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Jalapeño Chicken Stir Fry

Jalapeño Chicken Stir Fry

This Jalapeño Chicken Stir Fry is one of my favorite dishes by my mom.  Once I have one bite of it, I can't stop!  Next thing you know, I ate almost all of it and I'm complaining about how full I am but guess what - totally worth it!  Something about the jalapeno and the hot sauce combo just gives it the right amount of delicious kick.

About the Ingredients

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Here's some extra info and tips on the ingredients:

Chili Bean Paste aka Doubanjiang

Chilli Bean Paste aka Doubanjiang 豆瓣酱, is a chunky sauce you can buy at the store that is spicy and savory. It’s traditionally made from fermented broad beans, chili peppers, soybeans, salt and flour. There are also different ones you can find, for example some will add spicy chili oil in it already.

Chili Bean Paste is often used in Sichuan food (ex: mapo tofu), which might explain why I love it because I love Sichuan food (and my grandma was from there!). I use it in my Szechuan Chicken, and Eggplants in Garlic Sauce, for example!

You can buy it at your local Asian super market or even on Amazon such as this one: Lee Kum Kee LKK Chili Bean Sauce (Toban Djan).

Note - Also if you are NOT about the spice, there is Doubanjiang that is NOT spicy also.

Chili bean paste

Jalapeno Peppers

Jalapeno peppers can get really spicy! So here are two tips:

  1. Wear gloves. Especially if you wear contacts too. Jalapeno peppers spiciness will stay on your hands after you wash it for hours. Trust me on this one (source: personal experience...)
  2. Soak it in water for 15 minutes after you remove the seeds and cut it in to bite sized pieces. This will remove some of the spice!

Add veggies!

I recommend customizing this dish if you have a prefer veggie! For example, I often times will add mushrooms to it! If so, stir fry the veggies with the jalapeno. I recommend not picking a veggie that cooks a long time, however, for this dish. Otherwise the jalapeno will lose it's 'crunchiness'.

How to make Jalapeno Chicken Stir Fry

Fist gather your ingredients:

  • For the Chicken:
    • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • For the Stir Fry:
    • 1 tablespoon cooking oil of choice
    • 3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
    • 2 tablespoon chili bean paste (Doubanjiang 豆瓣酱)
    • 3 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
    • 3 green onions, chopped (optional)

Marinate the chicken: First, diced your chicken in to cubes. In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine chicken, cornstarch, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator).

Prep the Jalapeños: Remove stems and seeds from the jalapeños, then slice into bite-sized pieces. To reduce the heat, soak the pieces in water for 15 minutes, then drain.

Optionally, if you are afraid the jalapenos might be too spicy, you can soak it in water for 15 minutes. Then drain and set aside.

Cook the Chicken: Heat cooking oil in a wok or large pan over high heat. Add garlic and marinated chicken. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes until lightly browned.

Add the Flavor: Stir in chili bean paste, jalapeños, sugar, and salt. Cook for another 3 minutes or until chicken is cooked thoroughly, stirring frequently.

Finish and Serve: Add green onions (if using) and stir for 1 more minute. Remove from heat and serve hot.

By the way we literally cook this ALL the time so I have too many tasty pictures... so here's like... a crapload of them LOL:

Yield: 4 servings

Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir Fry

Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir Fry

A flavorful and spicy chicken stir fry that brings the heat! This Jalapeño Chicken Stir Fry is packed with juicy marinated chicken, crunchy jalapeño peppers, and a savory kick from chili bean paste. Quick to prep and cook, it's a bold and satisfying dish inspired by my mom’s home cooking—perfect for weeknight dinners with a little fire.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken thighs, bite-sized
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 tablespoon chili bean paste
  • 3 jalapeños, seeded & chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 green onion, chopped

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine chicken, cornstarch, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator).
  2. Prep the Jalapeños: Remove stems and seeds, then slice into bite-sized pieces. To reduce heat, soak in water for 15 minutes, then drain.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat cooking oil in a wok or large pan over high heat. Add garlic and marinated chicken. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes until lightly browned.
  4. Add the Flavor: Stir in chili bean paste, jalapeños, sugar, and salt. Cook for another 3 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently.
  5. Finish & Serve: Add green onions (if using) and stir for 1 more minute. Remove from heat and serve hot.

Notes

Chili Bean Paste: This Sichuan condiment adds depth and heat. Look for versions with or without added chili oil depending on your spice preference.

Handling Jalapeños: Feel free to use gloves when cutting jalapeños and avoid touching your eyes. Soaking sliced peppers in water helps reduce their spiciness.

Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to toss in quick-cooking vegetables like mushrooms alongside the jalapeños.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 268Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 138mgSodium: 627mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 28g

The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information.

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More Delicious Chicken Stir Fry Recipes

  • For any stir fried chicken dish, you have got to marinate! The marinate helps tenderize the meat and flavor it as well! So definitely check out my simple chicken stir fry marinade to make sure all your stir fries are delicious.
  • If you're a fan of cauliflower like we are, you will love this Cauliflower Chicken Stir Fry! It's easy to make and tasty too!
  • Napa cabbage is a tasty veggie very common in Asian cuisine! Try it with this Chicken Napa Cabbage stir fry! I recommend serving with rice.
  • Add a earthy flavor to your chicken stir fry... with shiitake mushrooms! This Chicken Shiitake Mushrooms Stir Fry is a HIT every time I make it!

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Sue

Sunday 7th of April 2024

This was very good with the following changes. I used thinly sliced pork steak and two partially seeded jalapeno peppers and a half a green bell pepper. I used Lan Chi chili paste with garlic. When it was done I did add about a half a cup of water to give it a little bit of a gravy. Delicious over rice! My lips are feeling the heat. I go to a restaurant that makes jalapeno pork, but couldn't find a recipe for it so improvised. This recipe was way better than the restaurant.

TinaTsai

Wednesday 10th of April 2024

That is so awesome to hear!! I'm glad you liked it! Sounds like you made a delicious tasty dish out of it!

Linda

Saturday 22nd of July 2023

This recipe turned out very good. I cook a lot so I figured it out but some people might have problems. Please proof read your recipe and cooking instructions because there are items in the instructions that include ingredients not listed in the ingredients list (rice wine). Also the cooking instructions weren’t very clear, items left out or not on ingredients list.

TinaTsai

Friday 18th of August 2023

Hi Linda, thank you for bringing that to my attention. I had updated the recipe a couple of times, and when I updated the recipe, I forgot to update the recipe card! Now I have fixed it :)

Duncan Edwardsd

Thursday 17th of March 2022

As Tina, said you are having a hot spicy and scrumptious treat and we agree😛

Jan Schupbach

Monday 29th of March 2021

I made this recipe last night -- what a wonderful flavor! An easy and quick meal. Thank you, Tina!

TinaTsai

Monday 29th of March 2021

Yay!! So glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for stopping by!!

Becky Winkler

Monday 30th of October 2017

I love a good spicy stir-fry! The sauce here looks so good!

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