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
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 12–15 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.
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)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| 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.