Description
Asian Jalapeño Chicken is a bold, flavorful dish that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and spicy. This quick and easy recipe features crispy fried chicken tossed in a sticky, umami-packed sauce made with soy, honey, garlic, and fresh jalapeños for an extra kick of heat. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a delicious dish to impress at a dinner party. The combination of crispy chicken and spicy-sweet glaze is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2–3 fresh jalapeños, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon water + 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening sauce)
- Green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
Ingredient Highlights
- Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños add a spicy kick to the dish. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
- Soy Sauce: Provides a savory, umami flavor that forms the base of the sauce.
- Honey: Balances the heat with its natural sweetness, creating a sticky glaze that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Hoisin Sauce: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Coats the chicken for a crispy texture and thickens the sauce for a glossy finish.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Coat with Egg and Cornstarch: Beat the egg in a separate bowl. Toss the chicken pieces in the egg, then coat them evenly with cornstarch.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the Sauce:
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic, ginger (if using), and sliced jalapeños for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil.
- Combine the Sauce and Thicken: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the aromatics. Bring it to a simmer. Mix 1 tablespoon of water with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Cook for another minute or until the sauce thickens.
Combine and Serve:
- Toss the Chicken in Sauce: Add the fried chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of freshness and crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400-450 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 28g