Spicy Jalapeno Chicken (Printable)
Marinated chicken with jalapeños, garlic, and spices.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
→ Vegetables
02 - 3 fresh jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced
03 - 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Marinade & Sauce
05 - 3 tbsp olive oil
06 - 1 tbsp lime juice
07 - 1 tsp ground cumin
08 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
09 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
10 - 1 tsp salt
11 - 1 tbsp honey (optional)
→ Garnish
12 - Chopped fresh cilantro
13 - Lime wedges
# Directions:
01 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and honey until well combined.
02 - Add chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for optimal flavor.
03 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Alternatively, heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Sear in the hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
05 - Scatter sliced jalapeños, onion, and minced garlic around the chicken in the skillet.
06 - Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
07 - Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The marinade doubles as a cooking sauce, keeping every bite incredibly moist.
- It strikes the perfect balance between smoky heat and savory comfort.
02 -
- Do not skip the resting period or the juices will run out onto the cutting board.
- Keep the seeds in the jalapeños if you truly want a fiery experience.
03 -
- Pat the chicken dry before adding it to the marinade for better adhesion.
- Use a cast iron skillet for the best sear and oven transition.