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Delicious Spicy Jalapeño Chicken dish served as the featured image.

Easy Spicy Jalapeño Chicken

This recipe delivers tender chicken pieces coated in a fiery blend of jalapeños and spices, offering a satisfying heat with every bite. It's a quick and flavorful meal that's perfect for those craving something with a kick.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 34 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
  • 2-3 medium jalapeños, finely chopped seeds removed for less heat
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish optional
  • Lime wedges, for serving optional
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Large skillet or wok
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spatula
  • Serving dish

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, olive oil, lime juice, and soy sauce. Mix well to ensure all the chicken is coated.
  2. Add the chopped jalapeños, minced garlic, chopped onion, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
  3. Mix everything together thoroughly, making sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spicy mixture.
  4. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
  5. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil if needed to prevent sticking.
  6. Carefully add the marinated chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
  7. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it's cooked through and slightly browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  8. If the jalapeños start to burn before the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat slightly.
  9. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a serving dish.
  10. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Adjust the amount of jalapeños and cayenne pepper to your preference. Marinating for a longer period (up to 2 hours) will result in more flavorful and tender chicken. Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Don't overcrowd the pan, cook in batches if necessary. For less heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before chopping. Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can freeze cooked Spicy Jalapeño Chicken for up to 2-3 months.