Spicy Jalapeno Chicken (Printable)

Juicy chicken with jalapeños, garlic, and spices for a spicy, flavorful meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

→ Vegetables

02 - 3 fresh jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced
03 - 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Marinade & Sauce

05 - 3 tbsp olive oil
06 - 1 tbsp lime juice
07 - 1 tsp ground cumin
08 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
09 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
10 - 1 tsp salt
11 - 1 tbsp honey

→ Garnish

12 - Chopped fresh cilantro
13 - Lime wedges

# How To Make It:

01 - Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and honey in a mixing bowl until well combined.
02 - Add chicken breasts to the bowl, turning to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for optimal flavor.
03 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Meanwhile, heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade and place in the hot skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms.
05 - Scatter sliced jalapeños, onion, and minced garlic around the chicken in the skillet.
06 - Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
07 - Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The marinade strikes a perfect balance between smoky heat and tangy lime.
  • It comes together quickly but tastes like it simmered all day.
02 -
  • Do not skip the searing step as it creates the fond that adds depth to the vegetables.
  • Letting the chicken rest is vital to keep those juices inside the meat.
03 -
  • Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook uniformly.
  • If the honey is too thick, microwave it for 10 seconds to make it easier to whisk.