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If you’re craving a vibrant dish packed with bold flavors and a delightful kick, this Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender chicken chunks bathed in a tangy, spicy marinade, tossed with crisp, colorful bell peppers and fiery jalapenos, and finished off with fragrant garam masala and fresh cilantro. It’s a perfect, quick meal that balances heat, zest, and freshness beautifully—all in under 30 minutes. This dish not only brightens your dinner table but also brings a touch of excitement to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients that work in harmony to deliver incredible taste, texture, and color. Each item contributes something special—whether it’s the vibrant crunch of the peppers or the smoky depth from the spices.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): Cut into 1-inch chunks for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- Soy sauce (2 tbsp): Adds savory umami and depth to the marinade.
- Sriracha (1 tbsp): Provides a spicy kick and subtle garlic notes that enhance the flavor.
- White vinegar or apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp): Brings a tangy brightness to balance the heat and richness.
- Vegetable oil (1 tbsp) and sesame seed oil (1 tsp): These combine for a perfect searing base, with sesame adding a nutty aroma.
- Garlic (10 cloves, finely chopped): Infuses a fragrant, slightly sweet pungency throughout the dish.
- Jalapenos (2-4, thinly sliced): The star spicy ingredient that defines this recipe’s character.
- Bell peppers (2 whole, cut into 1-inch pieces): Use any color you love for a burst of crunch and vibrant hues.
- Sugar (1 tbsp): Balances heat and acidity, helping to caramelize the chicken beautifully.
- Ground black pepper (1 tsp): Adds warmth and subtle bite to complement the jalapenos.
- Garam masala or curry powder (1 tsp): Lends exotic, aromatic spice notes to round out the dish.
- Fresh cilantro leaves (2 tbsp, chopped): Brightens and freshens each mouthful with herbal zing.
How to Make Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining soy sauce, sriracha, and vinegar in a bowl to create a tangy, spicy marinade. Add your chicken chunks and give them a good massage to coat them evenly. Letting the chicken absorb these flavors is key to achieving juicy, flavorful results once cooked.
Step 2: Sear the Ingredients
Heat the vegetable oil and sesame seed oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. First, toss in the sliced jalapenos and chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant and slightly softened—this step unlocks their full aromatic potential. Next, add the marinated chicken chunks, allowing them to develop a beautiful golden sear. Sprinkle in the sugar to help caramelize the chicken, enhancing its richness. Finally, stir in the bell peppers, giving a colorful crunch to the pan.
Step 3: Finish the Dish
Let the chicken and peppers cook together for about 5 more minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and the peppers are tender-crisp. Stir in the garam masala and chopped cilantro, folding everything together so the exotic spices and fresh herbs infuse the dish perfectly. Serve it hot, garnished with extra cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like some added texture.
How to Serve Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a handful of chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds right before serving takes this dish from great to unforgettable. These garnishes provide fresh herbal brightness and a slight crunch that contrast beautifully with the tender, spicy chicken.
Side Dishes
This Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice or steamed basmati to soak up all that flavorful sauce. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a simple cucumber salad or roasted cauliflower to balance the heat and add variety to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress a crowd? Serve the chicken and peppers over a bed of warm, soft naan or crisp lettuce leaves for a fiery wrap. Alternatively, spoon it onto warm tortillas, top with avocado slices and a dollop of plain yogurt for a fusion taco experience that’s bursting with flavor and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, allowing the flavors to meld even further and making for easy reheated lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save this spicy delight for later, freezing is a great option. Place cooled chicken and peppers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm everything evenly without drying out the chicken. If using a microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to retain moisture and keep those fresh flavors vibrant.
FAQs
Can I adjust the heat level in this Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe?
Absolutely! You can modify the spice by using fewer jalapenos or removing the seeds, which carry most of the heat. Alternatively, if you want more kick, add extra jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely. The Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe holds up well in the fridge and freezes nicely, making it perfect for preparing meals ahead of time. Just pack portions with your favorite sides, and you’re set for a flavorful week.
What can I substitute if I don’t have garam masala or curry powder?
If you don’t have those spices on hand, try mixing equal parts ground cumin, coriander, and a pinch of cinnamon or smoked paprika. This blend captures the warm, aromatic essence that garam masala provides.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to stay juicier during cooking. Just be sure to cut them into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate as the bell peppers.
Is this Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce replacement. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap to accommodate dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
This Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe is a shining example of how a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s quick, bursting with bold flavors, and just the right amount of spicy to keep every bite exciting. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll find it thrilling to cook and simply irresistible to eat, perfect for impressing your family or treating yourself to a zesty weeknight dinner.
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Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Fusion/Asian-inspired
Description
This flavorful Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers recipe combines spicy jalapenos, colorful bell peppers, and tender chicken chunks marinated in a zesty blend of soy sauce, sriracha, and vinegar. Sautéed with garlic and aromatic spices like garam masala, this quick and vibrant stir-fry is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner that serves 4 in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 2 tbsp white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Cooking Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp sesame seed oil
- 10 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2–4 jalapenos, thinly sliced
- 2 whole bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garam masala or curry powder
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- Sesame seeds and extra cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sriracha, and white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Add the chicken chunks and massage the marinade into the chicken pieces thoroughly. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Heat the Oils and Sauté Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil and sesame seed oil together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced jalapenos and finely chopped garlic to the hot oils and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken chunks to the skillet. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they develop a golden crust and are nearly cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Then sprinkle the sugar over the chicken and toss well.
- Add Bell Peppers: Add the cut bell peppers to the skillet and stir to combine. Continue cooking for about 5 more minutes, allowing the chicken to cook fully and the bell peppers to soften slightly while remaining crisp.
- Finish with Spices and Herbs: Stir in ground pepper, garam masala or curry powder, and chopped fresh cilantro. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the flavors and heat through for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with additional sesame seeds and fresh cilantro if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- You can adjust the number of jalapenos depending on your spice tolerance.
- Garam masala can be substituted with your favorite curry powder blend.
- For added depth, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes if time allows.
- Use vegetable oil for cooking and a splash of sesame oil for flavoring.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor of the bell peppers.
