Spicy Jalapeno Chicken is a flavorful dish that brings together the crispiness of fried chicken and the heat of fresh jalapenos. The chicken is first seasoned and lightly coated with cornstarch, then fried twice to achieve that perfect crunch. The sauce, made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and jalapenos, adds just the right balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you prefer it mild or extra spicy, this dish can be tailored to your taste by adjusting the jalapeno seeds. Serve this dish fresh and hot, and watch as it quickly becomes a family favorite.
Spicy Jalapeno Chicken is the perfect dish for those who love crispy chicken with a fiery kick. This recipe offers a combination of juicy chicken thighs fried to perfection and a spicy-sweet sauce featuring fresh jalapenos.
Let’s dive into the ingredients you'll need to bring this flavorful dish to life.
INGREDIENTS
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness. Cut each thigh into three even pieces to ensure they fry evenly.
- Cornstarch: Coats the chicken and helps give it that light, crispy texture.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: The base of the sauce, providing a salty umami flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Brown Sugar: Lightly packed to balance out the spice from the jalapenos with a hint of sweetness.
- Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the overall depth of flavor in the sauce.
- Jalapenos: Fresh jalapenos, sliced into 1/4 inch rings. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds; for more heat, keep them intact.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and ground black pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. After that, sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken and toss again until all pieces are thoroughly coated. Set aside while you prepare the sauce and jalapenos.
- Step 2:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Make sure everything is well combined and set the sauce aside for later use.
- Step 3:
- Slice the jalapenos into 1/4 inch slices. If you prefer a milder heat, remove the seeds. For more spice, keep the seeds intact. Set the sliced jalapenos aside.
- Step 4:
- In a deep, heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 4 inches of vegetable oil to 315°F. Using tongs, carefully lower the chicken pieces into the hot oil in small batches (about four or five pieces at a time). Fry for 5-6 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Step 5:
- Once all the chicken has been fried, increase the oil temperature to 350°F. Return all the chicken to the oil for a second fry. This step crisps up the chicken even more. Fry for an additional 3-4 minutes, then remove and drain well.
- Step 6:
- In a large skillet, bring the sauce mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, add the fried chicken and sliced jalapenos. Toss everything together until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken. Continue stirring until the water content evaporates.
- Step 7:
- Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is well-coated, transfer it to a serving plate and garnish as desired.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve the Spicy Jalapeno Chicken hot with steamed rice or a fresh salad. You can garnish it with extra jalapeno slices or fresh cilantro for added flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet on medium heat until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the chicken soggy.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but it is best consumed fresh. If freezing, store the chicken and sauce separately and reheat the chicken in the oven to retain its crispness.
Helpful Notes
- Heat Level: Adjust the heat by removing or keeping the seeds in the jalapenos. For an even spicier dish, add extra jalapenos or a dash of chili flakes.
- Sauce Thickness: To achieve the perfect sauce consistency, make sure to let the sauce boil until most of the water content has evaporated.
- Chicken Cuts: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs provides the juiciest results, but you can substitute with chicken breasts if preferred.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef John recommends using a second fry to make the chicken extra crispy while maintaining the tenderness inside.
- Chef Marie suggests pairing this dish with a cooling cucumber and yogurt salad to balance out the heat.
- Chef Alex advises that for an extra layer of flavor, marinate the chicken in the soy sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before frying.