Jalapeno Chicken Thighs
By: Toya. L
“Delicious Jalapeño Chicken Thighs” offer a perfect balance of spice and flavor, featuring succulent, juicy chicken thighs infused with the bold kick of jalapeños. This easy dinner idea is perfect for weeknights, delivering a mouthwatering dish that’s simple to prepare yet bursting with taste. Whether you’re a spice lover or just looking for a flavorful twist on classic chicken, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
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Are Jalapeno Chicken Thighs a healthy option?
Jalapeño chicken thighs can be a healthy option, especially when prepared with minimal added fats, and served alongside nutritious sides like vegetables or whole grains. Chicken thighs are a good source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
❤️What is there to love about Jalapeno Chicken Thighs❤️
- Spicy Kick: The jalapeños add a vibrant heat that enhances the flavor of the chicken without overwhelming it, creating a delicious balance of spice and savor.
- Richness: Chicken thighs are naturally more flavorful and juicier compared to chicken breasts, making each bite tender and satisfying.
- Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Family-Friendly: The combination of juicy chicken and zesty jalapeños tends to be a hit with both adults and kids, making it a great option for family dinners.
- Impressive Yet Simple: Despite being easy to prepare, the bold flavors and enticing aroma make it feel like a special, restaurant-quality dish.
Jalapeno Chicken Thighs Ingredients:
Jalapeno Chicken Thighs Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C)
- Roast the Jalapeño: Place a pan or skillet on your stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Let the pan heat up for a few minutes. Once the pan is hot, place the jalapeño directly on the pan. Add the oil directly onto the jalapeno. Let the jalapeno roast for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the skin becomes charred and blistered. You can use tongs to turn them occasionally to ensure even roasting. Once the jalapeño is roasted to your liking, remove it from the skillet and allow it to cool for a few minutes before handling. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can remove the seeds and membranes after roasting.
- Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a mixing bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs to a large bowl and pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. You can cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more flavor. Or if short on time you can go ahead and cook the chicken. It still comes out flavorful.
- Bake the chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken in a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown. You can check the temperature with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat, without touching the bone.
- Rest & Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Enjoy: Serve the Jalapeño chicken thighs with cauliflower rice, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.
Jalapeno Chicken Thighs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Thighs
- 1 large Jalapeno roasted
Chicken marinade
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Garlic minced
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Pepper
- 1 tbsp Oregano
- 1 tbsp Garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Smoked paprika
- 1 Lime
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C)
- Roast the Jalapeño: Place a pan or skillet on your stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Let the pan heat up for a few minutes. Once the pan is hot, place the jalapeño directly on the pan. Add the oil directly onto the jalapeno. Let the jalapeno roast for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the skin becomes charred and blistered. You can use tongs to turn them occasionally to ensure even roasting. Once the jalapeño is roasted to your liking, remove it from the skillet and allow it to cool for a few minutes before handling. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can remove the seeds and membranes after roasting.
- Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a mixing bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs to a large bowl and pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. You can cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more flavor. Or if short on time you can go ahead and cook the chicken. It still comes out flavorful.
- Bake the chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken in a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown. You can check the temperature with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat, without touching the bone.
- Rest & Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Enjoy: Serve the Jalapeño chicken thighs with cauliflower rice, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.
Video
Nutrition
Tips for Jalapeno Chicken Thighs:
- Marination Time: Marinate the chicken thighs for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Control the Spice Level: If you prefer milder heat, remove the seeds and inner membranes of the jalapeños before using them. For a spicier dish, leave them in or even add extra jalapeños.
- Use Roasted Jalapeños: Roasting the jalapeños before adding them to the dish can provide a smoky flavor that mellows the heat slightly.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for a burst of freshness that contrasts with the spicy jalapeños.
- Grill: Grilling the chicken thighs adds a charred, smoky flavor that pairs well with the heat of the jalapeños.
Flavor Variations:
- Citrus-Herb Jalapeño Chicken: Combine jalapeños with a mix of lemon and orange zest, lime juice, fresh rosemary, and thyme. The citrus brightens the dish, while the herbs add a savory depth.
- Smoky Chipotle Jalapeño Chicken: Blend jalapeños with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, and a touch of sugar free brown sugar.
- Garlic Parmesan Jalapeño Chicken: Combine minced jalapeños with garlic, grated Parmesan, olive oil, and Italian herbs (like oregano and basil.
- Creamy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken: Mix diced jalapeños with ranch seasoning, buttermilk, and a touch of hot sauce.
- Teriyaki Jalapeño Chicken: Combine soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sugar free brown sugar, and diced jalapeños for a sweet and spicy teriyaki-inspired flavor.
- Mediterranean Jalapeño Chicken: Blend jalapeños with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and fresh oregano. You can also add a touch of feta or yogurt for creaminess.
- Herb Butter Jalapeño Chicken: Mix softened butter with minced jalapeños, garlic, lemon zest, and fresh herbs like parsley or tarragon.
Storing, freezing, thawing, and reheating instructions:
Storing: Refrigeration: After cooking, let the chicken cool to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Cooked Chicken: Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely before freezing. Place the chicken thighs in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper if stacking. They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thawing: In the Refrigerator: For best results, thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight. This method ensures that the chicken stays at a safe temperature throughout the thawing process.
Reheating: Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Skillet: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help keep the chicken moist. Cook until heated through, turning occasionally. Microwave: Place chicken thighs on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, turning once, until hot. Be cautious to avoid overcooking, which can make the chicken dry.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How spicy are jalapeño chicken thighs? The spiciness can vary depending on how you prepare the jalapeños. If you want less heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before cooking. For more spice, leave them in or add extra jalapeños.
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking. Consider marinating for a longer period to keep the breasts moist and flavorful.
- What’s the best way to marinate the chicken? Place the chicken thighs in a ziplock bag or a sealed container with the marinade. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best for maximum flavor.
- Can I use other peppers instead of jalapeños? Absolutely! You can substitute jalapeños with other peppers like serrano’s for more heat, or poblanos for a milder flavor. Bell peppers can be used if you want a completely mild version.