Description
Sizzling “Spicy Jalapeño Chicken” brings fiery Mexican-inspired flavors to your dinner table. Succulent chicken marinated in zesty peppers promises a bold culinary adventure that tantalizes taste buds and leaves you craving more.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs/680 g)
Spicy Elements:
- 3 jalapeno peppers
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 lime (juice)
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring optimal seasoning adherence.
- Mince garlic and finely chop jalapeno peppers, removing seeds for less intense heat if desired.
- Create a robust marinade by whisking together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro in a large mixing bowl.
- Coat chicken breasts thoroughly with the spicy marinade, massaging the mixture into the meat to maximize flavor penetration.
- Cover the marinated chicken and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and infuse into the protein.
- Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high heat (around 400°F), preparing for direct cooking.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and place on hot cooking surface.
- Grill or pan-sear chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Let the cooked chicken rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and maintain moisture.
- Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and serve immediately with your preferred side dishes.
Notes
- Remove seeds from jalapenos to control heat level, perfect for those with lower spice tolerance.
- Marinate chicken for longer (up to 4 hours) in refrigerator for deeper flavor infusion and more tender meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee precise doneness and prevent overcooking, which can dry out chicken.
- Substitute cayenne with smoked paprika for milder spice while maintaining rich, complex flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16-20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg