Spicy Jalapeno Chicken (Print Version)
Juicy chicken with jalapeños, garlic, 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
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and honey in a mixing bowl.
02 - Add chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for best flavor).
03 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade. Sear in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
05 - Scatter sliced jalapeños, onion, and garlic around the chicken in the skillet.
06 - Transfer skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
07 - Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The spice hits you just right without overwhelming the savory flavors.
- It comes together so quickly you will feel like a kitchen magician.
02 -
- Do not skip the searing step because it creates the flavor fond that makes the sauce special.
- Pat the chicken dry before searing to ensure you get that nice browning on the skin.
03 -
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep all the juices inside.
- Double the marinade if you want extra sauce to drizzle over rice.