Description
Sizzling spicy jalapeño chicken stir-fry delivers bold Mexican-inspired flavors that dance across taste buds. Quick weeknight dinner combines zesty peppers, tender chicken, and aromatic spices you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 10 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 whole bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2–4 jalapeño slices, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsps soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 2 tbsps white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp sesame seed oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp ground pepper
- 1 tsp garam masala or any curry powder
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Marinade Preparation: Whisk soy sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar in a mixing bowl to create a vibrant, tangy base for the chicken.
- Flavor Infusion: Submerge chicken cubes in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage, and let the meat rest for 15-20 minutes to absorb the zesty flavors.
- Aromatic Foundation: Heat vegetable and sesame oils in a wok over medium-high heat, then quickly sauté minced garlic and jalapeño slices to release their intense, spicy essence.
- Chicken Searing: Introduce marinated chicken to the hot skillet, spreading pieces to achieve a golden, caramelized exterior. Sprinkle granulated sugar and black pepper to enhance browning and add depth.
- Vegetable Integration: Fold in bell pepper slices, continuing to cook until chicken is fully cooked and vegetables maintain a crisp, vibrant texture. Stir in garam masala to infuse the dish with a warm, complex spice profile.
- Final Flourish: Gently incorporate freshly chopped cilantro leaves, then plate the stir-fry. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, additional cilantro sprigs, and thinly sliced jalapeño rounds for a burst of heat and visual drama.
Notes
- Maximize Marinade Flavor: Let chicken soak in marinade for full 20 minutes to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat, enhancing overall taste profile.
- Control Spice Intensity: Adjust jalapeño quantity based on personal heat tolerance; remove seeds for milder version or add extra for more aggressive kick.
- Perfect Wok Technique: Ensure wok or skillet is scorching hot before adding ingredients to achieve authentic stir-fry sear and prevent soggy texture.
- Timing is Crucial: Cook chicken just until golden and vegetables remain crisp-tender to maintain optimal texture and prevent overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg