Bring a kick to your dinner routine with this Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry, featuring tender chicken thighs and bold flavors of jalapeño and garlic, all tossed in a savory sauce. This dish is perfect for those who appreciate a little spice in their meals. The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and light brown sugar creates a beautifully balanced sauce that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Full of Flavor: The sauce is rich with the umami of soy sauce and the sweetness of brown sugar, perfectly complemented by the heat of jalapeños.
- Quick and Easy: This meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a fast weeknight dinner.
- Customizable: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to suit your spice preference or swap them for a milder pepper if you’re less inclined towards spicy food.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, fat removed, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¼ cup (32 g) cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup (85 g) soy sauce
- ⅓ cup (83 g) water
- ⅓ cup (67 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 2 large jalapeño peppers, sliced into thin rounds
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly on all sides. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, combine water, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic. Mix well and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add onions and jalapeño. Cook until softened, about 4-6 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Add the chicken back to the skillet along with the soy sauce mixture. Stir to combine and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds over a bed of cooked white rice.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until thoroughly warmed.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as above.
Tips:
- Enhance Flavor: Add a splash of lime juice or zest for an extra tangy flavor lift.
- Adjust Spice Levels: For less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before slicing, or for more heat, add additional jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
- Additional Vegetables: Consider adding bell peppers or broccoli for more texture and nutritional value.
This Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry is not just a meal but an experience, perfect for those who love their food with a bit of a punch. It’s quick, easy, and leaves a memorable taste with every spicy bite!
