20-Minute Honey Lime Jalapeño Chicken
This vibrant chicken dish combines tender diced chicken with a glossy honey-lime glaze that balances sweet and heat perfectly. Fresh jalapeños add a bright kick while garlic and ginger provide aromatic depth. The sauce thickens beautifully in the pan, coating each piece of chicken in a sticky, flavorful glaze. Finished with sesame oil, fresh cilantro, and crunchy sesame seeds, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors in under 15 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something exciting but quick, and impressive enough for casual entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound chicken, boneless and skinless, diced
- 2 jalapenos, sliced or diced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce, or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup green onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in pan over medium-high heat, add chicken and cook until cooked through, about 2-4 minutes per side
- 2
Add jalapeño and cook for another minute
- 3
Add mixture of broth, honey, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger and mixture of water and cornstarch, toss to coat and cook until sauce thickens, about a minute
- 4
Mix in sesame oil and cilantro, remove from heat
- 5
Serve garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds
Tips
Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and better sauce coating.
Have all ingredients prepped before cooking as this dish moves quickly once started.
Adjust jalapeño amount based on heat preference - remove seeds for milder flavor.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in airtight container.
Prep all ingredients and make sauce mixture up to 4 hours ahead.
Serve immediately over rice, quinoa, or with steamed vegetables.
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook chicken to avoid dryness - it cooks quickly when diced.
Mix cornstarch slurry well to prevent lumps in sauce.
Substitutions
Vegan Options
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this less spicy?
Yes, remove jalapeño seeds and membranes, or reduce to 1 jalapeño. You can also substitute with bell pepper for no heat.
What if I don't have fresh ginger?
Use 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, but fresh provides better flavor. Add it with the liquid ingredients rather than grating.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in microwave or skillet with a splash of broth to refresh sauce.