This Jalapeno Peach Chicken is a fun mix of sweet and spicy! The juicy chicken meets fresh peaches and a kick of jalapeno for a tasty dish. Perfect for grilling or baking!
Every time I make this, my family can’t resist asking for seconds. It’s like summer on a plate! Serve it with rice or a salad, and enjoy the smiles all around. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish because they cook quickly and stay juicy. You can substitute with thighs if you prefer a darker, richer flavor.
Peaches: Fresh peaches add sweetness and a unique flavor. If they’re out of season, try canned peaches (in juice, not syrup) or apricots for a similar taste!
Jalapeno Pepper: Adjust the heat to your liking! If you want less spice, use a small amount of bell pepper instead, or omit it entirely for sweetness without heat.
Honey: For sweetness, honey is fantastic here. You can swap it with maple syrup or agave nectar if you’re looking for a vegan option.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is a better choice if you want to control salt levels. Vegetable broth also works wonderfully if you’re making this dish vegetarian.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky! To ensure it’s cooked just right, follow these steps:
- Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts well with salt and pepper.
- Heat the skillet to medium-high before adding chicken. This helps to sear it nicely and lock in the juices.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side. The outside should be golden brown.
- After adding the chicken back with the sauce, cover the pan. This steams the chicken, keeping it moist.
- To check if it’s done, cut into the center. If it’s no longer pink and juices run clear, you’re good to go!
Remember to let it rest for a minute after cooking; this helps keep it juicy!
How to Make Jalapeno Peach Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Peach Mixture:
- 1 cup fresh peaches, sliced
- 1 small jalapeno pepper, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Jalapeno Peach Chicken recipe takes about 30 minutes total. It will take approximately 10 minutes to prep the ingredients and about 20 minutes to cook everything to perfection. Perfect for a quick yet flavorful dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This will help boost the flavors of the chicken as it cooks.
2. Searing the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Keep the skillet on the heat; we’ll use the same one for the sauce!
3. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sliced jalapeno pepper. Sauté them until the onion becomes translucent, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step will bring out the wonderful flavors of the veggies.
4. Adding Garlic and Peaches:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until it smells delicious! Next, add the sliced peaches, chicken broth, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and paprika. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let those flavors meld together for a moment!
5. Cooking the Chicken with Sauce:
Return the chicken back to the skillet and scoop some of the peach mixture over the top of each chicken breast. Cover the skillet and let it cook for another 10-12 minutes. You want to make sure the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
6. Garnishing and Serving:
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your dish with fresh parsley to add a nice pop of color. Serve the chicken with the sweet and spicy peach sauce spooned over the top. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. The best way to thaw is to place it in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also submerge the sealed chicken in a bowl of cold water for about an hour. Pat it dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear!
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Peaches?
If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can use canned peaches in light syrup or frozen peaches. If using canned, drain the syrup, and if using frozen, let them thaw and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture. Both alternatives will work well in the sauce!
How Do I Store Leftover Jalapeno Peach Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help maintain the sauce’s consistency!
Can I Adjust the Spiciness of the Dish?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of jalapeno or remove the seeds and membranes, which contain most of the heat. Alternatively, for more spice, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the peach mixture!
