Description
This Jalapeño Peach Chicken is a delicious combination of juicy chicken breasts (or thighs), fresh peaches, and spicy jalapeños, all cooked in a sticky, flavorful glaze. The natural sweetness of the peaches balances out the heat from the jalapeños, creating a bold yet well-rounded dish. It’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for both casual weeknight meals and special occasions!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Jalapeño Peach Glaze:
- 2 ripe peaches, diced
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for a glossy finish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside (it will finish cooking in the sauce).
Step 3: Make the Jalapeño Peach Glaze
- In the same skillet, add the diced peaches, jalapeño, honey, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, mustard, garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir and cook for 3–4 minutes, until the peaches soften and the sauce starts to thicken.
Step 4: Finish Cooking the Chicken
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Stir in butter to make the sauce extra glossy and rich.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Spoon extra jalapeño peach glaze over the chicken before serving.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or chopped cilantro for extra freshness.
Notes
- Control the spice level by adjusting the jalapeño amount or removing the seeds.
- For extra smoky flavor, grill the chicken instead of pan-searing.
- Make it dairy-free by omitting the butter or using a plant-based alternative.
- Peach season? Use fresh peaches. Otherwise, canned (drained) or frozen (thawed) peaches work too.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop (or Grill)
- Cuisine: American, Southern-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sugar: ~12g
- Sodium: ~500mg
- Fat: ~10g
- Saturated Fat: ~3g
- Carbohydrates: ~22g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~38g
- Cholesterol: ~95mg