Looking for a quick, flavorful, and easy dinner that packs a punch? This Quick Spicy Chicken with Jalapenos is your answer. With tender chicken cooked to perfection and a zesty kick from fresh jalapenos, this dish is full of bold flavors, satisfying, and on the table in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Quick Spicy Chicken is everything you want in a weeknight meal—fast, flavorful, and easy to prepare. The combination of perfectly seasoned chicken with fresh jalapenos creates just the right amount of spice without overwhelming your taste buds. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with rice, tortillas, or even a fresh green salad.
The best thing about this dish is that you can customize the heat level based on how many jalapenos you add, making it great for spice lovers and those with a lower tolerance alike. It’s all about personal preference here!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this quick and easy recipe. Note that you’ll find the full ingredient list and measurements at the bottom of this post!
For the chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the jalapeno mixture:
- 2-3 fresh jalapenos, sliced (adjust to taste for spice level)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Optional garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro
- A drizzle of sour cream or yogurt
Directions
- Prep the Ingredients
Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and slice the jalapenos. Have your garlic, soy sauce, and lime juice ready to go—this will save time during the cooking process. - Season the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning blend will give the chicken great flavor. - Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 5-6 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Sauté the Jalapenos & Garlic
In the same skillet, add the sliced jalapenos and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the jalapenos are fragrant and just tender. - Add the Chicken Back
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce and lime juice and stir everything together until the chicken is well-coated with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. - Serve & Garnish
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or yogurt if desired. Serve warm with rice, tortillas, or a green salad.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Adjust the spice: If you want less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapenos before slicing them. The seeds carry most of the spice.
- Marinate ahead of time: For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken with cumin, lime juice, and soy sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use a non-stick skillet: This ensures easy cleanup, especially when working with sticky marinades or sauces.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
Here are some easy ways to put your own spin on this dish:
- Add vegetables: Toss in sliced bell peppers, onions, or even zucchini for added texture and flavor.
- Make it a stir-fry: Add additional stir-fry veggies and toss with a sweet chili sauce for a slightly different flavor.
- Substitute the protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even beef if you prefer.
- Change up the spice: If jalapenos aren’t your thing, try adding poblano peppers or a touch of chili flakes instead.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Tortillas or naan bread
- A fresh green salad to balance out the heat
- Sautéed vegetables for added crunch and flavor
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned jalapenos instead?
Yes, you can! If you prefer a milder option or can’t find fresh jalapenos, canned ones are a great substitute. Just drain and slice them before adding.
2. How can I make this dish less spicy?
Remove the seeds from the jalapenos or use fewer jalapenos in the dish to adjust the spice level.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and slice the jalapenos ahead of time, but the final cooking is best done fresh.
4. Is this recipe keto or low-carb friendly?
Yes, this dish can be keto-friendly as it’s low in carbs. You can pair it with cauliflower rice if you’re trying to keep carbs minimal.
Conclusion
This Quick Spicy Chicken with Jalapenos is a fantastic way to bring bold, zesty flavors to your table with very little effort. It’s quick, versatile, and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or just looking for a simple, satisfying chicken recipe, this dish is sure to hit the spot.
Print
Quick Spicy Chicken with Jalapenos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
Quick Spicy Chicken with Jalapenos is a simple yet flavorful dish that features tender chicken cooked with fresh jalapenos, garlic, and a blend of spices. The heat from the jalapenos combined with the savory chicken makes for a spicy, savory, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3–4 fresh jalapenos, sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lime juice (optional, for added tang)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
- Cook the Jalapenos:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced jalapenos. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant and the jalapenos soften slightly.
- Combine and Serve:
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips or cubes and return it to the skillet with the garlic and jalapenos. Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
- Drizzle with lime juice (if using) and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapenos depending on how spicy you like your dish.
- This dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, or a simple green salad.
- For an extra kick, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg