Jalapeño Chicken

This jalapeño chicken recipe is a tastebud pleaser. Skip the take out and make this EASY copycat recipe instead. Ready in 30 minutes. This is our favorite go-to weeknight recipe. Sweet, spicy and customizable and inspired by our favorite takeout spot.

Why Make This Jalapeño Chicken Recipe

Jalapeño Chicken is spicy, sweet, and super satisfying. You can add more jalapeños to make it spicer if you'd like. Mine is mild/medium on the heat level.

This Jalapeño Chicken is very versatile. I prefer it served over white rice with a side of steamed broccoli but it's wonderful over a salad or in a wrap!

This meal is wonderful for meal prep. You can make it on a Sunday and enjoy it all week for lunch or dinner. The longer it sits the better the flavor gets.

Full of fresh ingredients with tons of flavor. The ginger really takes it over the top and you are going to love it.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken Breasts. I like to use high quality chicken breasts, you can also use chicken thighs if you's prefer. Chopped into small 1 inch cubes equal in size.

• Corn Starch. To help thicken the sauce and give the chicken a great texture you will love. You can also use arrow root in place of the cornstarch.

• Onions. Chopped yellow onion if my favorite, it is more mild and sweet in flavor it is also the more affordable. Feel free to use any on ion you have on hand or can grab from the grocery.

• Garlic. Chopped garlic cloves. I like to use fresh, it gives off a more aromatic flavor than the pre-minced jarred garlic.

• Ginger. Chopped fresh ginger is best. You can find this in the produce section at most grocery stores. You can also use jarred or paste which will be in the international aisle at the grocery store.

• Jalapeños. I use 2 -3 but if you want it more mild, only use one! Jalapeno is a main component in this recipe. It offers color and spice.

• Soy Sauce. Amino acids or tamari will also work. Low sodium soy sauce is what I use in particular. You can find it in the international aisle at your local grocery store.

• Brown Sugar. coconut sugar will also work! This helps to cut the heat from the jalapeño and balance out the saltiness by adding a deepened sweet flavor.

• Optional Ingredients. Red pepper flakes, to make it slightly spicer. The flakes offer some color to the dish as well. Cilantro is also another great garnish to add for a pop of color. I topped mine with some sesame seeds, but this is optional! I wanted to add a little texture to the chicken. You can fins sesame seeds in the international aisle with the soy sauce.

• Rice. I serve mine over white rice but choose any grain of choice. I like white rice because it is mild in flavor and it soaks up the sauce perfectly. Brown rice will also work, or make this healthier by using cauliflower rice.

How To Make Jalapeño Chicken

Step One. Prepare the chicken by patting it dry and cubing into equal size cubes. Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet, sprinkle with salt and pepper and corn starch, brown the chicken on all the sides, about 7-9 minutes. Place chicken in bowl and set aside.

Step Two. Start your white rice if using, typically takes abut 30 minutes to make rice.

Step Three. Add chopped onion, garlic and ginger to the same skillet and sauté for about 3-5 minutes. In a medium sized bowl, whisk, water, soy sauce, brown sugar, red pepper flakes if using, jalapeños together. Add the chicken back into the skillet with the onions, ginger and garlic. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Keep it on medium/high heat. and bring the sauce to a simmer.

Step Four. Simmer the chicken and sauce for about 10-13 minutes or until sauce has thickened, and chicken is fully cooked and reached an internal temperature of 165º. Serve over rice and enjoy!

Tips & FAQ's

Serving Suggestions

This jalapeño chicken will go great when served with a roasted or steamed veggie. I typically go for the following:

Broccoli. It is affordable and full of nutrients, it pairs great with this recipe.

Brussel sprouts. Another great green veggie to add as a side to this dish.

Chopped bell peppers. You can add them into the sauce, or simply steamed on the side.

Roasted Carrots. Another great veggie to add nutrition and texture as a side dish.

Avocado. I love to add sliced avocado to the side of this dish. The buttery texture and flavor helps to cool the heat.

Jalapeño Chicken Recipe Variations

• Protein Swaps. Tofu or shrimp would be good in place of chicken.
• Veggie Swaps. Add broccoli or bell peppers to this dish to add more veggies.
• Grain Swaps. Serve over quinoa, brown rice, salads or in a wrap. You can make this more keto friendly by serving over cauliflower rice.
• If you can't find fresh ginger, use a little ginger paste or ginger seasoning, found in the international aisle.
• Control the level of spice! Add more or less jalapeños to this dish to help control the spice to your liking.

Make Ahead & Storage Tips

Storage. Use an airtight resealable container to store this recipe in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.

If you are making this ahead of time to cut down on cook time, make the sauce for the chicken prior to cooking. Store in a glass bowl with plastic wrap or seal. You can also pre4p chicken by cutting it up into cubes ahead of time.

Other Spicy Dinner Recipes To Enjoy

If you loved this recipe let me know! Also, follow me on Instagram & Pinterest for even more fun recipes to make you feel good from the inside out. Thanks for being here!