Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe

If you’re craving something bold, zesty, and loaded with color, Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers is truly the answer. This weeknight-friendly stir-fry brings together juicy chicken, fiery jalapenos, and sweet bell peppers in a tangy, aromatic sauce—ready in just 20 minutes, but delivering flavor that tastes like it simmered all day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a handful of pantry staples and fresh veggies can create such magic! Each ingredient in Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers plays a starring role—bringing zing, crunch, and savory depth to every forkful.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized chunks, they soak up the marinade and become tender with every quick stir-fry.
• Soy sauce: Gives the marinade its salty backbone and umami punch—just a couple spoonfuls do wonders.
• Sriracha: That unmistakable garlicky heat! Add more or less depending on your spice mood.
• White vinegar or apple cider vinegar: Choose your favorite for a bright, tangy note that balances everything out.
• Vegetable oil + sesame oil: Vegetable oil provides a neutral base for sautéing, while sesame oil sneaks in richness and toasty flavor.
• Fresh garlic: Ten cloves may sound snooze-inducing, but trust me—garlic is the aromatic anchor of this dish.
• Jalapenos: Use 2 for gentle warmth or up to 4 for a fiery kick. Slice them thin and cook to mellow their bite.
• Bell peppers: Red, yellow, or green—choose your color combo! Their sweetness balances the heat and adds gorgeous color.
• Sugar: Just a spoonful brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies and rounds out the flavor profile.
• Ground black pepper: For that little extra bite and adding depth to the finished dish.
• Garam masala or curry powder: Your secret to a hint of earthiness and warmth with every bite.
• Fresh cilantro: Roughly chopped, it brightens up the dish and offers a fresh finish.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers is how effortlessly it adapts to your personal style! There are endless little tweaks you can make so it fits just right with your tastes or dietary needs—let’s shake things up!

• Less Heat, More Sweet: Swap jalapenos for mild poblano peppers, or even add pineapple chunks for subtle sweetness.
• Go Vegetarian: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu or tempeh, marinate and stir-fry just as you would with the chicken.
• Add Crunch: Toss in roasted cashews or peanuts just before serving for a nutty twist and extra texture.
• Switch Up Sauces: Stir in a spoonful of hoisin, honey, or a splash of lime juice for a fun flavor variation.

How to Make Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine your soy sauce, sriracha, and vinegar in a medium bowl, then add the chicken chunks. Use your hands to really massage that marinade in—it helps the flavors penetrate quickly. Set it aside while you prep your veggies. This tiny bit of marinating time works wonders!

Step 2: Prep the Aromatics and Veggies

While the chicken is soaking up flavor, finely chop your garlic, thinly slice the jalapenos (remove seeds for less heat, keep them in for more), and chop those bell peppers into hearty, 1-inch pieces. Having everything ready to go guarantees a lightning-fast stir-fry.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the vegetable oil and sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the jalapeno and garlic first, giving them about 30 seconds—just until the kitchen smells irresistible and the garlic is golden but not burnt!

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken

Toss in the marinated chicken pieces and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until they turn lightly golden on all sides and are just cooked through. Add your sugar now—this helps caramelize and coat every piece.

Step 5: Add Bell Peppers and Spices

Throw in the bell peppers and keep things moving in the pan. Cook for 5 minutes on medium—the chicken will finish cooking, and the peppers will become vibrantly tender but still crisp. Finish with garam masala (or curry powder), lots of black pepper, and half the cilantro. Quick toss, and you’re almost at the finish line!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat, sprinkle with the remaining fresh cilantro and, if you like, extra sliced jalapenos or a sprinkling of sesame seeds. This is where Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers really catches the eye as much as the taste buds!

How to Serve Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers

Garnishes

This dish loves a sprinkle of sesame seeds and generous handfuls of fresh cilantro just before serving. For extra color and a pop more heat, toss on a few raw jalapeno rings. These simple touches give your Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers that restaurant-look and a lively finish.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong with fluffy steamed rice (white, brown, or jasmine). I also adore this with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even wrapped in warm flatbread. The saucy bits soak right in, making every sidekick irresistible.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers into lettuce cups for a fun party appetizer, or top your favorite grain bowl with it for lunch. If you’re feeling bold, serve it taco-style with avocado and crunchy cabbage slaw!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Let it cool completely before sealing to preserve the freshness and color of those veggies.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, be aware the bell peppers may lose some crunch after thawing. If making ahead for freezer meals, undercook the peppers slightly so they hold up better—even with a softer texture, the flavors stay fantastic!

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. The microwave works fine too—just heat in short bursts so the chicken stays juicy, not rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fresh way to shake up dinner, give Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers a try—it’s vibrant, wildly flavorful, and so much fun to make. Gather your favorite veggies, crank up the heat to your liking, and serve up a dish that’s guaranteed to disappear in a flash!

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