Description
Spicy jalapeno chicken delivers a fiery flavor explosion that dances across taste buds with bold Mexican-inspired zest. Sizzling peppers and perfectly seasoned meat promise a culinary adventure you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) cornstarch
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 grams) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) ground black pepper
Spice and Aromatics:
- 2 large jalapenos, cut into 1/4 inch slices
Instructions
- Prepare chicken by cutting into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring consistent cooking and optimal crispiness. Coat thoroughly with seasoning and cornstarch for a golden exterior.
- Select a large skillet and pour oil to cover bottom generously. Heat to medium-high temperature, verifying readiness by testing with a small chicken piece that sizzles upon contact.
- Fry chicken pieces in strategic batches, maintaining adequate spacing to prevent steaming. Cook approximately 4-5 minutes per batch until achieving rich golden-brown coloration. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
- Craft sauce by whisking soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic into a harmonious blend. Consider incorporating rice vinegar for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Return skillet to heat, retaining minimal residual oil. Pour sauce mixture and bring to rapid boil. Introduce sliced jalapeños, allowing slight softening before reintroducing fried chicken.
- Toss chicken thoroughly, ensuring complete sauce coverage. Continue cooking until sauce transforms into thick, clinging glaze that enrobes each chicken piece.
- Plate chicken, garnishing with additional jalapeño slices or sesame seeds for textural contrast and visual appeal. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and crispness.
Notes
- Cornstarch Coating Magic creates an incredibly crispy exterior that locks in moisture, ensuring each chicken piece is golden and crunchy.
- Batch Frying Technique prevents steaming and guarantees even, perfectly crisp chicken by avoiding pan overcrowding and maintaining consistent oil temperature.
- Sauce Balancing lets you adjust spice levels by removing jalapeño seeds for milder heat or adding extra for intense flavor enthusiasts.
- Dietary Adaptations include using gluten-free soy sauce for celiac diets, substituting honey with maple syrup for vegan options, or using cauliflower instead of chicken for plant-based versions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg