Description
Sweet, spicy, and slightly crispy – this honey jalapeño chicken is the perfect combo of bold and delicious! Juicy chicken is coated in a sticky glaze that perfectly balances the heat of jalapeños with the sweetness of honey. It’s better than any takeaway!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons ginger paste
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
- 2 jalapeños, sliced and seeds removed
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Green onions, chopped
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chopped chicken thighs with cornstarch, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches if necessary, and cook until golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the sliced onion and jalapeños. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still vibrant. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, water, and cornstarch until well combined.
- Thicken the Sauce: Return the skillet to medium heat and pour in the sauce. Cook for a few minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens.
- Combine and Finish: Add the cooked chicken and vegetables back into the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with rice or your favorite side.
Notes
- If you like more heat, you can leave the seeds in the jalapeños.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breast.
- Make sure to stir the sauce constantly to avoid lumps while it thickens.
- Serve with steamed rice or a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
