Description
Jalapeño Chicken with Bell Peppers is a vibrant and spicy Tex-Mex main course featuring tender strips of chicken sautéed with garlic, jalapeño, and colorful bell peppers. This quick stovetop recipe combines hearty protein with bold flavors from cumin, chili powder, and lime juice, making it a perfect healthy dinner option that’s both gluten-free and dairy-free.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- juice of 1 lime
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced, seeds removed for less heat
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, thinly sliced jalapeño, and both red and yellow bell peppers. Sauté these ingredients for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently until the peppers become tender-crisp but still retain some crunch.
- Season the Mix: Stir in ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper into the pepper and jalapeño mixture. This will infuse the vegetables with warm, smoky spices.
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Return the cooked chicken strips back to the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly so the chicken is well-coated with spices and mixed evenly with the vegetables.
- Finish with Lime and Cilantro: Pour in the fresh lime juice and cook for another 1–2 minutes, allowing all flavors to meld and the dish to heat through completely. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if using. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Serve over steamed rice, in warm tortillas for delicious fajitas, or with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño pepper based on your preferred spice level—remove seeds for milder heat or keep them for more intensity.
- For a dairy-free meal, avoid toppings like cheese or sour cream.
- Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbal finish but can be omitted if you don’t prefer its flavor.
