She Strengthens

Unleash the Power of Jalapeño: 23 Recipes to Spice Up Your Life

When it comes to adding a kick to your meals, jalapeño peppers are the ultimate game-changer. From Mexican dishes to unexpected twists on classic recipes, these spicy wonders can elevate any meal from bland to grand.

Start with a Bang: Jalapeño Hummus

Take your hummus game to the next level by trading in lemon for lime and adding roasted jalapeños and cumin for a soft kick. Top with fresh cilantro and be sure to wash those hands thoroughly to avoid any post-pepper burning.

Zoodle Up Your Life: Zucchini Noodles with Jalapeño Pesto

Homemade pesto is a weeknight dinner saver. This recipe ditches traditional noodles for zoodles and adds jalapeños, spinach, and arugula for a fresh twist. Make it vegan by swapping cheese for pine nuts or walnuts.

Island Vibes: Sticky Honey Jalapeño Island Chicken

This island-inspired chicken recipe is a flavor bomb. Marinate drumsticks for at least 12 hours, then use jalapeño jelly to bind the sauce together. Top with sliced scallions and chopped peanuts for a nice crunch.

Breakfast Goals: Low-Carb Jalapeño Crepes

Savory, spicy, and full of bacon – these keto-friendly crepes are the ultimate breakfast treat. Blend eggs, cream cheese, pickled jalapeños, butter, and a touch of sugar for the crepe wrapping, and mix together more cream cheese, cooked bacon, and vanilla for the filler.

Summer Salad Inspiration: Chipotle Honey Roasted Jalapeño Peach Corn Quinoa Salad

Keep your salad game strong with this protein-packed quinoa salad. Mix juicy peach slices, sharp cheddar cheese, charred jalapeños, and a punchy chipotle honey dressing for a flavor explosion. Add diced chicken breast for extra filling and romaine for crunch.

Get Your Chicken Salad On: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Transform leftover rotisserie chicken into a delicious salad. Mix shredded chicken with mayo, cream cheese, red onion, pickled jalapeños, bacon, and cheddar cheese for a flavorful treat. Scoop up with lettuce cups to keep it low-carb.

Tostada Tuesday: Pea Shoot, Radish, and Fermented Jalapeño Tostadas

Take your breakfast game to the next level with these fiber-filled black bean tostadas. Layer toasted tortillas, fried eggs, sliced avocado, pea shoots, radishes, and fermented jalapeños for a super-stacked breakfast.

Grits, Glorious Grits: Jalapeño Cheddar Grits with Poached Egg

Ditch oatmeal for these rich and creamy grits. Use onions, garlic, and jalapeños for a spicy kick, and cheddar cheese, butter, and milk for extra richness. Serve with poached or fried eggs and chicken sausage.

Burger Goals: Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Burgers with Guacamole

Elevate your burger game with these chicken jalapeño burgers. Top with cheddar cheese, guacamole, and skip the mustard and ketchup for pico de gallo and sour cream.

Sweet and Spicy: Candied Jalapeños

Take your snacks to the next level with these candied jalapeños. Soften the spice with a little sweet, and use them as a topper for tacos, scrambled eggs, protein bowls, and more.

Deviled Delight: Jalapeño Popper Deviled Eggs

Add a spicy twist to deviled eggs. Mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, thick-cut bacon, mayo, and jalapeños for a low-carb bite. Skip the mayo or sub in Greek yogurt for a healthier option.

Asian-Inspired: Asian Jalapeño Chicken

Easy chicken doesn’t have to mean bland chicken. Use honey, lemon, jalapeño, sesame oil, garlic, soy sauce, and Sriracha to give serious life to lean protein. Eat with brown rice, quinoa, or zucchini noodles.

Mac and Cheese Magic: Baked Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese

This decadent mac and cheese is spiced with jalapeños, red pepper flakes, pepper jack cheese, and Dijon mustard. A 30-minute weeknight comfort dish that’s sure to become a favorite.

Fish Frenzy: Grilled Salmon with Strawberry Jalapeño Salsa

Impress with this simple yet flavorful recipe. Pair grilled salmon with a sweet and spicy strawberry jalapeño salsa, served on a bed of greens with a drizzle of olive oil and sliced limes.

Soup for the Soul: Lime Jalapeño Chicken Soup

Warm up with this spicy chicken soup. Spiced with an entire jalapeño, it’s perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather. Add white beans for extra protein and wilt spinach for extra greens.

Sausage Party: Garlic Jalapeño Chicken Sausage Patties

These chicken sausage patties are a breakfast, lunch, or dinner dream come true. Mix ground meat with spices, cook in a nonstick skillet, and freeze for later. Bonus: They’re perfect for meal prep.

Cornbread Love: Honey Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins

Take cornbread to the next level with these spicy muffins. Mix classic cornbread batter with brown butter, fresh jalapeños, sour cream, buttermilk, and savory surprises, then bake until golden. Serve warm with extra butter and honey.

Clam Bake: Grilled Clams with Charred Jalapeño Basil Butter

Shellfish doesn’t have to be intimidating. Grill clams until they open, then mix with melted jalapeño butter (loaded with blue cheese). Serve with linguine or grilled sourdough.

Slow-Cooker Magic: Slow-Cooker Jalapeño Chicken Taquitos

Leave it to a slow cooker to make chicken tender and flavorful. This spin on jalapeño poppers uses cream cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, and spices to create a rich filling, then rolls it into tortillas and bakes under another layer of cheese.

Brunch Goals: Southwestern Eggs Benedict

Elevate brunch with this spicy twist on eggs Benedict. Use chorizo instead of Canadian bacon and make a jalapeño-infused hollandaise sauce. Pair with a spicy Bloody Mary and a post-brunch nap.

Shrimp Fiesta: Easy Jalapeño Shrimp Veggie Bake

This spicy seafood dish is perfect for date night or a quick family dinner. Mix fresh tomatoes, squash, zucchini, red onion, cream, eggs, and cheese for a flavorful bake. Serve with a simple Caesar salad or steamed artichoke.

Vegan Vibes: Roasted Jalapeño Vegan Queso

Dairy-free doesn’t have to mean flavor-free. This vegan queso dip is made with only seven ingredients and is spiced with jalapeños, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and sea salt.

Taco Tuesday: Jalapeño Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos with Avocado-Lime Crema

This veggie-friendly taco recipe uses sweet potato and black beans instead of meat. Pack on the flavor with sliced avocado, purple cabbage, and a light, tangy crema. Experiment with fillers like portobello mushroom and cauliflower, and serve as a salad on a large bed of lettuce.