Spicy Jalapeno Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
*see notes below
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
lightly packed
- 4 cloves garlic
minced
- 2 large jalapenos
cut into 1/4 inch slices
Directions
- 1
Place the prepared chicken into a bowl with the salt and ground black pepper. Toss to coat well.
- 2
Next, add the cornstarch and toss until all of the chicken is well coated. Set this aside until you are ready to fry the chicken.
- 3
In a separate, smaller bowl, add the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and garlic and whisk well to combine. Set that aside.
- 4
Next, slice the jalapenos into 1/4 inch slices. If you want a milder taste, you can remove the seeds from the slices. If you want a nice kick, leave them in. Set those aside until ready to use.
- 5
Finally, add four inches of vegetable oil to a heavy bottomed pot. Turn on the heat and heat the oil to 315 degrees F.
- 6
Once the oil is hot, using tongs, lower the chicken into into the oil one piece at a time. Don’t overcrowd the pot. I tend to fry them four or five pieces at a time. The chicken fries really quickly; it only needs about 5-6 minutes, turning at the halfway mark.
- 7
Once all of the chicken is fried, increase the heat of the oil to 350 degrees. Carefully place all of the chicken back into the oil. This is what I refer to as the second fry and it will add further crisp to your chicken and it only needs another 3-4 minutes. Remove from the oil and drain well.
- 8
In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, add the sauce mixture and bring to a boil.
- 9
Once boiling, add in all of the fried chicken and the sliced jalapenos. Toss the chicken well into the sauce and jalapeno mixture.
- 10
Continue to move the chicken about the skillet until the sauce has thickened and the water content has evaporated.
- 11
Once done, transfer to a plate and garnish.
Spicy Jalapeno Chicken
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 51 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a vibrant, flavor-packed meal with a serious kick? This Spicy Jalapeno Chicken recipe delivers an irresistible balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors. Forget bland weeknight dinners; this dish brings restaurant-quality excitement right to your kitchen.
Why This Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Works
What makes this recipe truly stand out is its commitment to both texture and taste. You'll love the light and crispy coating on the chicken, which provides a satisfying crunch that perfectly contrasts the tender meat inside. The accompanying sauce is a symphony of flavors—thick, sweet, savory, and undeniably spicy—creating a complex glaze that clings beautifully to every piece of chicken. It's a dish designed for the spicy food lover, offering that much-desired heat without overwhelming the other delicious elements.
What to Expect
Prepare for a truly exhilarating culinary experience. Each bite of this Spicy Jalapeno Chicken offers succulent pieces of boneless, skinless chicken thigh coated in that fantastic crispy exterior. The sauce is a star, rich with the mellow sweetness of brown sugar, the umami depth of soy sauce, and the sharp bite of fresh garlic. But it's the jalapenos that truly define this dish, infusing the sauce with a bright, fiery heat that awakens the palate. The beauty here is that you're in control; you can dial up or down the spice to your personal preference, ensuring every meal is just right for you. It’s a bold, flavorful journey that’s surprisingly easy to achieve.
Customization & Variations
This recipe is incredibly flexible for personal taste. If you're looking to adjust the heat, simply reduce the number of jalapenos used, or remove some of the seeds and membranes before slicing for a milder kick. For those who crave more fire, feel free to add an extra jalapeno or even a dash of a hotter chili. While chicken thighs offer unparalleled juiciness, boneless, skinless chicken breast can also be used if preferred, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Serving & Context
Spicy Jalapeno Chicken is fantastic served with a simple bowl of steamed jasmine rice to soak up all that delicious, thick sauce. It makes for an exciting family dinner or a vibrant centerpiece for a casual gathering with friends. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions can add a lovely touch of color and freshness.