Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3-4 jalapeños, sliced (seeds removed for less heat, if desired)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and lime juice.
- Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish, and coat them with the marinade. Ensure each piece is well covered.
- Add sliced jalapeños to the marinade, reserving a few slices for garnish.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- During the last few minutes of grilling, add a few jalapeño slices to the grill for a charred garnish.
- Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Slice the chicken breasts and arrange them on a serving platter.
- Garnish with the grilled jalapeños and chopped cilantro.
- Serve with your favorite sides, such as rice, vegetables, or a refreshing cucumber salad.
Enjoy your Spicy Jalapeño Chicken! Adjust the spice level according to your preference and pair it with complementary sides for a delicious and flavorful meal.
Spicy Jalapeño Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides that complement its bold and spicy flavors. Here are some suggested accompaniments:
- Cilantro Lime Rice:
- The citrusy and herby rice balances the heat of the chicken.
- Grilled Vegetables:
- Charred vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions add a smoky flavor.
- Avocado Salsa:
- A refreshing salsa with diced avocados, tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote):
- Grilled corn on the cob coated with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime.
- Black Bean Salad:
- A mixture of black beans, corn, tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro with a lime vinaigrette.
- Jicama Slaw:
- A crunchy slaw made with jicama, carrots, and cabbage in a citrusy dressing.
- Mango Salsa:
- Sweet and spicy mango salsa with red onions, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños.
- Garlic Lime Cilantro Quinoa:
- Quinoa cooked with garlic, lime, and fresh cilantro.
- Tortillas or Flatbreads:
- Serve the spicy chicken in tortillas or flatbreads for a wrap or taco-style meal.
- Cooling Yogurt Sauce:
- A simple yogurt-based sauce with lime juice, chopped mint or cilantro, and a pinch of salt.
- Cucumber Salad:
- Sliced cucumbers tossed in a light vinaigrette with red onion and dill.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes:
- The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes can balance the spiciness.
- Tomato and Avocado Salad:
- Sliced tomatoes and avocados drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Fruit Salsa:
- A mixture of diced tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and kiwi with a touch of jalapeño for an extra kick.
Remember to tailor the sides based on your preferences, and these options provide a variety of textures and flavors that complement the Spicy Jalapeño Chicken. Enjoy your meal!
Spicy Jalapeño Chicken, or dishes with similar flavor profiles, can be found and enjoyed in various cuisines around the world. The use of jalapeños and spices in chicken dishes is not limited to a specific country or region. However, the concept of spicing up chicken with jalapeños and other bold flavors is often associated with:
- Mexican Cuisine:
- Jalapeños are a staple ingredient in Mexican cuisine. Dishes like Pollo con Jalapeño (Chicken with Jalapeños) showcase the vibrant and spicy flavors of Mexican cooking.
- Southwestern United States:
- The southwestern states in the U.S., including Texas and New Mexico, incorporate spicy flavors into many dishes. Spicy Jalapeño Chicken is often found in Tex-Mex cuisine.
- Latin American Cuisine:
- Beyond Mexico, various Latin American cuisines also use jalapeños and spices in chicken dishes. The spicy and bold flavors are appreciated in countries across the region.
- Global Fusion Cuisine:
- As global cuisine evolves and people explore flavor combinations, Spicy Jalapeño Chicken or similar dishes can be found in fusion cuisine, blending elements from various culinary traditions.
The orientation of this dish is not strictly limited to a specific culture or region. It reflects a broader trend of embracing bold and spicy flavors in chicken preparations, which can be found in diverse culinary landscapes worldwide. Additionally, individual chefs and home cooks may incorporate jalapeños into their chicken recipes, adding a personal touch to the dish.
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