Mouthwatering Jalapeño Chicken Recipe
This Mouthwatering Jalapeño Chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs seared to a golden crust and cooked with flavorful soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and spicy jalapeños. Perfectly balanced with sweetness and heat, it’s served over fluffy white rice and garnished with sesame seeds for a nutty finish. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish offers a quick and delicious meal full of bold Asian-inspired flavors.
- Author: Ava
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Chicken and Coating
- 2 lb chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (preferably Bertolli)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (preferably Kikkoman)
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1/2 yellow onion, sliced into thin 1/4-inch wedges
- 2 jalapeño peppers, sliced into thin rounds, seeds removed
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Cooked white rice for serving
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch chunks for even cooking and consistent searing. In a shallow bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss chicken pieces in the mixture until evenly coated, creating a light, crispy exterior. Set aside on a plate.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced ginger, and garlic until sugar dissolves. Set aside to have ready before cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. In batches, sear chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per side until golden-brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Transfer to a clean plate and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet with browned bits, add sliced onion and jalapeño peppers. Sauté for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and jalapeños soften slightly.
- Combine and simmer: Return seared chicken to skillet with vegetables. Pour in sauce mixture and stir until everything is well coated. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Serve: Spoon the jalapeño chicken and sauce over cooked white rice on plates or a platter. Garnish generously with sesame seeds for a nutty flavor and appealing presentation.
Notes
- Remove jalapeño seeds for moderate heat; keep seeds if you prefer spicier dish.
- Use a shallow bowl for coating chicken to avoid excess cornstarch buildup.
- Cook chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure proper searing.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken is cooked to 165°F for safety and juiciness.
- Sesame seeds add texture and nuttiness—toast lightly for extra flavor if desired.
Keywords: jalapeño chicken, spicy chicken recipe, quick Asian chicken, seared chicken thighs, soy sauce chicken, spicy stir fry, easy dinner recipes