If you love bold flavors and a little kick to your dinner, this Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Recipe is going to become your new go-to! Tender chicken tenderloins get a crispy coating, then get lovingly coated in a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce that perfectly balances the heat of fresh jalapenos with the comforting richness of garlic, soy, and brown sugar. It’s that kind of dish that brings everyone back to the table hungry for more while feeling cozy and satisfied. Trust me, once you try this Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Recipe, you’ll be excited to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The real magic behind this Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: chicken tenderloins provide tenderness, jalapenos bring the zing, and the sauce ingredients balance heat with sweet and tangy layers.
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins: Choose fresh, plump pieces for the best texture and juicy bite.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy coating for that irresistible crunch.
- 1 cup oil (for frying): Use neutral oil like vegetable or canola for perfect frying temperature.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Adds natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 3 jalapenos (seeded and sliced): Fresh and spicy, they bring that signature jalapeno punch without overwhelming heat.
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil: Imparts a nutty aroma that elevates the overall flavor.
- 1/3 cup lite soy sauce: For savory umami and just the right saltiness.
- 2 teaspoons vinegar: Introduces a gentle tang to balance sweetness.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar: Adds warmth and sweetness to tone down the jalapeno heat.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Builds a fragrant base that complements every bite.
- 1/3 cup ketchup: Provides subtle tomato sweetness and thickens the sauce beautifully.
How to Make Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken tenderloins gently in cornstarch until they’re lightly coated. This simple step guarantees that crispy texture everyone loves without a heavy breading. It also helps the sauce stick perfectly later on.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Pour about one cup of oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Getting your oil hot enough is key to quickly browning the chicken and locking in juiciness without soaking up excess oil.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil and brown them quickly on all sides. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked through yet; this is just to build color and a light crust.
Step 4: Remove Chicken
Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This keeps your dish from getting greasy and ensures crispiness stays intact.
Step 5: Sauté Onions and Jalapenos
In a clean skillet or the same one wiped out, add sesame oil, chopped onion, and sliced jalapenos. Sauté over medium heat until the onions soften and both start to brown slightly, releasing their natural sweetness and mellowing the heat from the peppers.
Step 6: Make the Sauce
To your sautéed veggies, add soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ketchup. Whisk everything together so the brown sugar dissolves and the flavors combine into a beautifully balanced sauce base that’s tangy, sweet, and spicy.
Step 7: Add Chicken to the Sauce
Return the browned chicken tenderloins to the pan, stirring so each piece gets coated in the sauce. This is where everything comes together—the sauce clings to the chicken and absorbs those incredible flavors.
Step 8: Simmer to Perfection
Cook everything on medium heat until the sauce thickens to a glossy finish and evenly coats every piece of chicken. This step brings that signature stickiness that makes the Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Recipe so irresistible.
How to Serve Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or green onions make a wonderful garnish to brighten the dish visually and add a fresh contrast to the savory heat. A dash of sesame seeds adds a little crunch and a subtle nuttiness that’s hard to resist. If you want extra heat, some thinly sliced fresh jalapenos on top will do the trick.
Side Dishes
This Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Recipe shines when paired with fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes. Both do a fantastic job at soaking up that luscious sauce, making every bite harmonious. If you want a lighter option, steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad offer freshness and crunch to balance the bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Spicy Jalapeno Chicken on warm tortillas with a scoop of avocado and a sprinkle of cheese for a spicy taco night. Alternatively, plating it over cauliflower rice can make it a low-carb delight. Layering the chicken on a bed of sautéed noodles also works beautifully for a fusion twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Recipe can keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick meals later on without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together by placing them in a freezer-safe container. This will keep well for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results to maintain the vibrant flavors and tender texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the sauce from drying out and to warm the chicken evenly. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating helps maintain the sauce’s consistency and keeps the chicken moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but cut them into strips or bite-sized pieces for even cooking and optimal texture similar to tenderloins.
How spicy is the dish?
The heat level depends on the jalapenos and how much you include. Removing the seeds reduces heat, while leaving some or all seeds in amps it up. It’s customizable to your spice tolerance.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
For a vegetarian twist, try using firm tofu or cauliflower florets in place of chicken. Coat and cook them the same way to soak up the delicious Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Recipe sauce.
What type of vinegar is best to use?
White vinegar or rice vinegar works best, offering the right acidity without overpowering other flavors. Stay away from balsamic or malt vinegar, which change the profile too much.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the sauce ingredients and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes the cooking process even quicker when you’re ready to bring it all together.
Final Thoughts
The Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Recipe is such a delightful blend of bold flavors and comforting textures, perfect for any night you want something exciting but easy. Once you make it, you’ll love how quick it comes together with ingredients you probably already have. Give it a try soon—you’re in for a spicy, savory treat that everyone at your table will ask for again.
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Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Jalapeno Chicken recipe features tender chicken tenderloins coated in cornstarch, quickly fried until golden, and then simmered in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ketchup, and spicy jalapenos. The result is a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy dish perfect for serving over rice or mashed potatoes, offering a delicious balance of heat and savory flavors with a crisp exterior.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup oil (for frying)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 jalapenos, seeded and sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/3 cup lite soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons vinegar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup ketchup
Instructions
- Coat the chicken: In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken tenderloins with the cornstarch until evenly coated to prepare them for frying.
- Heat the oil: Heat 1 cup of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot enough for frying the chicken.
- Brown the chicken: Quickly brown the chicken tenderloins in the hot oil, ensuring they develop a crispy exterior but do not fully cook through at this stage.
- Remove chicken: Take the chicken out of the pan and set aside to prepare for the sauce.
- Sauté onions and jalapenos: In a clean skillet or the same one wiped out, add sesame oil, chopped onion, and sliced jalapenos; sauté over medium heat until tender and slightly browned to develop flavor.
- Add sauce ingredients: Pour in lite soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ketchup into the skillet with the onions and jalapenos.
- Combine the sauce: Whisk the sauce ingredients together thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Return chicken to pan: Add the browned chicken tenderloins back into the skillet with the sauce mixture.
- Simmer: Cook everything over medium heat until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken pieces evenly, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and flavors meld.
- Serve: Serve the Jalapeno Chicken hot over cooked rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- For less heat, remove all jalapeno seeds before slicing.
- Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola for frying.
- Adjust brown sugar quantity according to your desired sweetness.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by simmering enough time in the sauce.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
