| Food Blog by Arie
Jalapeño chicken is one of those weeknight dinners that hits all the right notes. It’s sweet, salty, a little spicy, and super comforting over rice. Using ground chicken keeps it quick and budget-friendly, but the sauce makes it taste like something you’d order out.
I make this with two packs of ground chicken, which is perfect for a family of four with leftovers that reheat beautifully the next day.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and season with garlic powder, sea salt, and ginger. Cook until mostly browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Once the chicken is browned, add the chopped onion and jalapeños directly to the pan. Cook for a few minutes until the onions soften and everything smells amazing.
While the chicken cooks, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, garlic powder, minced ginger, cornstarch, and water in a bowl until smooth.
Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. Add the butter and stir until melted for a smooth, glossy finish.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve this jalapeño chicken over fluffy white rice or jasmine rice. I love pairing it with my honey green beans on the side for a little sweetness to balance the heat. Here is a recipe for those green beans here.
It’s also great in:
Want more heat? Leave the jalapeño seeds in or add an extra pepper.
Want it milder? Use 1 jalapeño, or swap it for a poblano.
If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up.
This recipe works just as well with ground turkey if that’s what you have.
This jalapeño chicken is one of those reliable recipes you’ll keep coming back to. It’s cozy, flavorful, and easy enough for a busy night, but still feels special when you serve it.
If you make it, serve it hot with rice and don’t forget those honey green beans on the side. It’s the kind of dinner that disappears fast.
