Jalapeño Chicken | The Recipe Critic

Delicious Jalapeño Chicken will become an instant favorite with the very first bite. Tender chicken pieces are cooked with jalapeños and then coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce. Serve over rice for an easy meal. You’ll be craving it on repeat!

Ingredients for Making Jalapeño Chicken

If you love spicy food, then this Asian-inspired jalapeño chicken is for you! The recipe starts with breaded pieces of chicken and sauteed with jalapeño slices, diced onion, and minced garlic. Then, add the sweet, savory, spicy sauce and cook everything together until it’s warm and flavorful. Everyone will be begging for seconds! See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

Chicken

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut these into cubes that are similar in size so that they cook evenly. 
• Breading: A mix of cornstarch and all-purpose flour coats the chicken so that it’s crispy on the outside.
• Salt and Pepper: To flavor the chicken.
• Vegetable Oil: This is a great oil for cooking the chicken and veggies.
• Onion: Diced and sautéed to provide the recipe with a complex depth of flavor.
• Jalapeños: Sliced and sautéed with the chicken to release their heat and flavor the dish.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the meal with a wonderful savory flavor!

Sauce

• Chicken Broth: Creates the perfect base for the sauce while providing savory flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Adds major savory, salty flavor to the sauce. Use low-sodium if desired.
• Shaoxing Wine: This is a common rice wine used in Chinese cooking. It has a slightly sweet and briny flavor. You can sub with sherry wine, if you’d like.
• Brown Sugar: Balances out the spicy and savory flavors with a hint of sweet.
• Ground Ginger: Adds a peppery spice and sweetness.
• Jalapeño: Gives an extra kick of heat to the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce.
• Rice: Try serving the chicken over my perfect instant pot white rice.

How to Make Jalapeño Chicken

Get ready for a huge punch of flavor with this jalapeño chicken recipe! It’s a breeze to make, uses simple ingredients, and is beyond delicious! I love how the chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Then, it’s drenched in the sauce, which really takes it to the next level!

1. Make the Sauce: Mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Bread the Chicken: Dice the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubed chicken into the cornstarch and flour mixture until every piece is coated. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Cook: Carefully place the breaded chicken into the skillet. Cook the chicken, stirring continuously, until it has all been seared evenly, about 5 minutes.
4. Sauté the Veggies: Add in the onion and jalapeños, and continue to sauté until tender and the chicken is browned. Add in the garlic and sauté for another minute.
5. Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
6. Serve: Remove the chicken from heat and serve fresh over rice. Enjoy!