Name: Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1–2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Chopped green onions and fresh cilantro, for garnish; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to heat preference); 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that brings the perfect balance of heat, freshness, and bold flavors, then you have to try this Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry. It’s a vibrant medley of tender chicken, crisp bell peppers, and fiery jalapeños all tossed in a deliciously savory and spicy sauce. Each bite bursts with excitement, making it an unforgettable weeknight dinner that’s quick to whip up yet impressively packed with personality. Whether you love spicy food or just want to add some color and kick to your meals, this Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry is destined to become one of your go-to favorites.

Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to this dish’s success. Each one plays a crucial role in building that fantastic flavor profile and appealing texture that make the stir-fry so addictive.

1 lb boneless chicken breast: Cut into bite-size pieces for quick, even cooking and juicy tenderness.
1 red bell pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
1 yellow bell pepper: Brings a mild sweetness and lovely visual contrast.
1 green bell pepper: Offers a crisp, slightly bitter note that balances the sweetness.
2 tbsp soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami-rich base that ties all the flavors together.
1 tbsp hoisin sauce: Adds a hint of sweetness with a touch of complexity and depth.
1 tbsp sriracha: Infuses the dish with heat and a subtle garlicky zing—feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance!
2 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a fragrant punch that elevates every component.
1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and vegetables with a smooth, clean finish.
1–2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced: The star ingredient that adds that exhilarating spicy kick.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the best in all ingredients.
Chopped green onions and fresh cilantro: Perfect garnishes that add freshness, color, and an herbaceous twist.

How to Make Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces and cook them until they’re lightly browned and cooked through. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors. This step builds the foundation of the dish with tender, juicy chicken ready to soak up all those vibrant stir-fry flavors.

Step 2: Add the Bell Peppers and Garlic

Next, toss in the red, yellow, and green bell peppers along with the minced garlic. Stir-fry everything together for about 3 to 4 minutes. The goal here is to soften the peppers just enough so they’re tender but still retain a pleasant crispness, giving each bite a satisfying texture and brightness.

Step 3: Mix in Soy, Hoisin, and Sriracha

Now comes the magic moment where the taste really comes alive. Add the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sriracha to the skillet. Stir everything thoroughly so the chicken and veggies are evenly coated in that irresistible spicy glaze. You’ll start to notice how the flavors meld into a beautiful harmony of sweet, salty, and spicy notes.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Jalapeños and Garnishes

After turning off the heat, sprinkle thin slices of fresh jalapeño on top for an added fresh heat that complements the cooked components perfectly. Then, add chopped green onions and fragrant cilantro to brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise. These garnishes really lift the entire experience.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Serve your Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry hot, ideally over a bed of steamed rice or alongside noodles. This makes a complete, satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor and makes your taste buds dance with joy.

How to Serve Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry

Garnishes

Freshness is everything when it comes to garnish. The chopped green onions add a mild sharpness that contrasts beautifully with the intense heat of the jalapeños, while cilantro brings a bright, citrusy note that makes the dish pop. Consider adding a few extra jalapeño slices for those who love intense spice or a squeeze of fresh lime for a tangy twist.

Side Dishes

This stir-fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soak up every bit of the flavorful sauce. If you prefer noodles, try egg noodles or rice noodles for a slippery texture that complements the crunchy vegetables. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a simple cucumber salad to cool down the heat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve the stir-fry in individual lettuce cups for a refreshing and hand-held bite. You can also pile it onto a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or even stuff it into warm tortillas for a spicy chicken wrap. This dish’s vibrant colors make it visually stunning no matter how you plate it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers of your Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners when you’re short on time.

Freezing

You can freeze this stir-fry for longer storage, but be aware that the texture of the bell peppers might soften upon thawing. Store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm everything evenly. If the chicken seems dry, splash a little water or extra soy sauce to keep the dish moist and flavorful. Avoid microwaving for best results, as it can make the peppers soggy.

FAQs

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of sriracha and jalapeños to suit your heat preference. You can also remove the seeds from the jalapeños to lessen the spiciness without sacrificing flavor.

What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?

If you don’t have hoisin sauce on hand, you can substitute with a mixture of soy sauce and a little honey or brown sugar for sweetness. Adding a touch of Chinese five-spice powder can also help mimic the flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To keep it gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, as traditional soy sauce contains wheat. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to stay more moist and flavorful. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed to ensure they are fully cooked.

What sides pair best with Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry?

Steamed rice or noodles are classic options, but you can also serve it with roasted veggies, a crisp salad, or even quinoa for a protein-packed twist on the traditional pairing.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal that truly excites your palate, and this Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry does exactly that. With its bold flavors, colorful ingredients, and just the right amount of heat, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. So don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to this vibrant, delicious stir-fry that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 17 reviews

Author: Rafael
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breast pieces stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and fresh jalapeños. Enhanced with a spicy and savory sauce made from soy, hoisin, and sriracha, it makes a perfect quick and healthy weeknight meal that can be served over steamed rice or noodles.

Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until they are lightly browned and cooked through, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
Stir-fry Vegetables: Add the chopped red, yellow, and green bell peppers along with the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the peppers are slightly tender but still crisp, maintaining their vibrant color.
Add Sauce: Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sriracha. Toss everything thoroughly so that the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the flavorful spicy glaze.
Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Top the stir-fry with fresh, thinly sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro to add extra flavor and a fresh, aromatic finish.
Serve: Serve the Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles to complete the meal.

Notes

You can adjust the amount of jalapeño and sriracha to control the heat level according to your preference.
Use gluten-free soy and hoisin sauce alternatives to make this dish gluten-free.
For a low-sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt.
Chicken breast can be substituted with boneless thigh for juicier texture.
Serve immediately for best texture and flavor; stir-fries do not reheat well.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Asian