Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes. Chicken breasts will work in this recipe but require more careful attention to avoid overcooking as they have less fat than thighs and dry out more quickly. Pound them to an even thickness before seasoning for more consistent cooking and pull them from the heat the moment they reach 155°F, allowing them to rest tented with foil for 5 minutes to reach 165°F safely while staying as juicy as possible.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely. The raspberry glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before using as the ingredients may separate slightly during storage. You can also season the chicken thighs up to 24 hours ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook, which makes the actual dinner preparation even faster.

What can I serve this over besides rice?

Fluffy jasmine or basmati rice is the most natural pairing but this chicken is also wonderful over creamy polenta which absorbs the glaze in a rich and satisfying way. Mashed potatoes, quinoa, or a bed of fresh arugula all work beautifully. The sweet spicy glaze is versatile enough to pair with almost any neutral base that can absorb and showcase its flavor.

Jalapeno Raspberry Chicken Easy Sweet Spicy 25 Minute Dinner

Name: Jalapeno Raspberry Chicken The Most Sweet and Spicy Dinner You Will Ever Make
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Raspberry Preserves; 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil for glaze; 2 tbsp Soy Sauce; 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar; 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard; 2 cloves Garlic minced; 1 tsp Kosher Salt for glaze; 1/2 tsp Black Pepper for glaze; 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes; 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs; 1 tsp Kosher Salt for chicken; 1/2 tsp Black Pepper for chicken; 1/2 tsp Chili Powder; 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil for searing; 1 medium Jalapeno Pepper thinly sliced; 1 cup Fresh Raspberries

Description

The most vibrant and exciting Jalapeno Raspberry Chicken made with juicy seared chicken thighs finished in a sweet and spicy raspberry glaze with fresh jalapeno slices and whole raspberries. A stunning and completely effortless 25 minute weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup Raspberry Preserves

2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil for glaze

2 tbsp Soy Sauce

1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

1 tbsp Dijon Mustard

2 cloves Garlic minced

1 tsp Kosher Salt for glaze

1/2 tsp Black Pepper for glaze

1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes

1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

1 tsp Kosher Salt for chicken

1/2 tsp Black Pepper for chicken

1/2 tsp Chili Powder

2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil for searing

1 medium Jalapeno Pepper thinly sliced

1 cup Fresh Raspberries

Instructions

1. Whisk together raspberry preserves, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.

2. Mix salt, pepper, and chili powder in a small bowl. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly.

3. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

4. Add chicken in a single layer and sear 5 minutes without moving.

5. Flip, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 5 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

6. Remove chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil.

7. In the same skillet, add jalapeno slices and raspberry glaze. Stir gently scraping up any browned bits.

8. Add fresh raspberries and stir lightly to coat without crushing.

9. Return chicken to skillet and spoon glaze over the top. Cook 1 minute until warmed through and glossy.

10. Serve immediately over rice or preferred base.

Notes

Pat chicken completely dry before searing to develop a proper golden crust.

Do not move chicken during the first 5 minutes of searing.

Rest chicken tented with foil after cooking to keep juices inside.

Remove jalapeno seeds for milder heat or leave them in for more spice.

Always use fresh raspberries as frozen will break down and water down the glaze.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course, Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: jalapeno raspberry chicken, sweet and spicy chicken, raspberry glaze chicken, easy weeknight chicken dinner