peppers. Served over fluffy white rice, this dish is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.

Instructions

Toss chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly on all sides. Set aside.
Combine water, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. In a medium mixing bowl, combine water, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic. Mix well and set aside.
Cook chicken in hot oil. Transfer to a plate. To a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, add oil. When the oil is shimmering, carefully add chicken to the hot oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate, and tent to keep warm.
Cook onions and jalapeno peppers. To the same skillet, add onions and jalapeno. Cook until softened (about 4-6 minutes).
Add chicken and soy sauce. Add the chicken and the soy sauce mixture to the pan and stir to combine. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes.
Serve garnished with sesame seeds over rice. Serve garnished with sesame seeds over cooked white rice.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian