Hot And Spicy Chicken
Hot and Spicy Chicken is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with zesty jalapenos and sweet corn, all topped with cheesy cornbread. Perfect for those who love a kick of heat, this recipe is sure to impress at gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chicken, corn, broth, celery, and onion.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; simmer for 15 minutes, uncovered.
- Add salsa.
- Stir 2 tablespoons water into cornstarch and add to chicken mixture.
- Cook and stir until bubbles form.
- Cook an additional 2 minutes.
- Prepare cornbread according to package instructions.
- Pour chicken mixture into a 10 x 6 x 2-inch dish.
- Sprinkle with cheese and jalapeno peppers.
- Spoon cornbread on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 425°.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider using spicy chicken broth or adding crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder dish, substitute diced green bell peppers for the jalapenos. You can also use frozen mixed vegetables instead of corn for added nutrition. For a gluten-free option, check the cornbread mix for gluten content or make your own using almond flour.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot and enjoy with a side salad or tortilla chips for crunch. This dish pairs beautifully with Easy Chicken 'N Dumplings for a comforting meal. For those who love spice, a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top can enhance the flavors. Consider offering a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade to balance the heat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot And Spicy Chicken contains roughly 364 calories, with 19g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 700mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken breasts. Simply cook them first by boiling or baking until fully cooked, then chop before adding to the recipe. This will add more flavor and moisture to the dish.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
You can use flour as a substitute for cornstarch. However, you'll need to use about double the amount of flour to achieve the same thickening effect. Mix it with water as you would with cornstarch to avoid clumps.
Can I freeze the hot and spicy chicken dish?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).