Jalapeño Peach Chicken
Quick Benefits
This Jalapeño Peach Chicken recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. With the natural sweetness of fresh peaches and the fiery kick of jalapeños, it’s a creative way to elevate everyday chicken thighs. The peach glaze not only keeps the chicken juicy but adds a gourmet touch that’s simple enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests.
Essential Ingredients
- 2 yellow peaches, pitted and sliced
- ½ cup peach preserves
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic, minced
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 medium jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced
Preparation Steps
- Make the Peach Glaze:
In a medium bowl, mix together peach preserves, olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth. Set aside. - Season the Chicken:
Pat chicken thighs dry. In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, and chili powder, then rub the mixture over the chicken. - Sear the Chicken:
In a large nonstick skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes per side. Once fully cooked (internal temp 165°F), remove and tent with foil. - Cook the Jalapeños & Peaches:
In the same skillet, add sliced jalapeños and sauté for 3 minutes. Add the sliced peaches and cook another 3 minutes until softened. - Glaze & Finish:
Pour in the prepared peach glaze and stir to coat the fruit. Return the chicken to the pan, spoon the glaze over the thighs, and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.
Health Benefits
- Lean Protein: Chicken thighs provide a great source of protein for muscle maintenance and energy.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Peaches and jalapeños both contain antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation.
- Heart-Healthy Fats: Olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats, good for cardiovascular health.
- No Added Sugar: Using real fruit and fruit preserves adds natural sweetness without processed sugar overload.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up the delicious glaze.
- Add a side of grilled or roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or green beans.
- Pair with a fresh salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to lighten the meal.
- For an elegant presentation, garnish with fresh cilantro or extra peach slices.
Creative Variations
- Swap the Protein: Try this glaze with pork chops or shrimp for a fun variation.
- Add a Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top before serving.
- Grill It: Grill the chicken thighs and peaches for added smokiness, then glaze before serving.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooled chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently on the stove.
- Reheat: Reheat over low heat in a covered skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to thin the sauce.
Pro Tips
- Use ripe but firm peaches to avoid them turning mushy during cooking.
- Taste and adjust the glaze before adding to the skillet—add more vinegar or mustard for tang, or more preserves for sweetness.
- Slice jalapeños thinly for mild heat, or leave in the seeds if you like it spicy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned peaches?
A: Yes, but drain them well and avoid those in heavy syrup to prevent excess sweetness.
Q: What’s a good substitute for peach preserves?
A: Apricot or mango preserves work great and complement the jalapeño just as well.
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Absolutely! Just be cautious not to overcook, as breasts dry out faster than thighs.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: The spice level is mild to moderate. You can reduce or omit the jalapeños and red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~412
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
Jalapeño Peach Chicken
Jalapeño Peach Chicken is a sweet and spicy skillet dish made with juicy boneless chicken thighs glazed in a rich peach sauce, enhanced with the bold flavor of jalapeños. The balance of heat and sweetness makes this a unique and irresistible main course, perfect for a summer dinner or family meal.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
2 yellow peaches, pitted and sliced
1/2 cup peach preserves
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced
Instructions
Peach Glaze: In a medium bowl, mix all the glaze ingredients until incorporated. Set aside.
Chicken: Pat the chicken dry. In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Rub this seasoning mixture onto the chicken.
In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and cook for 5 minutes on each side, reducing the heat to medium-low after flipping, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat, transfer to a plate, and tent to keep warm.
In the same skillet, increase the heat to medium, add jalapeno slices, and cook for 3 minutes.
Add the sliced peaches and cook for another 3 minutes until softened.
Pour in the prepared peach glaze, stirring to coat the peaches and jalapenos evenly.
Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the glaze over the chicken, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly heated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American / Southwest Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: Approximately 412 per serving
