Spicy Jalapeno Chicken (Printer-Friendly)
Juicy chicken with jalapeños, garlic, and spices. Perfect for weeknight dinners.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
→ Vegetables
02 - 3 fresh jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced
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 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
10 - 1 tsp salt
11 - 1 tbsp honey
→ Garnish
12 - Chopped fresh cilantro
13 - Lime wedges
# How to Make It:
01 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and honey.
02 - Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for best flavor.
03 - Preheat oven to 400°F or heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade. Sear chicken in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
05 - Add sliced jalapeños, onion, and garlic to the skillet, scattering them around the chicken.
06 - Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
07 - Remove from oven and rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The marinade keeps the chicken incredibly juicy while packing a punch of flavor.
- It comes together quickly but tastes like it simmered all day.
02 -
- Letting the chicken rest after baking locks in the juices so every bite stays moist.
- Adjust the heat level by keeping or removing the jalapeño seeds before slicing.
03 -
- Pound the chicken to an even thickness before marinating for faster cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing or the meat will steam instead of brown.