Craving a delicious and easy dinner that's packed with flavor? Look no further! This Chinese Jalapeno Chicken recipe is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory, ready in under 30 minutes. It's a fantastic option for busy weeknights, impressing your family and friends with minimal effort. This recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels. It’s one of the best recipes you'll find for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 2 jalapenos, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
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Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, and soy sauce. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step helps tenderize the chicken and ensures it absorbs the flavors beautifully.
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Stir-fry the Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger; this is key for a delicious flavor base.
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Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until it's cooked through and lightly browned. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
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Add the Vegetables: Add the jalapenos and bell pepper to the skillet and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
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Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
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Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over cooked rice.
Tips and Variations:
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Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeno to control the spiciness. For a milder dish, remove the seeds and membranes before mincing. Alternatively, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
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Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli florets, carrots, or snow peas. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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Protein: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef for a different flavor profile.
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Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer for a longer time or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) at the end.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
This Chinese Jalapeno Chicken recipe is a simple yet delicious dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors, along with the tender chicken and crisp vegetables, makes it a truly satisfying and flavorful experience. Enjoy!