Description
This Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry delivers bold flavors and a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making it better than takeout and ready in just 20 minutes. Tender chicken thighs are quickly cooked with crisp vegetables and a savory Asian-inspired sauce, served best over steamed rice for a quick, satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Stir-Fry
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 to 3 jalapeños, thinly sliced, seeds removed for less heat
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish and Serving
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine bite-sized chicken thighs with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken pieces, then set aside to marinate briefly while preparing the other ingredients.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add minced garlic, ginger, sliced jalapeños, red bell pepper, and onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly but maintain a crisp texture, releasing their fresh and spicy aromas.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to create a flavorful, balanced stir-fry sauce.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss to coat evenly. Continue cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and thickened, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your spicy jalapeño chicken stir-fry with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. Serve hot over cooked white or brown rice for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños based on your heat tolerance to customize spiciness.
- For a low-carb alternative, serve over cauliflower rice or stir-fried vegetables instead of traditional rice.
- Chicken breast can be substituted for thighs, though thighs yield juicier and more tender results.
- Be sure to remove jalapeño seeds if you want to reduce the overall heat without losing the flavor.
