Description
Sizzling spicy jalapeño chicken combines bold Mexican flavors with fiery pepper heat. Crispy, tender chicken delivers a zesty meal you’ll crave with robust seasonings and quick preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs
Seasonings and Coating:
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar, lightly packed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large jalapenos, cut into 1/4 inch slices
Instructions
- Season chicken thoroughly with salt and black pepper, ensuring even coverage and maximum flavor infusion.
- Generously coat the seasoned chicken with cornstarch, creating a uniform layer that will produce an exceptionally crispy exterior.
- Craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and minced garlic until ingredients harmonize smoothly.
- Carefully slice jalapenos into thin rounds, strategically removing seeds for a milder profile or retaining them to amplify heat intensity.
- Prepare a heavy-bottomed pot with vegetable oil, heating to a precise 315°F for optimal initial frying conditions.
- Carefully submerge chicken in hot oil, executing a methodical batch frying process, rotating pieces midway to ensure uniform golden-brown coloration, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Elevate oil temperature to 350°F and perform a secondary frying technique, crisping the chicken for an additional 3-4 minutes to achieve ultimate crunchiness.
- Transfer sauce mixture to a large skillet, bringing contents to a robust boil over medium-high heat.
- Introduce fried chicken and sliced jalapenos into the simmering sauce, thoroughly coating and allowing the mixture to reduce and thicken dramatically.
- Plate the spicy jalapeno chicken, presenting a tantalizing dish bursting with robust flavors and irresistible texture.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra juiciness and deeper flavor that keeps meat tender and succulent during frying process.
- Remove jalapeno seeds carefully with gloves to prevent skin irritation and control spice level precisely for different heat preferences.
- Double-frying technique ensures crispy exterior by creating super crunchy golden-brown coating that locks in moisture and enhances texture dramatically.
- Adjust sugar in sauce for dietary needs by substituting with honey, agave, or monk fruit sweetener for low-carb or diabetic-friendly version without compromising taste profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg