If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor and a little kick, this Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is going to become your new favorite weeknight go-to. Tender chicken thighs, vibrant jalapenos, and a perfect balance of sweet and savory sauce come together in this quick and satisfying meal that’s sure to light up your taste buds.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Bold and Flavorful: The jalapenos deliver just the right amount of heat, making every bite exciting without overwhelming your palate.
Super Quick: From prep to plate in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Versatile Ingredients: Uses simple staples that you probably already have, yet turns them into something extraordinary.
Great for Meal Prep: This stir-fry reheats beautifully and keeps well, making lunch the next day a delight.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The magic of this Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one plays a key role—from the juiciness and tenderness of boneless chicken thighs to the delightful crunch and heat of fresh jalapenos, and the harmonious sauce that ties it all together with sweet, salty, and umami notes.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: These stay juicy and tender during cooking — feel free to swap with chicken breast for a leaner option, though the texture will be slightly different.
- Cornstarch: Helps create a light crust on the chicken, sealing in moisture and giving it a great texture.
- Soy Sauce: Adds savory depth; low sodium soy sauce works well if you want to control salt levels.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the heat of the jalapenos with a touch of sweetness; you can substitute with honey or maple syrup.
- Jalapeno Peppers: Key to the dish’s signature spice—remove seeds for a milder version or add extra for more heat.
- Garlic and Onion: Essential aromatics that amplify the overall flavor and give the stir-fry a warm, comforting base.
- Sesame Oil and Seeds: Provide that nutty aroma and a subtle crunch on top—don’t skip these for authenticity!
How to Make Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, then toss them in a mixture of cornstarch, kosher salt, and black pepper. This coating locks in moisture while helping the chicken get a beautifully crispy exterior when cooked.
Step 2: Mix Your Flavor-Packed Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. This sauce is everything—bringing that sweet, salty, and nutty punch to the dish that complements the heat from the jalapenos perfectly.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the coated chicken in batches (if needed) and cook each side for 2-3 minutes or until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through to 165°F internally. Set aside and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 4: Sauté Onions and Jalapenos
Using the same skillet, toss in diced yellow onions and sliced jalapeno rounds. Cook for about 4-6 minutes until they soften and their flavors become nicely mellowed, while still packing some heat and crunch.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the chicken back into the skillet with the onions and jalapenos, then pour in your pre-mixed soy-garlic sauce. Stir everything well and let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat every piece deliciously.
How to Serve Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top adds a lovely crunch and a nutty aroma; fresh chopped cilantro or green onions can also brighten the dish while complementing the spicy notes.
Side Dishes
Serve your Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Stir-Fry over fluffy white rice or fragrant jasmine rice—these neutral bases soak up the sauce beautifully. For something lighter, steamed broccoli or snap peas make crisp, fresh partners to the savory chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not toss the finished stir-fry into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held option? Or spoon it over cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb yet colorful. Adding a wedge of lime on the side adds a zesty touch that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the stir-fry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will keep its flavor and texture well for up to 3-4 days—great for a quick lunch or dinner on the go.
Freezing
This recipe freezes nicely! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy that same fresh flavor.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Stir-Fry in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it covered, but give it a quick stir halfway through to evenly distribute the heat.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work in this recipe, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender when stir-fried. Just be careful not to overcook the breasts as they can dry out more easily.
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How spicy is this stir-fry?
The jalapenos give it a nice medium heat that’ll wake up your palate but isn’t too intense. If you want milder, remove the seeds and membranes, or add more for a kick that really packs a punch.
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Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Yes! You can cook the chicken tossed with the cornstarch mixture in an air fryer at 400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway. Then make the sauce and veggies on the stove while the chicken air fries.
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What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If soy sauce isn’t an option, tamari or coconut aminos are excellent gluten-free alternatives that provide a similar savory flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that’s quick, flavorful, and so easy to make anytime you want a delicious home-cooked meal with some personality. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making this vibrant dish again and again!
Print
Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion
Description
This Jalapeno Chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs coated in a light cornstarch crust, pan-seared to golden perfection, and simmered with a flavorful blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and spicy jalapeno peppers. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and heat, garnished with sesame seeds and served over fluffy white rice, making for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 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
Sauce and Veggies
- 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 jalapeno peppers, sliced into thin rounds
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Toss well to coat every piece evenly and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together water, soy sauce, light brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until the sugar dissolves completely. Set this mixture aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet. Depending on the size of your pan, you might need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until the chicken browns nicely and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and transfer to a plate; tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Sauté the vegetables: With the chicken removed, add the diced yellow onion and sliced jalapeno peppers to the same skillet. Cook for about 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become fragrant.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, pour in the prepared soy sauce mixture, and stir gently to combine everything. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
- Serve: Plate the jalapeno chicken over bowls of steamed white rice and garnish generously with sesame seeds. Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Coat the chicken with the cornstarch, salt, and pepper mixture. Place chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer. Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Proceed with cooking the onions, jalapenos, and sauce on the stovetop as directed.
- Ensure chicken pieces are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Adjust jalapeno quantity to modify spiciness based on your preference.
- Use light brown sugar for balanced sweetness; dark brown sugar can be substituted but will give a deeper molasses flavor.
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