Description
This Spicy Jalapeno Chicken recipe features tender, crispy chicken thighs twice-fried to perfection and coated in a flavorful, sweet and spicy soy-garlic sauce with fresh jalapeno slices. Perfect for heat lovers seeking a crispy, saucy dish that’s great for dinner or entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Coating
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Sauce & Flavorings
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large jalapenos, sliced into 1/4 inch slices (seeds optional for heat level)
- Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill a heavy bottom pot about 4 inches deep)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and sprinkle with salt and ground black pepper. Toss well to evenly coat all pieces with seasoning.
- Coat with cornstarch: Add the cornstarch to the seasoned chicken and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated. Set aside while preparing the sauce and jalapenos.
- Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and minced garlic until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
- Slice jalapenos: Slice the jalapenos into 1/4 inch rounds. Remove seeds if you prefer less heat, or leave them in for more spice. Set aside.
- Heat oil for frying: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of about 4 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 315°F (157°C), ideal for the first fry.
- First fry the chicken: Using tongs, carefully lower the chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches of 4-5 to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 5-6 minutes, turning halfway to ensure even cooking. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Second fry for crispiness: Increase the oil temperature to 350°F (177°C). Return all the fried chicken pieces to the oil and fry for an additional 3-4 minutes to achieve extra crispness. Remove and drain well.
- Cook the sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring it to a boil, allowing it to reduce slightly.
- Toss chicken and jalapenos in sauce: Add the twice-fried chicken and sliced jalapenos to the boiling sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce and jalapenos.
- Thicken the sauce: Continue stirring and moving the chicken around the skillet until the sauce thickens and the watery content evaporates, clinging to the chicken for a sticky, flavorful coating.
Notes
- For less spicy chicken, remove the seeds from the jalapeno slices before cooking.
- Ensure oil is heated properly to maintain crispiness during the double frying process.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control salt levels in the dish.
- Double frying yields a crunchier texture compared to single frying.
- This recipe works well with chicken thighs for juiciness, but can be adapted to chicken breast if preferred, adjusting cooking times.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Spicy Chicken, Jalapeno Chicken, Fried Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Spicy Dinner
