Crispy Bacon Chicken with Jalapeño-Lime Glaze
Ingredients
- 4 pieceschicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 6 slicesbacon
- 2jalapeño peppers
- 1lime
- 3 clovesgarlic
- 2 tablespoonhoney
- 1 tablespoonsoy sauce
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
- ·kosher salt
- ·black pepper
- 1 tablespoonolive oil
Prep
- 01
Mince 3 cloves garlic.
- 02
Remove seeds from 2 jalapeños and mince.
- 03
Juice 1 lime.
Method
- 01
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook bacon until crispy, about 7-8 minutes, then transfer to a plate and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- 02
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- 03
In the same skillet with the bacon fat, sear chicken over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F at the thickest part). Transfer to a plate.
- 04
Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the skillet. Add minced garlic and jalapeño, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 05
Add honey, soy sauce, lime juice, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and simmer for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
- 06
Return chicken and bacon to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the glaze. Cook for 1 minute more.
- 07
Serve immediately, spooning extra glaze over each piece.
Spice Tips
For deeper heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze. For a smoky kick, swap half the honey for chipotle hot sauce. If you want more brightness without extra spice, add a handful of fresh cilantro at the very end.
If you prefer less heat, use only 1 jalapeño or reduce red pepper flakes to 1/8 teaspoon. The recipe pairs well with jasmine rice or roasted vegetables to soak up the glaze.