Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe

If you’re craving something vibrant, colorful, and full of bold flavors, you’ll want to try Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers! This quick stir fry comes together in just 20 minutes, blending juicy chicken, sweet bell peppers, earthy spices, and a spicy Jalapeno kick for an irresistible weeknight meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers is found in its simplicity! Each ingredient has a starring role—bringing pop, tang, or just the right amount of heat. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each piece matters.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and quick-cooking, soaking up every bit of marinade flavor.
• Soy sauce: Adds essential saltiness and umami to the marinade, giving depth to the chicken.
• Sriracha: Delivers that classic garlicky chili heat—adjustable based on your love for spice!
• White vinegar (or apple cider): Lends a bright tang that lifts every bite. Both options work beautifully.
• Vegetable oil + sesame seed oil: Combines neutral frying power with a subtle nutty aroma from the sesame.
• Garlic (10 cloves!): Fresh, aromatic, and absolutely essential for punchy flavor—don’t skimp.
• Jalapeno peppers: The namesake heat and flavor; use more or less depending on your spice tolerance.
• Bell peppers: A sweet, colorful balance to the jalapeno, with a lovely crisp-tender bite.
• Sugar: Just a touch for balancing acidity and spice, highlighting all the savory notes.
• Ground pepper: For a subtle background warmth and to round out the flavors.
• Garam masala (or any curry powder): Adds complexity and aromatic warmth to finish the dish.
• Fresh cilantro: A final pop of color and freshness that takes everything over the top.

Variations

Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers is super flexible—so make it your own! Whether you want to tailor the heat, swap proteins, or add your favorite veggies, you’re in the driver’s seat for a meal perfectly suited to your tastes.

• Mild Version: Swap some or all of the jalapenos for poblano peppers or more bell peppers for a flavorful but gentler heat.
• Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or use serrano chilies for serious heat seekers.
• Different Protein: This recipe works beautifully with sliced chicken thighs, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in snap peas, carrots, or broccoli florets for extra crunch and color.

How to Make Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sriracha, and vinegar, then add your chicken chunks. Give everything a good massage so the marinade soaks in, then let the bowl hang out while you chop up your peppers and garlic. Just a short marinade truly makes the chicken extra juicy and flavorful!

Step 2: Sauté Jalapeno and Garlic

Heat the vegetable oil and sesame seed oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high. Toss in your sliced jalapeno and all that beautiful garlic. Stir it around for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—your kitchen will smell incredible at this point!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Slide the marinated chicken into the skillet. Let it sizzle and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until the chicken turns golden and most of the marinade evaporates. Add the tablespoon of sugar to help everything caramelize and get glossy.

Step 4: Add Bell Peppers and Spices

Toss in your bell pepper chunks and keep cooking for another 5 minutes—just enough to soften them slightly but keep their crisp. Sprinkle with ground pepper and garam masala, and give everything one more toss, making sure each piece is coated in those fragrant spices.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat, stir in the fresh chopped cilantro, and finish with a quick scattering of extra jalapeno if you love more heat. That’s it—time to serve Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers straight from the pan!

How to Serve Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers

Garnishes

Finish your Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers with a generous shower of fresh chopped cilantro, and if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. A few delicate rings of raw jalapeno add both color and a dramatic, spicy flair!

Side Dishes

This dish loves to be paired with steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up all those saucy juices. Want something lighter? Try serving it with cauliflower rice, warm naan, or a crisp cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast to the bold, spicy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the chicken and peppers onto a bed of greens for a warm, spicy salad, or stuff them into lettuce cups for a fun, low-carb twist. For meal prep, tuck them into meal bowls alongside rice and extra veggies to make lunchtime exciting all week.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify as they sit, so leftovers are never boring!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze it! Let the chicken and peppers cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. The bell peppers may soften a bit after thawing, but the flavors will still pop.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium, adding a dash of water if needed to loosen the sauce and keep everything juicy. Or, warm individual servings in the microwave, stirring once or twice for even heat.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to shake up your dinner routine, Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers is the way to go—bright, satisfying, and big on flavor! I hope you give this recipe a whirl and enjoy every spicy, colorful bite as much as I do.

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