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Asian Jalapeno Chicken is a quick and flavorful stir-fry that combines sweet and savory elements with a spicy kick from fresh jalapenos. The chicken is coated in cornstarch using the “velveting” technique, ensuring it stays tender and juicy while creating a crispy texture. With just a few pantry ingredients, this easy dish comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
¼ cup cornstarch
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine) or dry sherry
3 tablespoons brown sugar
½ cup vegetable or peanut oil
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 jalapenos, sliced thinly

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the chicken and cornstarch. Toss to coat the chicken fully and marinate for 5 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry until the chicken is crisp and fully cooked, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and drain it on paper towels.
Sauté Aromatics and Combine:
Remove excess oil from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the garlic and sliced jalapenos to the pan and cook for 30-40 seconds until fragrant. Return the chicken to the skillet and pour the prepared soy sauce mixture over it. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is heated through.
Serve:
Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

Calories: 288 kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 72mg
Sodium: 945mg
Potassium: 488mg
Sugar: 9g
Vitamin A: 100 IU
Vitamin C: 10.7mg
Calcium: 20mg
Iron: 0.9mg

The Velveting Technique: Ensuring Tender Chicken

The key to achieving tender, juicy chicken with a crispy texture in Asian Jalapeno Chicken lies in the velveting technique. Velveting is a Chinese cooking method that involves coating the chicken in cornstarch and briefly marinating it before cooking. This technique ensures that the chicken remains moist and tender during the cooking process, while the cornstarch creates a light, crispy exterior when fried.

By velveting the chicken, you prevent it from becoming dry or overcooked, which is a common issue when stir-frying meat. The cornstarch forms a protective layer around the chicken, trapping moisture inside and allowing it to cook evenly. This technique is commonly used in many Chinese stir-fry dishes to achieve the ideal balance of texture and flavor. The result is chicken that is both tender on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside, creating a satisfying contrast with the spicy sauce.

A Sweet and Savory Sauce

The sauce in Asian Jalapeno Chicken is a harmonious blend of sweet and savory elements, with just a hint of heat from the jalapenos. The sauce is made with a combination of soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine (or dry sherry), and brown sugar. Soy sauce provides a rich umami flavor, while the Chinese cooking wine (or dry sherry) adds depth and complexity to the dish. The brown sugar contributes a subtle sweetness that helps to balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce and the heat from the jalapenos.

This sweet and savory sauce creates a glossy coating for the chicken, infusing it with flavor as it thickens during the cooking process. The balance of flavors is what makes this dish so irresistible—each bite delivers a satisfying combination of salty, sweet, and spicy that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.

The Role of Fresh Jalapenos

Fresh jalapenos play a pivotal role in giving Asian Jalapeno Chicken its signature kick. The heat from the jalapenos adds a layer of spiciness that elevates the dish, making it both exciting and bold. Depending on your spice tolerance, you can adjust the amount of jalapenos to suit your preference. By removing the seeds from the jalapenos, you can reduce some of the heat, or you can keep them in for an extra fiery kick.

In addition to the heat, jalapenos also provide a fresh, vibrant flavor that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and the richness of the soy sauce. When sautéed with garlic, the jalapenos release their aromatic oils, infusing the dish with their spicy fragrance. This aromatic element enhances the overall flavor profile, making each bite of chicken even more flavorful.

Why Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used in this recipe because they cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully. Chicken breasts are a lean source of protein, making them a healthier option for stir-fries, and their mild flavor allows the other ingredients, such as the soy sauce and jalapenos, to shine.

By cutting the chicken breasts into thin strips, you ensure that they cook evenly and quickly, which is essential for maintaining their tenderness. Thinly sliced chicken also allows for more surface area to be coated with the crispy cornstarch, enhancing the overall texture of the dish. Whether you’re cooking for one or serving a family, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are an excellent choice for this quick and flavorful stir-fry.

The Quick Cooking Process

One of the main advantages of Asian Jalapeno Chicken is how quickly it comes together. The entire dish can be prepared in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The cooking process is simple: the chicken is first velvetted in cornstarch and then quickly fried in hot oil until crispy. After that, the aromatics (garlic and jalapenos) are sautéed, and the sauce is added to the pan to coat the chicken.

The beauty of this stir-fry is that it uses just a few pantry ingredients, making it accessible and easy to prepare. With minimal preparation and cooking time, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready to enjoy in no time. It’s a great way to enjoy a flavorful Asian-inspired dish without the need for complicated ingredients or cooking techniques.

Health Benefits of Asian Jalapeno Chicken

Asian Jalapeno Chicken is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits. The chicken provides a high amount of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Protein is also important for immune function and overall health, making this dish a great option for a balanced meal.

The fresh jalapenos in this dish also offer health benefits. Jalapenos contain capsaicin, the compound responsible for their heat, which has been shown to have various health benefits, including boosting metabolism and promoting fat burning. Additionally, jalapenos are rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and helps maintain healthy skin.

The sauce in Asian Jalapeno Chicken is also relatively light compared to other stir-fry sauces, as it uses minimal oil and relies on the natural flavors of soy sauce, brown sugar, and cooking wine to create depth and sweetness. By using vegetable or peanut oil in moderation for frying, the dish remains relatively light and can be enjoyed as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Serving Suggestions

Asian Jalapeno Chicken is best served with a side of steamed rice, which complements the sauce and allows you to savor every drop. The mild rice absorbs the savory sauce, balancing out the spiciness of the jalapenos and creating a satisfying meal. Alternatively, you can serve the chicken with stir-fried noodles, which will soak up the sauce and add an extra layer of texture to the dish.

For a more vibrant and colorful meal, consider adding a side of sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. The vegetables add additional crunch and freshness, enhancing the overall balance of the dish. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and spicy flavors of the chicken.

Customization and Variations

One of the great things about Asian Jalapeno Chicken is its versatility. While the recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can easily substitute chicken thighs for a richer, juicier alternative. You can also adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapenos or experimenting with different types of chili peppers to suit your taste.

If you prefer a more complex flavor profile, consider adding other ingredients such as sliced onions, bell peppers, or carrots to the stir-fry. These vegetables will not only add flavor but also provide additional nutrients and texture to the dish.

For those looking for a lower-carb or gluten-free option, you can substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Additionally, you can serve the chicken with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb version of this dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Asian Jalapeno Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make stir-fry that combines tender chicken, a crispy texture, and a spicy, sweet sauce. The velveting technique ensures that the chicken remains juicy while achieving the perfect crispiness, while the sauce provides a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. With just a few pantry ingredients and a quick cooking process, this dish is an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner. Whether served with rice, noodles, or vegetables, Asian Jalapeno Chicken is a delicious and versatile meal that will satisfy your cravings for bold, flavorful food.

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