Mediterranean Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry

Mediterranean Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry

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

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.

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.

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)

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.