If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that perfectly balances a touch of heat with fresh, crisp vegetables, this Jalapeño Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a colorful, mouthwatering meal where tender chicken slices meet the bright crunch of bell peppers and the lively zing of jalapeños, all brought together with a hint of honey, lime, and smoky spices. With a quick cooking time and a few simple ingredients, this recipe delivers a satisfying Tex-Mex-inspired dinner that feels both fresh and exciting every time you make it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but they each play a crucial role in creating that perfect blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors with contrasting textures. Getting the balance just right with fresh produce, bold spices, and a touch of citrus makes all the difference.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced: The star protein, sliced thin for quick cooking and tender bites.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for a nice sear and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Offers a slightly grassy crunch that balances the sweetness.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Brings a juicy, mellow flavor with a pop of sunshine yellow.
- 2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (seeds removed for less heat): The perfect spicy kick that keeps things exciting without overwhelming.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with an irresistible savory aroma.
- 1 small onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed until just softened.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings a salty umami richness to tie all the flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the heat and adds a touch of floral sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Provides acidity and freshness that brightens every bite.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds warmth and a subtle earthiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Contributes a smoky depth that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple but essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
- Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish: Adds herbal brightness and a fresh finish.
How to Make Jalapeño Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced chicken breasts. Season them upfront with salt, black pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika. This early seasoning infuses the chicken with flavor right from the start. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a few minutes until golden and caramelized on one side, then flip and cook through, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside – this will prevent overcooking later.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Jalapeños
In the same skillet, pour in the remaining olive oil. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and jalapeños, stirring occasionally. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture releases its wonderful fragrance and the onion begins to soften. This step is where the bold base of the dish builds, as the aromatic qualities mingle with the gentle heat of the jalapeños, enticing your senses immediately.
Step 3: Cook the Bell Peppers
Next, toss in the sliced red, green, and yellow bell peppers. Stir everything together and continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes. The goal here is to soften the peppers just enough to unlock their sweetness and preserve their crispness. The colorful trio not only looks stunning but also offers a satisfying texture contrast with the tender chicken.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients and Finish Cooking
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add soy sauce, honey, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Toss everything thoroughly to coat every piece with the glossy, flavorful sauce. Let it cook together for an additional 2 minutes so the flavors marry perfectly and the entire dish is heated through. This final touch seals in the harmonious blend that makes this Jalapeño Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe so addictively good.
How to Serve Jalapeño Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling freshly chopped cilantro on top adds a lovely herbal brightness and vibrant green flecks that make each plate pop. You can also add a few more jalapeño slices if you love a bit more heat or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty crunch.
Side Dishes
This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Serve it over fluffy white rice or cilantro-lime quinoa to soak up the sauce. For those seeking a lighter or low-carb option, crisp lettuce wraps or cauliflower rice work beautifully. Even warm tortillas can turn this into a fun taco night!
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the jalapeño chicken mixture in hollowed-out bell peppers for a stunning presentation that’s as flavorful as it is charming. Another fun idea is to offer it as a vibrant filling for stuffed baked potatoes or alongside a chilled avocado salad to contrast the warm and spicy flavors with something cool and creamy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this Jalapeño Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, they will remain fresh for up to 3 days. This makes for an easy, flavorful lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. To maintain best quality, portion it out before freezing so you can thaw only what you need without having to defrost large quantities.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Be careful not to overcook during reheating to keep the chicken tender and the bell peppers crisp.
FAQs
Can I use other types of peppers instead of bell peppers?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with poblano or Anaheim peppers for a different flavor profile and a bit more heat. Just keep in mind that some peppers might cook faster or slower, so adjust cooking times accordingly.
How spicy is this Jalapeño Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe?
The spice level is moderate and can be easily adjusted by removing the jalapeño seeds for milder heat or keeping them in for a spicier kick. Adding more or fewer jalapeños also lets you customize the flavor to suit your taste buds.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is! Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While the traditional recipe centers around chicken, you can replace the protein with firm tofu or tempeh. Just be sure to cook it properly to absorb the delicious sauce and retain a satisfying texture.
What is the best way to prep the chicken to enhance flavor?
For even more depth, marinate your thinly sliced chicken breasts in lime juice, cumin, and a touch of olive oil for about 30 minutes before cooking. This tenderizes the meat and infuses it with complementary flavors that elevate the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Jalapeño Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe is a true keeper that’s bursting with vibrant colors, exciting textures, and a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish never fails to impress and satisfy. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
Print
Jalapeño Chicken with Bell Peppers Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Tex-Mex dish featuring tender, thinly sliced chicken breasts sautéed with colorful bell peppers and spicy jalapeños. Enhanced with garlic, onion, and a tangy soy-honey-lime sauce, this gluten-free recipe comes together quickly on the stovetop for a delicious, healthy main course perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (seeds removed for less heat if desired)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
Sauce & Garnish
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and jalapeños: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and thinly sliced jalapeños. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the onion begins to soften.
- Cook the bell peppers: Add the sliced red, green, and yellow bell peppers to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 4–5 minutes until the peppers are slightly tender but still maintain a crisp texture.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add soy sauce, honey, and lime juice. Toss everything together gently to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat. Optionally sprinkle chopped cilantro over the dish before serving hot. Enjoy it as is or alongside rice, quinoa, or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Notes
- Adjust the level of heat by adding more or fewer jalapeños, or keep the seeds in for extra spiciness.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
