Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely. Chicken breasts work well, but they cook a bit faster and can dry out more easily. Keep an eye on the internal temperature.

Is Sweet and Spicy Jalapeno Raspberry Chicken very spicy?

Not overwhelmingly. The raspberry balances the heat beautifully. Removing the jalapeño seeds makes it even milder.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. The glaze can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge. That makes dinner even faster when life gets hectic.

What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

Regular vinegar works surprisingly well too. One cook swapped it in and still ended up with rave reviews from the family.

Can frozen raspberries work?

Fresh raspberries give the best texture and presentation, but frozen raspberries can work in a pinch. Just expect the sauce to be slightly looser.

Sweet and Spicy Jalapeno Raspberry Chicken: 25-Minute Magic

Description

Sweet and Spicy Jalapeno Raspberry Chicken is a quick 25-minute dinner packed with juicy chicken thighs, sweet raspberry glaze, and bold jalapeño heat for the perfect sweet-and-savory meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Glaze

1 cup raspberry preserves
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Chicken

1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

For the Topping

1 medium jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup fresh raspberries

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together raspberry preserves, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Season both sides of the chicken thighs evenly.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 5 minutes.
Flip the chicken, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Remove chicken from the skillet and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
In the same skillet, add sliced jalapeños and the raspberry glaze. Stir while scraping up browned bits from the pan.
Add fresh raspberries and gently coat them in the sauce without breaking them apart too much.
Return chicken to the skillet and spoon glaze over the top. Cook for 1 more minute until heated through.
Serve warm with extra raspberries and herbs if desired.

Notes

Remove jalapeño seeds for a milder flavor.

Fresh raspberries work best for texture and presentation.

A meat thermometer helps prevent overcooking.

Homemade raspberry sauce can replace preserves if needed.

Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or pasta salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 90mg