Roasted Jalapeno Chicken
This flavorful roasted jalapeno chicken recipe combines smoky, spicy jalapenos with tender, juicy chicken to create a bold and satisfying dish. Perfect for dinner parties or weeknight meals, it’s easy to prepare and bursting with zesty flavors.
Servings 4
Calories 280kcal
Cost $12-$15
Equipment
- Baking sheet or roasting pan
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Blender or food processor
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 large Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Jalapeno Sauce
- 3 large Jalapenos halved and seeded
- 3 cloves Garlic peeled
- 1/2 medium Onion quartered
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp Lime juice (about half a lime)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 tsp Honey or sugar (optional, to balance heat)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
Instructions
Prepare the Jalapenos and Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Place the halved jalapenos, garlic cloves, and onion quarters on one side of the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and lightly season with salt.
- On the other side, arrange the chicken thighs. Pat them dry with a paper towel for crispy skin. Rub each piece with olive oil, then season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Roast Everything
- Roast the chicken and vegetables in the oven for about 35-40 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the vegetables should be tender and slightly charred.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Make the Jalapeno Sauce
- Transfer the roasted jalapenos, garlic, and onion to a blender or food processor. Add fresh cilantro, lime juice, Greek yogurt, honey (if using), and olive oil. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water.
Serve the Dish
- Spoon the jalapeno sauce generously over the roasted chicken thighs. Serve with a side of rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust Heat: Keep some jalapeno seeds in the sauce for extra spice or substitute poblano peppers for a milder flavor.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt alternative.
- Optional Garnishes: Sprinkle with extra cilantro, lime wedges, or crumbled queso fresco for added flavor.
- Storage: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for 3 days in the refrigerator.