Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure that marries sweet and spicy flavors! This Jalapeño Peach Chicken recipe offers a vibrant fusion of juicy peaches, a gentle kick from jalapeños, and tender chicken, all coated in a mouthwatering glaze. It’s an incredibly easy and flavorful dish, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to impress your taste buds!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Jalapeño Peach Chicken Recipe
This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, bringing unique flavors together effortlessly. Here are a few reasons you’ll adore this Jalapeño Peach Chicken:
- Unique Flavor Profile: The irresistible combination of sweet peaches and a subtle jalapeño warmth creates a perfectly balanced taste.
- Quick & Easy: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe comes together fast, making it ideal for any night of the week.
- Versatile: Serve it as a family dinner, a special occasion dish, or scale it up for entertaining friends.
- Seasonal Delight: It truly shines when fresh peaches are in season, making the most of their natural sweetness.
- Beginner-Friendly: Clear instructions ensure even new cooks can achieve fantastic results with this sweet and spicy chicken.
Ingredients
To create this incredible sweet and savory Jalapeño Peach Chicken, you’ll need a handful of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Each component plays a vital role in building the dish’s rich, complex flavors. Beyond their sweet taste, peaches offer numerous nutritional benefits, making them a wholesome addition to your diet. Learn more about the nutritional qualities and health benefits of peaches. Gather these items, and let’s get cooking!
- 2 yellow peaches, pitted, sliced
- ½ cup (160 g) peach preserves
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with many ingredients for this delicious recipe. Use ripe, fresh peaches for the best flavor, but canned or frozen peach slices work wonderfully in a pinch. If using canned, drain them well. For the peach preserves, apricot jam or even orange marmalade can offer a similar sweet, fruity base if you don’t have peach preserves on hand. While chicken thighs stay incredibly moist, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used; just adjust cooking time to avoid dryness. Feel free to adjust the number of jalapeño slices and whether you include seeds based on your desired level of heat.
Equipment
You don’t need fancy gadgets to prepare this delightful Jalapeño Peach Chicken. Just a few standard kitchen tools will help you bring this dish to life efficiently and effectively.
- Large nonstick skillet
- Medium and small mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Tongs or spatula
- Internal meat thermometer (optional, but recommended for accuracy)
Instructions
Bringing this fantastic Jalapeño Peach Chicken to your table is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready in no time.
Preparing the Peach Glaze
To a medium bowl, add the peach preserves, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated and the glaze is smooth. Set this flavorful mixture aside for later use.
Cooking the Chicken
Pat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon chili powder. Apply this seasoning mixture evenly to all sides of the chicken.
To a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet. (Depending on your skillet’s size, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, which prevents proper searing.)
Cook the chicken for 5 minutes per side. After the first 5 minutes, flip the chicken, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate. Tent the plate loosely with foil to keep the chicken warm while you finish the sauce.
Finishing the Dish
To the same skillet, increase the heat back up to medium. Add the thinly sliced jalapeño peppers. Cook them for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. Next, add the sliced yellow peaches in with the jalapeños. Continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes, or until the peaches have slightly softened and are fragrant.
Pour the prepared peach glaze into the skillet with the peaches and jalapeños. Stir gently to make sure every jalapeño slice and peach segment is evenly coated in the sweet and spicy peach glaze. The sauce will thicken slightly as it heats.
Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet, nestling it into the glaze. Spoon some of the delicious glaze over the top of the chicken pieces. Cook for just 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is hot again and thoroughly coated in the sauce. Serve your amazing Jalapeño Peach Chicken warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Jalapeño Peach Chicken
Achieving restaurant-quality results with your Jalapeño Peach Chicken is easier than you think. Here are some expert tips to ensure every bite is perfect:
- Choose Ripe Peaches: Select peaches that are firm but yield slightly to gentle pressure and smell fragrant. They offer the best natural sweetness.
- Control the Heat: For less spice, remove the seeds and white membrane from the jalapeño. For more heat, leave some or all of them in.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature, steaming the chicken instead of searing it, which prevents a golden crust.
- Use a Thermometer: An internal meat thermometer ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked to 165°F (74°C), keeping it juicy and safe to eat. For comprehensive guidance on safe cooking temperatures, the USDA recommends that all poultry reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C).
- Deglaze for Flavor: After cooking the chicken, any browned bits in the pan (fond) are packed with flavor. When you add the jalapeños and peaches, scrape these bits up to incorporate them into your glaze.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
Once you’ve cooked your fantastic Jalapeño Peach Chicken, the possibilities for enjoying it are endless. This versatile dish is wonderful on its own, but also pairs beautifully with various sides and can be adapted to suit different tastes.
Serving Suggestions
This spicy-sweet chicken pairs wonderfully with simple accompaniments that let its flavors shine. Serve your Jalapeño Peach Chicken over fluffy white rice, aromatic basmati, or even a subtly sweet coconut rice. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans make a healthy and delicious side. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with creamy mashed potatoes or light, fluffy couscous. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or crushed peanuts adds a lovely garnish and extra texture.
Storage Instructions
To store leftovers, first allow the Jalapeño Peach Chicken to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers for 2-3 months. Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick, to maintain its moisture and flavor.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe!
- Protein Swap: Instead of chicken, try the same glaze and method with succulent white fish fillets or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add More Veggies: Stir in sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) or thinly sliced red onion along with the jalapeños and peaches for extra color and nutrition.
- Different Preserves: Experiment with other fruit preserves like apricot, mango, or even cherry for a unique twist on the glaze.
- Grilled Version: For a smoky flavor, marinate the chicken in a little of the glaze, then grill the chicken and sliced peaches separately before combining with the finished glaze.
Nutrition Information
This Jalapeño Peach Chicken offers a flavorful and satisfying meal option. Each serving provides a good balance of protein and energy, making it a delicious choice for your meal rotation.
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 412 kcal |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making this delightful Jalapeño Peach Chicken.
- Is this dish very spicy? Not extremely. The recipe uses one medium jalapeño, and you can control the heat by removing seeds and membranes.
- Can I use frozen or canned peaches? Absolutely! Fresh peaches are ideal, but frozen (thawed and drained) or canned (drained) peaches work wonderfully for this recipe.
- How can I make it less spicy? For a milder flavor, use only half of the jalapeño or remove all its seeds and white membrane before slicing.
- Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time? Yes, you can mix the peach glaze ingredients up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Is it freezer-friendly? Yes, this Jalapeño Peach Chicken freezes well. Store cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This Jalapeño Peach Chicken truly delivers a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that will brighten any meal. It’s wonderfully simple to make, yet impressive enough for any occasion, proving that delicious home cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. We encourage you to try this vibrant recipe and discover your new favorite weeknight dinner. Share your thoughts and rate the recipe; we love hearing from you!
Spicy-Sweet Jalapeño Peach Chicken
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Small bowl
- Large nonstick skillet
- Plate
Ingredients
Glaze Ingredients
- 2 yellow peaches pitted, sliced
- ½ cup peach preserves (160 g)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Chicken Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium jalapeno pepper thinly sliced
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine all glaze ingredients in a medium bowl and mix until well incorporated, then set it aside.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, and chili powder to create the seasoning blend.
- Evenly apply the prepared seasoning mixture to both sides of the chicken.
Cooking
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, then add chicken thighs and cook for 5 minutes per side until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached. Remove the chicken to a plate and tent it to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, increase heat to medium, add sliced jalapeño peppers and cook for 3 minutes, then add the sliced peaches and cook for an additional 3 minutes until softened.
- Pour the reserved peach glaze into the skillet with the peaches and jalapeños, stirring to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spoon the glaze over the top, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the chicken is hot again.
Serving
- Serve the Spicy-Sweet Jalapeño Peach Chicken warm.