Mediterranean Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry

Mediterranean Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry

Table of Contents

This Mediterranean Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry fuses the aromatic herbs and fresh veggies of the Mediterranean with the fiery punch of jalapeños for a satisfying, quick meal. Lean chicken breast is stir-fried with bell peppers, zucchini, red onions, and olives in a lemon-garlic herb sauce. It’s healthy, vibrant, and ready in just 30 minutes — perfect for weeknight dinners with flair.

Time Required

StepTime
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time12–15 minutes
Total Time~30 minutes

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken & Marinade:

1.5 lbs (680g) boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into thin strips

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

For the Stir-Fry:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1–2 fresh jalapeños, sliced (adjust to spice level)

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

1 red  and green bell pepper, sliced

1 zucchini, halved and sliced

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

Optional: 1 tablespoon capers

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix chicken, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

See also  Garlic chicken with Broccoli and spinach

Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour in the fridge for more flavor).

Step 2: Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add chicken strips in a single layer. Sear for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.

Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed.

Sauté jalapeños and onions for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

Add bell peppers and zucchini, cook for another 3–4 minutes until just tender-crisp.

Stir in cherry tomatoes, olives, and optional capers. Cook for 1–2 more minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return cooked chicken to the pan. Add lemon juice and toss everything together.

Cook 1 minute more to let flavors meld.

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over couscous, rice, quinoa, or a bed of greens.

Add a drizzle of tahini,  sauce, or hummus for extra richness.

Warm pita or flatbread makes a great side.

Tips for Success

Slice Chicken Thin: Thinner pieces cook quickly and stay tender.

Control the Spice: Remove jalapeño seeds/membranes for milder heat. Add chili flakes or hot sauce for more.

Don’t Overcook Veggies: Keep them crisp-tender for the best texture.

Make It Saucy: Add 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine before returning the chicken if you want more sauce.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu; use veggie broth and skip dairy.

Creamy Twist: Stir in a spoon of Greek yogurt or feta cheese at the end.

See also  Roasted Green Beans

Herb Upgrade: Add chopped mint or dill for a fresh flavor pop.

More Veggies: Include mushrooms, spinach, or artichoke hearts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Q: What’s the best pan to use?
A: A cast iron skillet, nonstick pan, or wok works great for even browning.

Q: Can I use canned jalapeños?
A: Fresh jalapeños are preferred for texture, but pickled can add tang—just adjust the salt.

Q: Can I bake instead of stir-fry?
A: Yes, you can roast everything on a sheet pan at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, without grain)

NutrientAmount
Calories~350–400
Protein~32g
Fat~20g
Saturated Fat~3g
Carbohydrates~12g
Fiber~3g
Sugar~4g
Sodium~550mg

Note: Values vary based on vegetables, add-ins, and grain choice.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry delivers bold, zesty flavor with minimal effort. It’s a lively combination of tender chicken, fiery jalapeño, fresh veggies, and signature Mediterranean elements like olives and herbs. Versatile, healthy, and endlessly customizable — it’s perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or a low-carb power bowl.