If craving a vibrant dish with fiery spirit and irresistible umami, this Jalapeño Chicken Recipe is about to become your next go-to meal. Tender slices of chicken are stir-fried with zesty fresh jalapeños, garlic, and ginger, all tossed in a glossy honey soy glaze. The quick stovetop method guarantees a weeknight dinner brimming with bold flavor, fresh color, and just the right amount of heat. It’s a simple yet sensational way to elevate your chicken game, and you’ll love how easily it comes together!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Jalapeño Chicken Recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role in creating layers of taste and texture. From the punchy bite of jalapeños to the sweet depth of honey, these pantry staples form one truly memorable dish.

Chicken breasts: Sliced into strips for quick cooking and juicy, tender bites every time.
Fresh jalapeños: Thinly sliced for a crisp, spicy kick—remove the seeds if you want milder heat.
Garlic: Minced to infuse the oil with bold aroma and classic depth.
Fresh ginger: Grated to awaken the sauce with spicy, sweet fragrance.
Soy sauce: Salty and savory, it’s the backbone of the glaze—use tamari for gluten-free needs.
Honey: Balances out the spice with smooth, natural sweetness.
Rice vinegar: Brings a tangy twist that brightens every bite.
Cornstarch and water slurry: Creates a velvety sauce that glazes every piece perfectly.
Vegetable oil: A neutral base for frying, letting all the other flavors shine.
Green onions: Chopped for a pop of color and fresh, oniony bite as a final flourish.
Salt and pepper: To taste—just the right finish to season your masterpiece.
Cooked white or brown rice: Fluffy and neutral to soak up the bold sauce, making every spoonful satisfying.

How to Make Jalapeño Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Sauce

Start by combining the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Whisk until the honey fully dissolves, creating a shiny, balanced mixture ready to coat your chicken. This sweet-salty-tangy sauce will ultimately bring every component together, so it’s worth taking the extra moment to blend it well.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips in a single layer, letting them sizzle and brown for about 6 to 8 minutes. Turn occasionally so all sides develop that irresistible golden crust—this step locks in juiciness and flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

After removing the cooked chicken, toss in a touch more oil if the pan looks dry. Add your minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced jalapeños. Keep things moving for 1 to 2 minutes to avoid burning, just until your kitchen is perfumed with their spicy, garlicky aroma. This is where the Jalapeño Chicken Recipe gets its signature fiery depth!

Step 4: Combine and Coat

Return the seared chicken to the pan, pouring the whisked sauce all over. Stir well so every strip glistens and soaks up that delicious glaze. Let it bubble gently for a moment; you’re building layers of flavor here.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Make a quick slurry by mixing cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then add it to the pan. Stir constantly for another 1 to 2 minutes as the sauce thickens into a glossy coating. Watch as it clings to the chicken and jalapeños—so satisfying!

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle in the chopped green onions for a burst of color and freshness, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the sizzling Jalapeño Chicken Recipe hot over a bowl of fluffy rice, making sure to scoop up plenty of sauce. Every bite should deliver a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savoriness.

How to Serve Jalapeño Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes take the Jalapeño Chicken Recipe from homemade to restaurant-worthy. Sprinkle with extra sliced green onions or fresh jalapeño rings for a pop of color. A handful of chopped cilantro or toasted sesame seeds add more dimension and visual appeal. If you love heat, a flicker of chili flakes on top will awaken the senses.

Side Dishes

This punchy dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or hearty brown rice, but don’t be afraid to offer quick stir-fried veggies like snap peas or bell peppers alongside. For contrast, a crisp Asian-style slaw or even roasted sweet potatoes round out the plate with refreshing crunch and subtle sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting friends? Serve Jalapeño Chicken Recipe family-style on a large platter heaped over rice, or tuck it inside lettuce cups for handheld freshness at parties. Stuff leftovers into flour tortillas with a swipe of sriracha mayo for unforgettable wraps. With this kind of versatility, dinnertime never gets old!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which isn’t always guaranteed!), keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Jalapeño Chicken Recipe stays fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Let it cool to room temperature, then portion into freezer-safe containers. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce together but leave out the rice until reheating. Jalapeño Chicken Recipe can be stored for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra sauce to revive the glaze. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally until heated through. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw first for even heating and the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are deliciously tender and hold up well to stir-frying, adding even more richness to the Jalapeño Chicken Recipe. Just slice into strips and proceed as directed—the results are juicy and flavorful.

How spicy is this really?

This recipe is just-right spicy for most heat fans, but you can easily adjust! Removing the seeds from your jalapeños makes the Jalapeño Chicken Recipe milder, while keeping them in brings extra heat. Want even more fire? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or an extra jalapeño.

What veggies work well in this dish?

Bell peppers, snap peas, or thinly sliced carrots all cook quickly along with the chicken and jalapeños. Feel free to toss them in step 4 for added crunch, color, and nutrition—this recipe is endlessly adaptable to what you have on hand.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The base recipe uses soy sauce, but you can easily swap in gluten-free tamari. Just double check your other ingredients as well, and you’ll have a safe and delicious gluten-free Jalapeño Chicken Recipe in no time.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! You can slice the chicken, jalapeños, and aromatics, and even mix the sauce up to a day ahead. Store everything separately in the fridge, then cook fresh for a speedy, stress-free weeknight meal.

Final Thoughts

This Jalapeño Chicken Recipe is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours of simmering to make something truly special for dinner. The combination of just-cooked chicken, vibrant jalapeños, and flavorful sauce hits all the right notes—spicy, sticky, and deeply satisfying. Give it a try and let this dish bring some extra excitement to your table!

Jalapeño Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Jalapeño Chicken recipe is a spicy and flavorful dish with tender chicken strips cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce, paired with the heat of fresh jalapeños. Serve it over rice for a satisfying meal that’s easy to make!

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Stir Fry:

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped green onions
Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

Cooked white or brown rice

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Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, sauté garlic, ginger, and jalapeños for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Combine and Thicken: Return cooked chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce mixture. Stir to coat evenly. Add cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 more minutes until the sauce thickens.
Finish and Serve: Stir in chopped green onions, season with salt and pepper. Serve hot over rice.