Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Recipe That's Crispy, Sticky, and Better Than Takeout (Print Version)
Crispy chicken bites tossed with jalapenos, onion, garlic, ginger, and a sticky soy-honey glaze.
# Ingredients:
For the chicken
01 -
1 1/2 lb (680 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
1 large egg white
03 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
05 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 -
1/2 cup (65 g) cornstarch, plus more if needed
07 -
1 1/2 cups neutral oil, for shallow frying
For the jalapeno glaze
08 -
1/3 cup (80 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
09 -
3 tablespoons honey
10 -
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
11 -
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
12 -
2 tablespoons ketchup
13 -
1/4 cup (60 ml) water
14 -
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
15 -
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
16 -
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
17 -
3 fresh jalapenos, sliced, seeds removed if desired
18 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
19 -
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
20 -
2 scallions, sliced
21 -
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
# Instructions:
01 -
Whisk soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, water, and the cornstarch slurry in a small bowl. Set it near the stove.
02 -
Toss chicken with egg white, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add cornstarch and toss until every piece has a dry, even coating. Rest for 5 minutes.
03 -
Heat 1/2 inch oil in a large skillet to 325°F. Fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes, turning once, until cooked through and lightly golden. Transfer to a rack.
04 -
Raise the oil to 365°F. Fry the chicken again in batches for 60-90 seconds until deeply golden and crisp. Return it to the rack.
05 -
Carefully pour off the frying oil and wipe the skillet. Add sesame oil, onion, and jalapenos. Cook over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened, then add garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
06 -
Pour in the sauce and simmer for 1-2 minutes until glossy and thick enough to coat a spoon. Add the crispy chicken and toss for 30-45 seconds. Finish with scallions and sesame seeds.
# Notes:
01 -
Serve immediately for the crispest texture.
02 -
Remove jalapeno seeds and ribs for milder heat.
03 -
Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce if needed.