Description
How to make Chicken Diablo with jalapeños, honey, and chipotle peppers that perfectly balances heat and sweetness in every tender bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Base
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Diablo Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
- 2 tbsp adobo sauce from can
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Heat & Aromatics
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken pieces completely dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Let them sit for 5 minutes to absorb seasoning while you prep other ingredients.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken in single layer and cook 4-5 minutes until golden brown on bottom.
- Add Vegetables: Flip chicken and add diced onion, jalapeños, and bell pepper to pan. Cook 3-4 minutes until vegetables start softening and chicken is nearly cooked through.
- Build Sauce: Push everything to one side and add tomato paste to empty space. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in garlic, chipotle, and spices.
- Add Liquids: Stir in honey, adobo sauce, and vinegar, scraping up any browned bits. Let sauce bubble and thicken for 2-3 minutes until glossy.
- Finish Dish: Toss everything together until chicken is fully coated and cooked through. Remove from heat and stir in fresh cilantro before serving immediately.
Notes
- Don’t skip searing the chicken first; it creates essential flavor depth and color.
- Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 4 days in refrigerator.
- Substitute maple syrup for honey if preferred, but reduce quantity slightly.
- Serve immediately for best texture, though reheating works well too.
- Adjust chipotle peppers to your heat preference before cooking.
- Fresh cilantro added at the end brightens the entire dish significantly.
Allergy Information: None
Nutrition
- Calories: 385 calories
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 42g