Spicy Jalapeno Chicken (Printable version)
Juicy chicken with jalapeños and spices.
# What you need:
→ Meats
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
→ Vegetables
02 - 3 fresh jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
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, for a subtle sweetness)
→ Garnish
12 - Chopped fresh cilantro
13 - Lime wedges
# How To:
01 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and honey until well combined.
02 - Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly 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 on the stovetop.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade and place in the hot skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms.
05 - Scatter sliced jalapeños, onion, and garlic around the chicken in the skillet.
06 - Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
07 - Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The marinade creates a juicy interior that surprises everyone.
- It brings a restaurant quality spice level to your dinner table.
02 -
- Marinating for longer than two hours can make the texture mushy.
- Letting the chicken rest ensures all the juices stay inside.
03 -
- Pat the chicken dry before searing for a better crust.
- Warm the honey slightly if it is too thick to mix.