Jalapeño Chicken: Spicy, Sweet & Perfect for Weeknights

If you love a little heat in your meals, Jalapeño Chicken is a game-changer. Tender chicken breasts are glazed in a sweet and spicy sauce featuring honey, lime, and fresh jalapeños. Served alongside rice, roasted vegetables, or in tacos, this dish is flavorful, easy, and ideal for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Sauce:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 fresh jalapeños, sliced thin (seeds removed for less heat)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Garnish & Serving:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges
• Steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken:
   Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Make the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and sliced jalapeños. Set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through.
4. Add Sauce:
   Pour sauce over the chicken and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. Stir occasionally to mix in the jalapeños and garlic.
5. Finish & Garnish:
   Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the chicken. Serve immediately with rice or roasted vegetables. Add lime wedges for an extra zesty kick.

Tips for Perfect Jalapeño Chicken

• Control Heat: Remove seeds and membranes from jalapeños to reduce spiciness.
• Even Cooking: Slice chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make sauce in advance and refrigerate. Chicken reheats well for lunch or dinner prep.
• Extra Flavor: Marinate chicken for 15–30 minutes in half the sauce before cooking.

Jalapeño Chicken

Sweet and spicy chicken glazed with honey, lime, and fresh jalapeños, perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 plates

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken & Sauce

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 jalapeños sliced thin, seeds removed
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lime juice from 1 lime
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• salt & pepper to taste

Garnish & Serving

• fresh cilantro chopped
• lime wedges
• cooked rice or roasted vegetables optional

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Skillet
• Spatula
• Measuring spoons

Method

 

1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and sliced jalapeños.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. Pour sauce over chicken and simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
5. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with rice or roasted vegetables. Add lime wedges if desired.

Notes

Optionally marinate chicken in half the sauce for 15–30 minutes for extra flavor.

Variations

• Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken: Top cooked chicken with shredded cheddar and broil 2–3 minutes for a melty finish.
• Sheet Pan Version: Roast chicken and jalapeños together at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
• Taco Bowls: Serve sliced chicken over rice or lettuce, topped with avocado, black beans, and jalapeño slices.
• Spicy Honey Chicken Wings: Use wings instead of breasts for a finger-food twist.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Jalapeños are a staple in Mexican cuisine, known for their medium heat and bright flavor. Pairing spicy peppers with honey and lime creates a balance of heat, sweetness, and acidity that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor. This sweet-and-spicy combination has become popular worldwide for weeknight meals and casual gatherings, bringing a modern twist to classic Mexican-inspired flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with cilantro-lime rice or quinoa for a filling meal.
• Add roasted sweet potatoes or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
• Garnish with sliced radishes or pickled onions for crunch and tang.
• Serve with a cold sparkling water or light beer to balance heat.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 8g

This dish is protein-rich, flavorful, and balanced for a quick weeknight dinner.