Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Stir-Fry with Sesame Seeds Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 83 reviews

Jalapeno Chicken is a flavorful and spicy dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs cooked in a savory soy sauce and brown sugar glaze with a kick of fresh jalapeno peppers. This quick 30-minute recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and is served best over steamed white rice, garnished with crunchy sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade and Coating

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, fat removed, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ¼ cup (32 g) cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Sauce and Aromatics

  • ⅓ cup (85 g) soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup (83 g) water
  • ⅓ cup (67 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • ½ yellow onion, diced
  • 2 large jalapeno peppers, sliced into thin rounds

For Cooking and Serving

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat every piece evenly. Set the chicken aside while preparing the sauce.
  2. Make the sauce mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together water, soy sauce, light brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well combined. Set aside.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Depending on the skillet size, cook the chicken in batches to avoid crowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the chicken is nicely browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent to keep warm.
  4. Sauté onions and jalapenos: Using the same skillet, add the diced yellow onion and sliced jalapeno peppers. Cook over medium heat for 4-6 minutes until they soften and become fragrant, stirring occasionally.
  5. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the browned chicken to the skillet with the onions and jalapenos. Pour in the prepared soy sauce mixture, stirring well to coat all ingredients evenly. Cook everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
  6. Serve: Transfer the Jalapeno Chicken to serving plates over cooked white rice. Garnish generously with sesame seeds to add a nutty crunch and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra heat, leave some jalapeno seeds in the slices, or add more jalapenos.
  • Use chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful results, but chicken breasts can be substituted if preferred.
  • Ensure you do not overcrowd the skillet when cooking chicken to get a nice sear.
  • Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice for the best combination.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead; refrigerate cooked chicken and sauce separately and combine when reheating.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American with Asian influence