Jalapeno Peach Chicken
Looking for a flavorful twist on chicken? This Jalapeno Peach Chicken with a Sweet and Spicy Glaze is sure to tantalize your taste buds. The juicy chicken is perfectly seasoned and cooked to tender perfection, then coated in a delightful glaze bursting with sweet peaches, a touch of heat from jalapeno, and a hint of tangy vinegar.
This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work. It’s versatile too! Choose between pan-frying the chicken for a quick and convenient meal or grilling it for a smoky depth of flavor.
The combination of sweet peaches and spicy jalapeno creates an irresistible flavor profile that’s both refreshing and satisfying. This dish is perfect for a summer cookout or a light and flavorful weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s easily customizable to your spice preference by adjusting the amount of jalapeno used.
So ditch the ordinary and give this Jalapeno Peach Chicken a try! It’s sure to become a new favorite.
Questions I often get asked about this recipe:
Can I make this recipe without the jalapeno?
Absolutely! Just omit the jalapeno for a sweeter dish.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level is adjustable. Leaving the seeds in the jalapeno will increase the heat. You can also start with half a jalapeno and add more to taste.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but be mindful of cooking time to avoid drying out the chicken breasts.
What can I substitute for peach preserves?
Apricot preserves or another sweet fruit spread would work well.
Do I have to grill the chicken? Can I bake it instead?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
What you need to make Jalapeno Peach Chicken:
For the chicken:
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1.5 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
For the glaze:
2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
1/4 cup peach preserves (or apricot preserves)
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (adjust for spice preference)
1 tsp olive oil
How to make it:
Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season generously with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook the chicken:
Pan-frying: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Make the glaze: While the chicken cooks, combine peaches, peach preserves, apple cider vinegar, jalapeno, and olive oil in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, mashing some of the peaches with a fork to create a chunky sauce. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
Assemble and serve: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate. Add the glaze to the pan and bring to a simmer. Add the chicken back to the pan and spoon the glaze over it for a minute or two to heat through.
Serve the chicken with the remaining glaze spooned on top. You can pair it with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips:
For a spicier dish, leave the seeds in the jalapeno.
You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but be sure to adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
If the glaze thickens too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Latest Reviews:
Wow! This Jalapeno Peach Chicken was a hit with my family. The glaze was amazing – sweet, spicy, and perfect with the juicy chicken. We grilled the chicken for a smoky flavor and served it with brown rice and roasted veggies. Definitely a keeper! Darren G.
Easy to follow and turned out so flavorful. I loved the unexpected combination of peaches and jalapeno. I used chicken breasts and cooked them a little longer to avoid drying out. The leftovers were delicious too! Sammy P.
I made this recipe for a weeknight dinner and it was a success. It came together quickly and the flavors were fantastic. I used half a jalapeno for a mild spice level, which was perfect for everyone at the table. Will definitely make again! Dean W.
Printable Recipe:
Jalapeno Peach Chicken
This recipe combines juicy chicken with sweet peaches and a touch of heat from jalapeno for a delicious and flavorful meal. You can choose to pan-fry the chicken or grill it for a smoky touch.
Ingredients
- For the chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1.5 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- For the glaze:
- 2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup peach preserves (or apricot preserves)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season generously with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken:
- Pan-frying: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Make the glaze: While the chicken cooks, combine peaches, peach preserves, apple cider vinegar, jalapeno, and olive oil in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, mashing some of the peaches with a fork to create a chunky sauce. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Assemble and serve: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate. Add the glaze to the pan and bring to a simmer. Add the chicken back to the pan and spoon the glaze over it for a minute or two to heat through.
- Serve the chicken with the remaining glaze spooned on top. You can pair it with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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