Ah, jalapenos, those little green firecrackers we can’t resist tossing into everything—especially when there’s chicken involved. Picture this:
a chilly evening, the kitchen buzzing with warmth and spicy aromas—this casserole is your new go-to for comfort with a kick. And hey, remember that time last summer when jalapenos were so popular they were practically currency at the farmer’s market?
Yeah, those were the days.
Steps
- Creamy Jalapeño Skillet Chicken: Begin by seasoning chicken cutlets and cooking them in a skillet until golden brown. Prepare a creamy jalapeño sauce and pour it over the cooked cutlets. Serve the dish over a bed of rice or pasta for a complete meal.
- Jalapeño Popper Burgers: Form ground sirloin into burger patties and grill or pan-fry them to your desired doneness. Create a jalapeño cheese topping using just three ingredients, and place it on the burgers. Serve with your choice of bun and toppings.
- Chicken & Kale Taco Salad with Jalapeño-Avocado Ranch: Mix kale with shredded poached chicken and toss with a tangy dressing made from store-bought ranch and pickled jalapeños. Add sliced jalapeños and other preferred toppings for added flavor and nutrition.
- Chili-Topped Sweet Potatoes: Bake sweet potatoes until tender and top with your favorite chili. Add selected toppings like sliced scallions, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and sliced jalapeños to enhance the dish.
- Jalapeño Popper Casserole: Combine chicken pieces with a creamy jalapeño sauce and top with panko breadcrumbs and bacon. Bake until the topping is golden and serve over rice or with chips for a crunchy contrast.
- Spicy Black Bean Soup: Sauté blackened jalapeños and combine with fire-roasted tomatoes and smoked paprika in a pot. Simmer until flavors meld together, then serve hot.
- Fish Tacos with Jalapeño Slaw: Prepare a citrusy slaw with jalapeños and serve it atop fish tacos. Pair with a peach or mango salsa for a sweet and spicy contrast.
- Indian-Spiced Cauliflower & Chickpea Salad: Roast cauliflower and chickpeas with lime juice, ginger, jalapeño, and parsley. Serve as a main dish salad that is both flavorful and satisfying.
- Honey Mustard Salmon with Mango Quinoa: Grill salmon fillets coated in honey mustard and serve alongside a quinoa salad with mango, jalapeño, and almonds for a refreshing meal.
- White Chicken Chili Casserole: Combine chicken, poblano, and jalapeño peppers in a skillet, and cook until heated through. Top with cheddar cheese, cilantro, and crumbled tortilla chips before serving.
- Spicy Jalapeno-Shrimp Pasta: Cook shrimp with pasta and a spicy jalapeño sauce, ready to serve in just 30 minutes.
- Vegan Jambalaya: Sauté onion, red bell pepper, and celery with jalapeños and vegan smoked sausage in a skillet. Cook until flavors meld, offering a meatless take on a classic dish.
- Slow-Cooker Carne Picada Tacos with Avocado Salsa: Slow-cook brisket until tender, then shred and chop the meat. Serve in corn tortillas with blistered jalapeños, cheese, lettuce, and avocado salsa.
- Sweet & Spicy Roasted Salmon with Wild Rice Pilaf: Roast salmon fillets with fresh jalapeños, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Serve alongside a nutty wild rice pilaf for a quick meal.
- Jalapeño-Popper Stuffed Chicken: Stuff chicken breasts with a creamy jalapeño popper filling. Bake until cooked through and serve with a side of green beans.
Ingredients
- Jalapeño peppers
- Chicken cutlets
- Creamy jalapeño sauce
- Rice or pasta
- Ground sirloin (lean ground beef)
- Jalapeño cheese topping
- Kale
- Store-bought ranch dressing
- Pickled jalapeños
- Poached chicken
- Sweet potatoes
- Sliced scallions
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Crispy bacon
- Black beans
- Fire-roasted tomatoes
- Smoked paprika
- Fish
- Citrus
- Peach or mango fruit salsa
- Cauliflower
- Chickpeas
- Lime juice
- Ginger
- Parsley
- Honey mustard
- Salmon
- Quinoa
- Mango
- Almonds
- Poblanos
- Cheddar cheese
- Crumbled tortilla chips
- Shrimp
- Pasta
- Vegan smoked sausage
- Onion
- Red bell pepper
- Celery
- Brisket
- Corn tortillas
- Lettuce
- Avocado salsa
- Honey
- Balsamic vinegar
- Wild rice pilaf
- Chicken breasts
- Green beans
FAQ
- How can I reduce the spiciness of jalapeños?
- To tone down the heat in jalapeños, it’s best to start by removing the seeds, which hold the majority of the spice. If you don’t plan to roast the peppers, chopping them and rinsing under running water can help. Alternatively, after removing the seeds, you can cook the peppers and then soak them in a solution of one part vinegar and three parts water.
- What are some easy jalapeño recipes for weeknight dinners?
- Some simple and delicious jalapeño recipes for weeknights include Creamy Jalapeño Skillet Chicken, Jalapeño Popper Burgers, and Chicken & Kale Taco Salad with Jalapeño-Avocado Ranch. These dishes are flavorful and can be prepared quickly.
- What can I pair with jalapeño-infused dishes?
- Jalapeño-infused dishes can be complemented with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with rice, pasta, or quinoa. For a fresh touch, add toppings like sliced scallions, cilantro, diced avocado, or a citrusy slaw.
- Are there any vegetarian options with jalapeños?
- Yes, there are several vegetarian options that incorporate jalapeños. Try the Spicy Black Bean Soup or the Indian-Spiced Cauliflower & Chickpea Salad for a plant-based meal with a kick.
- Can jalapeños be used in seafood recipes?
- Absolutely, jalapeños add a delightful spice to seafood dishes. Consider trying Fish Tacos with Jalapeño Slaw or Sweet & Spicy Roasted Salmon with Wild Rice Pilaf for a zesty seafood meal.
Tips
- Handling Jalapeños Safely: Always wear gloves when working with jalapeños to protect your skin, and avoid touching your eyes after handling them to prevent irritation.
- Reducing Jalapeño Heat: To lessen the spiciness, remove the seeds and membranes. If you aren’t roasting the peppers, rinse them under cold water after cutting.
- Versatile Usage: Jalapeños can be used in various dishes, from soups and salads to casseroles and pastas, adding a flavorful kick to your meal.
- Enhancing Flavor: For extra flavor, consider using pickled jalapeños or roasting them to add a smoky depth to your dishes.
Equipment
- Jalapeño Corer – A tool specifically designed to remove seeds and inner membranes from jalapeños efficiently.
- Slow Cooker – Useful for recipes like the Slow-Cooker Carne Picada Tacos.
- Skillet – A high-quality, non-stick skillet can be essential for dishes like Creamy Jalapeño Skillet Chicken and Vegan Jambalaya.
- Grill Pan – Helpful for making grilled items like Honey Mustard Salmon.
- Food Processor – Useful for making homemade sauces or salsas, like jalapeño-avocado ranch or avocado salsa.
- Mandoline Slicer – Can be used to achieve thin, uniform slices of jalapeños and other vegetables.
- Quinoa Strainer – If you’re cooking a lot of quinoa, a fine-mesh strainer can be a useful tool.
- Casserole Dish – For recipes like Jalapeño Popper Casserole and White Chicken Chili Casserole.
