Description
This quick and healthy Jalapeno Chicken recipe features crispy chicken, sautéed onions, and spicy jalapenos tossed in a sweet and savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish is easy to make, customizable for spice levels, and pairs beautifully with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup water
- ⅓ cup 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix soy sauce, water, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Stir well until the brown sugar dissolves completely. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onions and sliced jalapenos. Cook for about 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become fragrant.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour in the sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the chicken.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the Jalapeno Chicken over cooked white rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a finishing touch. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- To make it less spicy, remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapenos before slicing.
- For extra crispy chicken, use a mix of cornstarch and a little flour for coating.
- Substitute low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty dish.
- If using an air fryer, cook the coated chicken at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 384
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 725mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg