Cozy Braised Chicken with Chili Peppers: A Heartwarming Spicy Delight

Braised chicken with chili peppers is a vibrant and spicy culinary delight that captures the essence of bold flavor combinations.

This hearty dish combines tender chicken pieces with the fiery warmth of chili peppers, creating a mouthwatering experience for those who love intense taste profiles.

Home cooks and professional chefs alike appreciate the rich complexity of slow-cooked meats infused with robust spices and aromatic seasonings.

The cooking technique involves carefully simmering chicken in a flavorful liquid, allowing the meat to become incredibly succulent and absorb the surrounding seasonings.

Chili peppers contribute not just heat but also depth and character to the overall dish, transforming a simple protein into a memorable meal.

Regions across different culinary traditions have embraced this cooking method, showcasing how braising can elevate chicken to a truly remarkable dining experience.

What Makes Braised Chicken With Chili Peppers So Bold

• Quick Spicy Weeknight Delight: Effortless chicken recipe that transforms dinner into an exciting culinary adventure.
• Speedy Flavor Explosion: Prepares in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks craving restaurant-quality meals without extensive cooking skills.
• Heat-Lovers' Paradise: Customizable spice levels allow everyone from mild-taste fans to serious chili enthusiasts to enjoy this vibrant dish.
• Budget-Friendly Gourmet: Uses affordable ingredients like chicken, basic pantry sauces, and accessible chilies, delivering maximum flavor with minimal investment.

What Goes Into Braised Chicken With Chili Peppers

• Chicken: Protein base of the dish, best with boneless thighs or breast for tender texture.

• Soy Sauce: Adds savory umami depth, choose low-sodium for better control of salt.
• Brown Sugar: Balances heat with sweetness, provides caramelization.
• Rice Vinegar: Introduces tangy brightness to the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken sauce and create glossy coating.
• Water: Helps adjust sauce consistency.

• Onions, Garlic, Ginger: Classic flavor base with robust and warming characteristics.
• Green Chilies, Red Chilies: Provides heat and vibrant color, adjust according to spice preference.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish with mild onion flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Optional liquid for additional moisture and depth.
• Sesame Oil: Adds nutty aroma and rich finish.

• Cooking Oil: Neutral oil for stir-frying, such as vegetable or canola oil.

How To Make Braised Chicken With Chili Peppers

Step 1: Jumpstart the Marinade

• Chicken
• Soy sauce

Splash soy sauce over chicken and toss until fully coated. Let the flavors mingle and dance for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Craft the Magical Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Cornstarch
• Water

Step 3: Brown the Chicken Bits

Heat cooking oil in a wok until shimmering. Toss chicken pieces and stir-fry until golden edges appear. Scoop out and park on a side plate.

Step 4: Awaken the Aromatics

Tumble onions, garlic, and ginger into the hot wok. Swirl and dance until fragrant clouds fill your kitchen.

Step 5: Ignite the Chili Explosion

Slide sliced green and red chilies into the wok. Stir quickly for a vibrant minute.

Step 6: Create the Braising Magic

Return chicken to the wok. Pour sauce, coating every morsel. Splash in chicken broth. Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken turns tender.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Drizzle with sesame oil. Scatter green onions on top. Serve immediately with steaming rice.

Tips For Braised Chicken With Chili Peppers

• Maximize Flavor Depth: Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to enhance taste absorption and tenderness.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chili pepper quantities based on personal heat tolerance – remove seeds for milder version or add extra for intense heat.
• Perfect Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch mixture thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure smooth, glossy sauce coating the chicken.
• Rice Pairing Perfection: Choose sticky or jasmine rice to soak up the delicious braising sauce, creating a complete flavor experience.
• Substitute with Confidence: Replace chicken with tofu or firm white fish for vegetarian/alternative protein options while maintaining similar cooking techniques.

How To Save And Warm Braised Chicken With Chili Peppers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover braised chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave Option: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

What Tastes Good With Braised Chicken With Chili Peppers

• Pair Spicy Heat with Cool Refreshment: Select a crisp German Riesling with slight sweetness to balance the chili's intense warmth, creating a delightful flavor contrast.
• Complement Chicken's Richness with Vibrant Beer: Choose a hoppy India Pale Ale (IPA) that cuts through the braised dish's richness while matching its bold spice profile.
• Create Harmony with Herbal Side Dish: Prepare a cucumber and mint salad with light rice vinegar dressing to provide a cooling counterpoint to the spicy chicken's intense flavors.
• Match with Smooth Asian-Inspired Cocktail: Mix a ginger-lemongrass martini that echoes the dish's Asian ingredients and provides a smooth, refreshing companion to the braised chicken's robust taste.

New Twists On Braised Chicken With Chili Peppers

• Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh cubes, pressing out excess moisture before marinating. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete plant-based version.
• Low-Sodium Option: Swap regular soy sauce with low-sodium tamari or coconut aminos. Reduce added salt and use herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance flavor profile without increasing sodium content.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free tamari instead of traditional soy sauce. Replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch for thickening the sauce. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Mild Heat Version: Substitute spicy green and red chilies with bell peppers or poblano peppers. Use a small amount of mild green chili or reduce the quantity of hot peppers to create a gentler, family-friendly dish with less intense heat.

Questions About Braised Chicken With Chili Peppers

• Is this dish spicy?

The level of spiciness depends on the type and amount of chili peppers used. For a milder version, remove the seeds from the peppers or use fewer chilies.

• Can I use different types of chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs, breasts, or even bone-in chicken pieces. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

• What if I don't have rice vinegar?

You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

• How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Sizzling Braised Chicken with Chili Peppers Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent braised chicken with chili peppers delivers a spicy Mexican-inspired culinary journey through bold, tender flavors. Hearty and warming, this dish brings complex heat and rich comfort to your dinner table with remarkable depth and authentic regional character.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken wings, cut into bite-sized pieces

Spices and Chilies:

• 2–3 green chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
• 2–3 red chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
• 1-inch ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• ¼ cup chicken broth (optional, adds richness)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 large onion, sliced

Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Chopped green onions (optional)

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Instructions

1. Infuse the chicken with savory depth by gently massaging it with soy sauce, allowing the flavors to penetrate for a quarter-hour.
2. Create a vibrant sauce by whisking together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water in a separate vessel, setting it aside to meld the flavors.
3. Transform the chicken with high-heat searing in a wok, cooking until the exterior develops a golden-brown crust, then temporarily remove from the cooking surface.
4. Awaken the aromatic foundation by sautéing finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger, releasing their intense fragrance into the cooking environment.
5. Introduce sliced green and red chilies, quickly tossing them to develop their fiery essence and integrate with the existing aromatics.
6. Reunite the chicken with the spice-laden base, cascading the prepared sauce over the protein and ensuring complete coverage. Supplement with chicken broth to create a luxurious braising liquid.
7. Reduce heat and allow the dish to simmer gently, covered, until the chicken becomes supremely tender and the sauce reaches a luscious, clingy consistency.
8. Elevate the final presentation by drizzling with nutty sesame oil and scattering fresh green onions across the surface, creating a visually appealing and flavor-rich dish best enjoyed with steamed rice.

Notes

• Adjust spice levels by selecting milder or hotter chili peppers depending on personal heat tolerance.
• Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s rich flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
• Lower the sodium content by choosing low-sodium soy sauce and reducing added salt during marination.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Braising
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg