Jalapeno Glazed Chicken Tenderloin

$For this dish, you need 1 pound of chicken tenderloins. They are juicy and cook quickly. You can find them at any grocery store. Choose tenderloins that are fresh and look good. You will use 2 fresh jalapenos for heat and flavor. Chop them finely, and if you like it hotter, keep the seeds. Fresh ingredients make the dish vibrant. You also need 1 garlic clove, minced, to add depth to the glaze. For the glaze, gather these ingredients: - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil Honey gives sweetness, and soy sauce adds umami. Apple cider vinegar brings a touch of tanginess. Ground cumin adds warmth to the flavor. Salt and pepper enhance everything. Olive oil helps to cook the chicken nicely. With these ingredients, you will create a tasty glaze that coats the chicken perfectly. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a medium bowl. Add the finely chopped jalapenos, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and ground cumin. Use a spoon to mix everything well. This glaze brings sweet and spicy flavors together. Next, take your chicken tenderloins and place them in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Pour half of the jalapeno glaze over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is well-coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag, then let it marinate. Aim for at least 30 minutes. You can also let it sit for up to 2 hours. This step makes the chicken taste even better. Now, it’s time to cook! Preheat your grill or frying pan to medium-high heat. Add the olive oil to the pan. Take the chicken from the marinade. Let any extra glaze drip off. Discard the leftover marinade to keep things safe. Cook the chicken tenderloins for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check; the inside should reach 165°F (75°C). You want a nice char on the outside. In the last minute of cooking, brush the remaining glaze on top. This adds more flavor and makes your chicken shiny. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Slice the tenderloins and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle any leftover glaze on top. Finish by garnishing with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for a zesty kick. Enjoy your flavorful dish! To get the glaze just right, you want a nice balance. Start with equal parts honey and soy sauce. Honey adds sweetness, while soy sauce gives saltiness. If the glaze is too thick, add a splash of apple cider vinegar. This will help it flow better. If it’s too thin, add more honey. Stir until smooth. You want it to coat the chicken well but not drip off. Cooking chicken tenderloins can be simple. I prefer grilling or pan-frying. Both methods create a great char. Make sure your grill or pan is hot before adding the chicken. This helps lock in juices. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes keeps it juicy. Marinating is key for flavor. I recommend marinating the tenderloins for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper taste, go for 2 hours. The longer you marinate, the more the flavors soak in. Make sure to coat the chicken fully in the glaze. This will give you the best taste and help create a sticky, flavorful crust when cooked. Pro Tips Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if you have the time. Heat Level: Adjust the number of jalapenos based on your heat preference. Removing the seeds will reduce the spiciness. Grill Marks: To achieve beautiful grill marks, ensure your grill is preheated properly before adding the chicken. Resting the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for more tender meat. {{image_2}} You can change the spice level to suit your taste. If you want more heat, leave the seeds in the jalapenos. For a milder dish, use fewer jalapenos or remove the seeds. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a milder pepper like poblano. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish! Chicken tenderloins work great, but you can try other proteins too. Thin cuts of pork or beef can hold the glaze well. If you prefer seafood, shrimp or fish fillets can soak up the flavor. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they cook through. Pair your jalapeno glazed chicken with tasty side dishes. A fresh salad with lime dressing adds a nice crunch. Rice or quinoa works well to soak up the glaze. Grilled vegetables like corn or bell peppers can also complement the meal. Don’t forget some warm tortillas for a fun twist! After you cook the jalapeno glazed chicken tenderloin, let it cool down first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you have extra glaze, store it separately in a jar. To reheat the chicken, you can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, cover the chicken to keep it moist. Heat it for about 1-2 minutes. If using a skillet, add a bit of olive oil. Heat the chicken on medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, turning it often. You can freeze jalapeno glazed chicken tenderloin for up to 3 months. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. This keeps it from freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. After that, reheat it as mentioned above. If you need a honey substitute, try agave syrup or maple syrup. Both add sweetness like honey. You can also use brown sugar mixed with water for a similar effect. Each option will change the taste slightly, but they all work well in the glaze. To boost the spice, add more jalapenos to the glaze. You can leave the seeds in for extra heat. Another option is to mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. If you want a different flavor, try adding sriracha or hot sauce. Yes, you can cook the chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Brush additional glaze on before serving for more flavor. This blog post covered how to make delicious chicken tenderloins with a spicy jalapeno glaze. We looked at key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. I shared ways to adapt flavors and suggested storage methods for leftovers. Cooking can be fun and tasty with these easy ideas. Try out these tips and enjoy your meals! You’ll impress your family and friends with your skills.$

Jalapeno Glazed Chicken Tenderloin

A spicy and sweet chicken dish with a jalapeno glaze.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenderloins
2 whole fresh jalapenos, finely chopped
1 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
to taste salt and pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
for garnish fresh cilantro
for serving lime wedges

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the chopped jalapenos, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a glaze.
Place the chicken tenderloins in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour half of the jalapeno glaze over the chicken. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more intense flavor.
Preheat your grill or a frying pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess glaze drip off, and discard the remaining marinade.
Cook the chicken tenderloins for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and they have a nice charred appearance.
During the last minute of cooking, brush the remaining glaze over the chicken for added flavor and a glossy finish.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
Slice the chicken and arrange it on a serving platter. Drizzle any leftover glaze over the top and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for a longer time for more flavor.

Keyword chicken, glazed, grilled, jalapeno