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Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Thighs

Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Thighs
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Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Thighs combine smoky, spicy jalapeños with juicy, tender chicken thighs for a bold and unforgettable dish. Perfectly balanced with heat, citrus, and earthy spices, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust seeds for desired heat)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, finely chop jalapeños and garlic. Combine with olive oil, lime juice, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade that will infuse the chicken.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or airtight container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours for deeper flavor absorption.
  3. Preheat Your Cooking Surface: Heat a skillet or grill to medium-high heat. A cast-iron skillet is preferred for stovetop cooking to achieve crispy, golden skin.
  4. Cook the Chicken Thighs: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the hot surface. Cook undisturbed for 6 to 7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices before serving.

Notes

  • Trim excess fat from chicken thighs for cleaner bites without losing moisture.
  • Adjust jalapeño seeds to control the spice level.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Resting the chicken after cooking makes it juicier and more tender.
  • Cast-iron skillets provide superior heat retention and crispy skin.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy chicken, jalapeño chicken thighs, smoky chicken, easy dinner, gluten free, flavorful chicken, weeknight meals

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/spicy-jalapeo-chicken-thighs/