If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that dazzles with fresh flavor, color, and a touch of heat, the Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe is the answer. This stir-fry boasts tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and punchy jalapeños in a glossy, savory sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes. Everyone at the table will rave about the harmonious balance of spice, crunch, and rich umami, making this dish a go-to favorite for busy home cooks who still crave something exciting and satisfying. Trust me, you’ll want to add this to your dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a celebration of simple, bold ingredients that transform into something magical together. Each one has a specific role, whether it’s adding heat, color, or that irresistible savory depth. Here’s what you’ll need and why each counts:
- Chicken breast: Thinly sliced chicken breast cooks quickly and stays tender in this high-heat stir fry.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade cling to the chicken for even flavor.
- Soy sauce (marinade): Infuses the chicken with umami from the first step for unbeatable depth.
- Cornstarch: Gives the chicken that appealing, velvety texture you love in takeout stir-fries.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle layer of savory flavor right in the marinade.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing every other flavor in the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds just a bit of background warmth and sharpness to the marinade.
- Vegetable oil (for cooking): With a high smoke point, it helps you achieve perfect stir-fry sear and prevents sticking.
- Jalapeños: The stars of the show! Sliced jalapeños give that signature zing and a customizable spice level.
- Red bell pepper: Sweet, tender-crisp, and beautifully colorful for both palate and plate.
- Green bell pepper: Brings an earthy balance and a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the red pepper.
- Garlic (fresh): Minced garlic infuses the whole dish with bold, aromatic flavor as it cooks.
- Fresh ginger: Minced ginger adds warmth and vibrancy—there’s nothing like that kick!
- Soy sauce (for stir-fry): A second addition ties the veggies and chicken together with deep, savory notes.
- Oyster sauce: A little goes a long way to adding gloss and an addictive umami punch.
- Sesame oil: Just a touch brings toasty, nutty fragrance to finish everything off.
- Honey: Balances out the heat and salt with just a hint of sweetness.
- Green onions: Chopped and sprinkled as garnish for freshness, crunch, and a pop of color.
How to Make Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breast thinly—this helps it soak up all those marinade flavors and cook super fast. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper with the chicken. Toss well to coat every piece. Letting it sit for 10 to 15 minutes while you prep your vegetables makes a huge difference in texture and taste.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes—don’t overcrowd the pan, and let the chicken caramelize for the best flavor! Once golden and cooked through, remove and set aside. This step locks in the juiciness and builds a savory base for your Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a splash more oil if it needs it. Toss in your sliced jalapeños, red and green bell peppers, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the veggies are tender but still crisp—you want them to keep their lively colors and crunchy bite! This gives your dish a refreshing texture contrast.
Step 4: Bring Everything Together
Return the chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and honey. Give everything a thorough toss so the sauce glazes each bite. Cook for another minute or two, stirring, until everything is bubbling and well combined. The aromas at this point will be absolutely irresistible!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top it all off with chopped green onions for a fresh, colorful, and slightly oniony finish. Serve your Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe piping hot over your favorite rice or noodles, so every bite is full of flavor and texture.
How to Serve Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t skip the fun finish! A generous sprinkle of chopped green onions is classic, but you can also add a handful of toasted sesame seeds or even a few cilantro leaves for an extra hit of freshness. The right garnish makes your Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe look and taste like it came from your favorite restaurant.
Side Dishes
This vibrant stir fry shines with a base of fluffy jasmine rice or nutty brown rice to soak up every last drop of sauce. If you’re in the mood for noodles, try it with simple stir-fried lo mein or even cauliflower rice for something lighter. Steamed or sautéed greens like broccoli or bok choy make wonderful sides, too.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer the Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe over rice in colorful bowls for a cheerful weeknight meal. If you want to impress at a party, serve it family-style on a big platter with extra lime wedges and sliced jalapeños on the side. For a modern twist, wrap cooled leftovers in lettuce leaves for a spicy, crunchy lunch option!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container as soon as possible. The Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes it perfect for meal prepping your lunches or quick dinners throughout the week without losing any of its delicious zing.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this stir fry! Portion the cooled Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as you can. It will keep its flavor for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat your chicken stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce looks thick. You can also use the microwave for a minute or two, stirring halfway through. This way, the chicken stays juicy and the veggies retain some crunch!
FAQs
How spicy is this dish? Can I make it milder?
The spice level in this Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe is totally customizable. If you’re sensitive to heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, use fewer peppers, or swap in a milder chili. If you love spicy food, keep the seeds in or add an extra jalapeño!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute and add extra juiciness and flavor. Just slice them thin and follow the recipe as written for a slightly richer Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe experience.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce for sweetness and depth, or mushroom sauce for a vegetarian-friendly option. Even a splash of extra soy sauce mixed with a pinch of brown sugar will do in a pinch!
Is this dish gluten-free?
By using tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce and double-checking your oyster sauce label, you can make this Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe completely gluten-free—perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
How do I keep the chicken tender?
Thinly slicing the chicken and marinating it with cornstarch is the key. This technique, known as “velveting,” locks in moisture and ensures every bite of your Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe is tender and delectable, just like takeout!
Final Thoughts
This Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe brings excitement to the dinner table with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Once you taste the unbeatable combination of tender chicken, crisp veggies, and spicy-savory sauce, you’ll want to make it again and again. Grab those fresh peppers and give this stir fry a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious homemade can be!
Print
Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Jalapeno Chicken with Bell Peppers recipe is a flavorful and spicy stir-fry dish that combines tender chicken with vibrant bell peppers, aromatic garlic, and zesty ginger. Perfect for a quick and satisfying Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Marinated Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 2 jalapeños (thinly sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for stir-fry)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Marinate for 10–15 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Stir-fry marinated chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the Stir-Fry: Sauté jalapeños, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger until tender. Return chicken to the pan, add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and honey. Cook until well combined.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Adjust the heat by deseeding jalapeños or reducing their quantity.
- Try using chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Enhance with a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for added freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
