Description
Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry delivers a fiery dance of flavors from Mexican cuisine. Sizzling chicken, crisp vegetables, and bold jalapeño peppers create a quick, zesty meal that satisfies hungry palates seeking bold culinary adventure.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
Vegetables:
- 10 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 whole bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2–4 jalapeño slices, thinly sliced
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seed oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon garam masala or any curry powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Create a zesty marinade by whisking soy sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar in a medium mixing bowl.
- Add cubed chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Allow the meat to absorb flavors for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
- Warm vegetable oil and sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Quickly sauté minced garlic and sliced jalapeño peppers for approximately 30-45 seconds, releasing their aromatic oils.
- Transfer marinated chicken into the hot skillet, spreading pieces evenly to encourage golden browning. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle granulated sugar and ground black pepper over the chicken, introducing a subtle caramelization and depth of flavor.
- Add sliced bell peppers to the skillet, continuing to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked and vegetables remain crisp-tender.
- Incorporate garam masala, stirring vigorously to distribute the warm, complex spice blend throughout the dish.
- Fold in freshly chopped cilantro leaves, providing a bright, herbal finish.
- Plate the stir-fry and garnish with toasted sesame seeds, additional cilantro sprigs, and thinly sliced jalapeño rounds for extra heat and visual appeal.
Notes
- Spice Level Control: Adjust jalapeño quantity to match your heat tolerance, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding extra for more kick.
- Marinating Magic: Letting chicken soak in marinade for 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) intensifies flavor and tenderizes meat.
- Quick Cooking Technique: High heat and fast stirring prevent chicken from becoming tough, ensuring juicy and flavorful results.
- Vegetable Crunch: Bell peppers should remain slightly crisp for textural contrast and maximum nutritional value.
- Versatile Base: Easily swap chicken with tofu or shrimp for alternative protein options without changing core seasoning.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with steamed rice or cauliflower rice to soak up delicious spicy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg