If you love the combination of sweet and spicy flavors, then this Jalapeño Peach Chicken will be your new go-to dish. The juicy, caramelized peaches bring a natural sweetness that perfectly balances the fiery kick of fresh jalapeños. The chicken is seared to golden perfection and then simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce, creating a meal that is both comforting and exciting.
This dish is especially perfect in the summer when peaches are at their ripest, but it’s delicious any time of the year. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this meal is sure to impress. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded, satisfying dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, balanced flavors – Sweet peaches, spicy jalapeños, and a savory glaze come together beautifully.
- Quick and easy – Ready in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and nutritious – Packed with lean protein, vitamins, and a burst of fresh ingredients.
- Perfect for any season – Use fresh peaches in the summer or frozen peaches for a year-round treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
How to Make Jalapeño Peach Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps them develop a golden, crispy exterior when cooked. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken won’t be fully cooked yet, but that’s okay—it will finish cooking in the sauce. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Peaches and Jalapeños
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced peaches and jalapeños and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The peaches will begin to soften, and the jalapeños will release their heat and aroma, creating a beautiful balance of flavors.
Step 3: Make the Sweet and Spicy Glaze
Now, it’s time to create the flavorful sauce! Add honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir well, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this adds incredible depth to the sauce). Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Stir this into the sauce and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let them cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
As the chicken simmers, it will absorb all the incredible flavors of the peach-jalapeño glaze, making every bite juicy and flavorful.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve your Jalapeño Peach Chicken over rice, quinoa, or alongside roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. The sauce is so delicious that you’ll want to drizzle it over everything!
Helpful Tips
- Adjust the heat level – For a milder dish, remove the seeds from the jalapeño or use only half. If you love spice, add an extra jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Fresh vs. frozen peaches – Fresh peaches are best in the summer, but frozen peaches work well too. If using frozen, let them thaw slightly before adding them to the pan.
- Grilled peaches for extra flavor – For a smoky twist, try grilling the peach slices before adding them to the sauce. This enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the dish.
- Make ahead and reheat – This dish tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes
- If your peaches are very ripe, they may break down more during cooking, creating a jam-like texture in the sauce. This adds a delicious natural sweetness.
- Try adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving for a refreshing citrusy contrast.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well in this recipe and tend to be even juicier. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
2. What if I don’t have fresh peaches?
No worries! You can use frozen peaches (thawed slightly) or even canned peaches (drained and rinsed) if fresh ones aren’t available.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This dish reheats beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and warm it up on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Related Recipes
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Conclusion
This Jalapeño Peach Chicken is the ultimate sweet-and-spicy dish that will elevate your dinner game. With its juicy, caramelized peaches, a perfectly balanced heat, and a flavorful glaze, it’s a meal that’s both exciting and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Try it out and let me know how it turns out! Enjoy!
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Jalapeño Peach Chicken – A Sweet and Spicy Delight
Description
If you love the combination of sweet and spicy flavors, then this Jalapeño Peach Chicken will be your new go-to dish. The juicy, caramelized peaches bring a natural sweetness that perfectly balances the fiery kick of fresh jalapeños. The chicken is seared to golden perfection and then simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce, creating a meal that is both comforting and exciting.
This dish is especially perfect in the summer when peaches are at their ripest, but it’s delicious any time of the year. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this meal is sure to impress. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps them develop a golden, crispy exterior when cooked. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken won’t be fully cooked yet, but that’s okay—it will finish cooking in the sauce. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Peaches and Jalapeños
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced peaches and jalapeños and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The peaches will begin to soften, and the jalapeños will release their heat and aroma, creating a beautiful balance of flavors.
Step 3: Make the Sweet and Spicy Glaze
Now, it’s time to create the flavorful sauce! Add honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir well, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this adds incredible depth to the sauce). Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Stir this into the sauce and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let them cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
As the chicken simmers, it will absorb all the incredible flavors of the peach-jalapeño glaze, making every bite juicy and flavorful.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve your Jalapeño Peach Chicken over rice, quinoa, or alongside roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. The sauce is so delicious that you’ll want to drizzle it over everything!
Notes
- If your peaches are very ripe, they may break down more during cooking, creating a jam-like texture in the sauce. This adds a delicious natural sweetness.
- Try adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving for a refreshing citrusy contrast.