Jalapeno Chicken – A Sweet, Savory, and Spicy Chicken Dish

This Jalapeno Chicken is a flavorful, savory dish that combines bite-sized pieces of chicken, sautéed onions, and fresh jalapeno peppers, all coated in a sweet and salty sauce. The crispy chicken, coated in cornstarch, is pan-fried to perfection, while the savory sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic gives it a balanced sweetness and depth. The jalapenos provide a nice level of heat, which can be adjusted based on your preference. It's a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for weeknights or special occasions. You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, or adjust the level of spiciness by removing the seeds from the jalapenos.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  
  

• 1/4 cup cornstarch
  
  

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  
  

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  
  

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  
  

For the Sauce:

• 1/3 cup soy sauce
  
  

• 1/3 cup water
  
  

• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
  
  

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  
  

• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  
  

For the Vegetables:

• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
  
  

• 2 large jalapeno peppers, sliced into thin rounds
  
  

For Garnish:

• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
  
  

• Cooked white rice (for serving)
  
  

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly on all sides. Set aside.
   
   

2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine water, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic. Mix well and set aside.
   
   

3. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent to keep warm.
   
   

4. To the same skillet, add the diced onions and jalapenos. Cook until softened, about 4-6 minutes.
   
   

5. Add the cooked chicken and soy sauce mixture to the skillet, stirring to combine. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
   
   

6. Serve the Jalapeno Chicken over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds.
   
   

Nutritional Value (per serving):

• Calories: 384 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 19g
  
  

• Protein: 28g
  
  

• Fat: 22g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 4g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 82mg
  
  

• Sodium: 875mg
  
  

• Fiber: 2g
  
  

• Sugar: 14g