This Easy Spicy Jalapeño Chicken is full of flavor and heat, thanks to fresh jalapeños and tasty spices. It’s quick to make and perfect for a weeknight meal!
Don’t worry if you can’t handle too much spice; you can always adjust how many jalapeños you want. I like serving it with rice to balance the heat—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts are great for this recipe. If you have thighs on hand, they can also work well and provide extra juiciness.
Jalapeños: Adjust the spice by using fewer jalapeños or removing the seeds and membranes. If fresh jalapeños aren’t available, jarred jalapeños or even banana peppers can be suitable alternatives.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a nice flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch—about 1/4 teaspoon per clove as a substitute.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended, but any cooking oil like canola or vegetable oil will do. For a unique taste, consider using coconut oil.
Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley or green onions can provide a fresh finish to your dish.
How Do You Keep Your Chicken Juicy?
To ensure your chicken stays juicy and flavorful, don’t skip the seasoning step! Patting the chicken dry helps it brown nicely. Also, cooking it on medium-high heat seals in moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer; chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking—this redistributes the juices.
Easy Spicy Jalapeño Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2-3 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown nicely. Now, season both sides generously with salt, pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. This blend will give your chicken great flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned and almost cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced jalapeños. Sauté these for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the mixture is fragrant. This is where the aroma starts to fill your kitchen—so good!
4. Create the Flavorful Sauce:
Next, pour in the chicken broth and lime juice. Be sure to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These bits add great flavor! Let this mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
5. Finish Cooking the Chicken:
Now it’s time to return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon some of the jalapeño mixture over the chicken for extra flavor. Cover the skillet and cook it for another 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has slightly thickened. You can check for doneness; the internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C).
6. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top for a lovely garnish. This adds a fresh burst of flavor!
7. Enjoy:
Serve your Easy Spicy Jalapeño Chicken hot, alongside rice, tortillas, or your favorite side. Dig in and enjoy the spicy, flavorful goodness!
Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Spicy Jalapeño Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way is to leave them in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can run them under cold water in a sealed plastic bag for a quick thaw.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you want a milder dish, you can reduce the number of jalapeños or remove the seeds and membranes where most of the heat is found. Alternatively, adding a dollop of sour cream or yogurt when serving can help cool down the heat!
What Should I Serve with This Chicken?
This spicy chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, tortillas, or even a fresh salad. You can also serve it with avocado slices or guacamole for a creamy balance to the heat.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth to keep the sauce from drying out.
