Here’s a bold, flavorful, and quick Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry — juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and fresh jalapeños in a savory-spicy sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes and perfect over rice or noodles.
🌶️ Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry
🍗 Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2–3 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (red or yellow for color)
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced or grated
- 2 tbsp vegetable or peanut oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin for a sweeter twist)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1–2 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust heat to taste)
- 1 tsp honey or brown sugar
- ¼ cup water or chicken broth
- 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with the liquid above)
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Marinate chicken:
In a bowl, toss chicken with cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Let sit while prepping other ingredients (about 10–15 minutes). - Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches until browned and cooked through (3–5 minutes). Remove to a plate.
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Stir-fry onions and bell peppers for 2 minutes. Add jalapeños, garlic, and ginger; cook another 1–2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Return chicken to the pan. Stir everything together.
- Pour in the sauce mixture. Cook 2–3 minutes, stirring, until sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Taste and adjust heat or sweetness. Add more jalapeño slices or a squeeze of lime for brightness.
🍚 Serve with:
- Steamed jasmine or brown rice
- Rice noodles or cauliflower rice
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped cilantro
🔄 Variations:
- Add veggies like snap peas, zucchini, or baby corn
- Use tofu or shrimp instead of chicken
- Make it extra spicy with Thai chilies or a splash of chili oil