Honey Jalapeno Chicken

This honey jalapeño chicken is everything you love about takeout but made even better at home! Crispy, juicy chicken is coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze that clings to every bite. It’s paired with tender sautéed vegetables for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether you serve it over a bed of rice or alongside some chow mein, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

Making the Sauce

This sauce is a game-changer. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy, with just enough heat to keep things exciting. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger paste. The combination of flavors is bold and balanced, with the honey adding sweetness and the vinegar bringing a tangy brightness. A bit of cornstarch helps thicken the sauce into that glossy, restaurant-style glaze. The best part about this sauce is you don’t have to cook it down separately. You just toss it in the pan with the chicken and veggies and it’ll thicken then!

However there is a second option to making the sauce if you prefer! All you have to do is throw all the ingredients into a small saucepan or pot and whisk together. Transfer to the stove over medium heat and cook down the sauce until it simmers and thickens up – about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat once it coats the back of a spoon. Then you can toss the sauce in a bowl with the chicken and veggies instead of doing it over the stove with heat.

Sautéing the Vegetables

The vegetables in this dish add texture, flavor, and a pop of color. Thinly slice a yellow onion and a couple of jalapeños. The onions caramelize and bring a bit of sweetness while the jalapenos have a smokey spicy taste. They complement each other so well!

If you prefer a milder heat, remove the seeds and stems from the jalapeños before slicing. It will be VERY spicy if you keep the seeds! In a large frying pan, add a drizzle of neutral oil and a knob of butter. Sauté the onions and jalapeños for a few minutes until they’re slightly softened but still vibrant. This step enhances their natural sweetness and mellows the spice just enough to balance the dish. Once cooked, remove the vegetables from the pan and set them aside.

Cooking the Chicken

In the same pan, we’re going to cook the chicken! The key to that irresistible crispy chicken is a light coating of cornstarch. Start by cutting boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, then toss them in a mixture of cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. This simple step ensures a golden, crunchy crust without deep frying. Heat neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, and cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes before flipping and repeating, allowing it to develop a crisp, golden exterior.

Bringing It All Together

Once the chicken and vegetables are prepped, it’s time to bring everything together. To the pan with the cooked chicken, add the vegetables back in, then pour the sauce over everything. Toss it all together to ensure the chicken and veggies are evenly coated. Let it cook over medium heat for a few minutes as the sauce thickens and clings to every piece. The flavors will meld beautifully, creating a sticky, glossy coating on the chicken and vegetables.

Serving and Garnishing

This honey jalapeño chicken is best served hot, straight out of the skillet. Spoon it over a bed of steamed rice or your favorite grain to soak up all that incredible sauce. It’s delicious with some chow mein too. For a finishing touch, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These simple additions add a burst of freshness and a little crunch to each bite.

It’s bold, flavorful, and so much better than anything you’d get from takeout – give it a try, and you’ll see what I mean!

Craving More Chicken? Try These Recipes Out!

• Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
• Hot Honey Chicken Quinoa Bowl
• Crispy Chicken Caesar Wrap
• Chicken Koobideh
• Tandoori Chicken Naan Wraps

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