Description
Jalapeno Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring bite-sized pan-fried chicken thighs coated in a crispy cornstarch layer, sautéed with onions and spicy jalapeno peppers, all glazed in a sweet and salty soy-based sauce. Served over white rice and garnished with sesame seeds, this quick and easy recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness in just 30 minutes.
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
- 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
Vegetables
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 2 large jalapeno peppers, sliced into thin rounds
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Toss thoroughly so each piece is evenly coated with the mixture. Set this aside to let the coating adhere while you prepare the sauce.
- Make Sauce: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, light brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Ensure the sugar dissolves evenly and set the sauce mixture aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the coated chicken pieces carefully to the hot oil (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Cook the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer to a plate; tent to keep warm.
- Sauté Veggies: Using the same skillet, add diced yellow onions and sliced jalapeno peppers. Sauté for around 4 to 6 minutes until the onions soften and the jalapenos release their flavor.
- Combine and Glaze: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the prepared soy sauce mixture and stir to coat everything evenly. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and glaze the chicken beautifully.
- Serve: Plate the jalapeno chicken over servings of cooked white rice. Garnish generously with sesame seeds before serving for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For less heat, remove seeds from jalapeno slices before cooking.
- Use chicken breast instead of thighs if preferred, but cook carefully to avoid dryness.
- Adjust brown sugar quantity based on desired sweetness.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crispiness of the chicken coating.
- Can be paired with steamed vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad to complement the flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
