If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and a perfect balance of sweet heat, this Jalapeno Peach Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It pairs juicy, tender chicken thighs with the fresh warmth of jalapenos and the natural sweetness of peaches, all coated in a luscious peach glaze that’s downright addictive. Each bite is a delightful dance of spicy and sweet, delivered with ease and simplicity to your dinner table in just about half an hour. Trust me, once you try this Jalapeno Peach Chicken Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a special role in building those rich flavors and textures that make this recipe shine. From the golden sweetness of yellow peaches to the bright kick of fresh jalapenos, every component works in harmony.
- Yellow Peaches: Fresh and juicy, their natural sweetness is the star that pairs beautifully with the heat of jalapenos.
- Peach Preserves: Adds a sticky, sweet glaze that helps everything meld together perfectly.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides richness and helps in cooking the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Soy Sauce: Brings a subtle umami depth that balances the sweetness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings a tangy brightness to cut through the richness.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a gentle sharpness, enhancing the glaze’s complexity.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic undertones.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and elevating all the flavors.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle peppery bite without overpowering the dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a little extra heat in the glaze.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Rich, tender, and perfect for soaking up all those delicious flavors.
- Chili Powder: Gives the chicken a smoky, spicy kick that complements the jalapenos perfectly.
- Medium Jalapeno Pepper: Fresh and sliced thin, it adds a lively spicy pop throughout the dish.
How to Make Jalapeno Peach Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peach Glaze
Start by mixing together the peach preserves, extra virgin olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. Stir everything until it is completely incorporated and set this flavorful glaze aside for later.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Then, in a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Generously season each chicken thigh with this spice blend, making sure every piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs (you may need to cook in batches depending on skillet size). Cook for 5 minutes on one side, then flip and reduce to medium-low heat, cooking for an additional 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken and tent loosely to keep warm.
Step 4: Sauté Jalapenos and Peaches
Using the same skillet, increase the heat back to medium. Add the thinly sliced jalapeno peppers and cook for about 3 minutes until they soften slightly. Next, add the sliced yellow peaches and cook for another 3 minutes until the peaches become tender but still hold their shape beautifully.
Step 5: Combine with Peach Glaze and Chicken
Pour the peach glaze into the skillet with the peaches and jalapenos. Stir well to coat everything evenly with that luscious glaze. Then, place the chicken thighs back into the skillet, spooning glaze over the top. Let the chicken warm through for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld wonderfully before serving.
How to Serve Jalapeno Peach Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh contrast to the sweet and spicy elements of the dish. Thinly sliced green onions or a few extra jalapeno slices can also add a fun garnish and a little boost of texture and heat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the irresistible peach glaze. A crisp, simple green salad or steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus provide a refreshing balance to the rich, flavorful chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve your Jalapeno Peach Chicken Recipe over a bed of coconut rice with an extra drizzle of the peach glaze on top. Or, plate it alongside warm naan bread or grilled corn on the cob for a fun, approachable meal that impresses at any dinner party or family gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Jalapeno Peach Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it ideal for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week without sacrificing any flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover chicken (with or without the glaze) in a freezer-safe container or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture once thawed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out. Reheating slowly helps preserve the tender texture of the chicken without losing that delicious peach glaze flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but be mindful they cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. Adjust cooking time accordingly and keep a close eye on internal temperature to maintain juiciness.
How spicy is this Jalapeno Peach Chicken Recipe?
The heat is moderate and balanced by the sweetness of the peaches and glaze. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of jalapenos or omit the red pepper flakes. For more heat, add extra jalapenos or chili powder.
Are canned peaches a good substitute?
Fresh peaches are recommended for their firm texture and natural sweetness, but in a pinch, canned peaches can work. Be sure to drain them well and choose ones packed in natural juice rather than syrup to avoid overpowering sweetness.
Can I make the peach glaze ahead of time?
Yes! The peach glaze can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This makes weeknight cooking even faster and more convenient.
What’s the best way to thinly slice jalapenos?
Use a sharp knife for even, thin slices and take care to remove the seeds if you want to reduce the heat. Wearing gloves is helpful to avoid skin irritation when handling fresh jalapenos.
Final Thoughts
This Jalapeno Peach Chicken Recipe is a celebration of bold flavors and effortless cooking that’s perfect for any night of the week. The sweet peaches and spicy jalapenos create a comforting yet exciting dish that will wow your taste buds and your guests. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this vibrant, heartwarming meal in your recipe collection.
Print
Jalapeno Peach Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 21 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Jalapeno Peach Chicken recipe combines juicy chicken thighs with a sweet and spicy peach glaze, featuring fresh peaches and sliced jalapenos for a flavorful, balanced dish. Cooked on the stovetop, the dish offers a quick and vibrant way to enjoy tender chicken with a hint of heat and fruity sweetness, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Peach Glaze
- 2 yellow peaches, pitted and 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
- â…› teaspoon black pepper
- â…› teaspoon red pepper flakes
Chicken
- 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 jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Peach Glaze: In a medium bowl, combine the peach preserves, extra virgin olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated and set aside to blend flavors.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels for better searing. In a small bowl, mix kosher salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Sprinkle this seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs, ensuring full coverage.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid crowding). Cook for 5 minutes without moving to get a good sear, then flip the chicken. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from the skillet and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Sauté Jalapeno and Peaches: Increase the heat back to medium and add the thinly sliced jalapeno peppers to the same skillet. Sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant. Add the sliced peaches and cook an additional 3 minutes until peaches soften slightly and release their juices.
- Add Peach Glaze: Pour the prepared peach glaze into the skillet with the jalapenos and peaches. Stir gently to ensure all the fruit and jalapeno slices are fully coated with the glaze.
- Reheat Chicken in Glaze: Return the cooked chicken thighs back to the skillet, nestling them among the peaches and jalapenos. Spoon the glaze over the chicken pieces, coating them well. Cook for 1-2 minutes more until chicken is heated through and flavors meld.
- Serve: Serve the Jalapeno Peach Chicken warm, spooning extra glaze over the top for a glossy finish and vibrant taste.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm peaches to avoid mushy texture.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeno to your preferred spice level or substitute with milder peppers if desired.
- For added depth, you can marinate the chicken in some of the peach glaze before cooking.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
