Are you searching for a dish that perfectly balances sweetness with a kick of heat? Look no further! My Jalapeño Peach Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with the sweet flavors of ripe peaches and a tangy peach glaze—finished off with a fiery twist from fresh jalapeños. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will quickly become a family favorite.
This delicious recipe is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even meal prepping for the week. The ingredients are simple and readily available, making it an excellent option for both beginners and experienced cooks.
Let’s dive into the components you’ll need and how you can easily assemble this mouthwatering dinner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dish :
- Chicken : 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs (pat them dry for a great sear)
- Spices : 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Peaches : 2 ripe yellow peaches, pitted and sliced
- Jalapeños : 1 medium-sized jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced
For the Glaze :
- 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
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Kitchen Tools You’ll Want to Have :
- A large nonstick skillet : for cooking the chicken, jalapeños, and peaches to perfection.
- A meat thermometer : to ensure your chicken is cooked exactly to 165°F.
- A mixing bowl : for stirring together your peach glaze.
- Tongs or a spatula : for flipping and removing your perfectly cooked chicken.
Step 1: Making the Peach Glaze
The peach glaze is the heart and soul of this recipe—it combines sweetness, a touch of acidity, and just a bit of spice. You’ll love how it clings to the chicken and marries so well with the flavors of the peaches and jalapeños. Here’s how to make it:
Instructions for Peach Glaze :
- Combine Ingredients : In a medium bowl , add ½ cup of peach preserves, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon minced garlic, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
- Mix Until Smooth : Using a whisk or spoon, mix all the ingredients together until they are well incorporated and you have a smooth, syrupy glaze.
- Set It Aside : Once your glaze is thoroughly mixed, simply set it aside. We’ll use it later to coat the chicken, peaches, and jalapeños once they’re perfectly cooked.
Cooking Pro Tip : If you like a little more heat, feel free to add extra red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to your glaze!
Step 2: Prepping the Chicken
Now that our peach glaze is ready, it’s time to prep the chicken thighs and get the seasoning right.
Instructions for Chicken Seasoning :
- Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel; this will help develop a nice crust when you cook them.
- In a small bowl , mix together your spices : 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon chili powder.
- Season the Chicken Thighs : Generously rub the seasoning mixture all over each piece of chicken, making sure they are evenly coated on both sides.
Step 3: Cooking the Chicken
Now that your chicken is well-seasoned, it’s time to sear it! Get ready for that golden crust and tender interior that makes this dish shine.
Instructions for Cooking the Chicken:
- Heat the Skillet : Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil . Let the oil heat up until it shimmers—this ensures a good sear on your chicken.
- Cook Chicken :
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken thighs to the skillet. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to do this in batches, so you don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for 5 minutes on the first side without moving the chicken. This is crucial for building that golden-brown crust.
- Flip the Chicken :
- After 5 minutes, flip the chicken over and reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Cook for another 5 minutes , or until the thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (check this using your meat thermometer!).
- Rest the Chicken :
- Once done, remove the chicken thighs from the skillet and transfer them to a plate.
- Tent the chicken with aluminum foil to keep it warm while you cook the jalapeños and peaches.
Step 4: Cooking the Jalapeños and Peaches
Now, let’s start incorporating the flavors from the spicy jalapeños and sweet peaches.
Instructions for Jalapeños & Peaches:
- Cook the Jalapeños :
- Using the same skillet (no need to clean it—you want those delicious chicken juices to flavor your veggies), raise the heat back to medium and add your thinly-sliced jalapeños .
- Cook the jalapeños for about 3 minutes , stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and slightly caramelize.
- Add Peaches :
- Next, add your sliced peaches to the skillet with the jalapeños.
- Cook the peaches for another 3 minutes , allowing them to soften and slightly caramelize. You don’t want them mushy, just tender with a bit of color.
Step 5: Bringing It All Together with the Peach Glaze
It’s time to coat everything with your luscious peach glaze and make this dish truly irresistible. With the chicken cooked, the peaches softened, and the jalapeños adding their perfect heat, everything is ready for that final touch!
Instructions for Combining the Ingredients :
- Pour in the Peach Glaze :
- With the jalapeños and peaches still in the skillet , pour in your prepared peach glaze .
- Stir everything gently to ensure that every peach slice and jalapeño gets evenly coated with that sweet, tangy glaze.
- Return the Chicken to the Skillet :
- Once the glaze is warm and fully incorporated, nestle your cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet , making sure each one gets a healthy layer of that gorgeous glaze.
- Spoon additional glaze from the skillet over the top of the chicken to coat it fully.
- Finish Heating the Chicken :
- Let the chicken simmer in the glaze for another 1-2 minutes to warm it through and allow the glaze to soak into the meat.
- Serve :
- Remove the skillet from the heat and serve your Jalapeño Peach Chicken warm !
- Spoon extra peaches and jalapeños over the chicken when plating for that visual pop and extra punch of flavor.
Serving Suggestions : This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
- Rice : Serve the chicken over white, brown, or jasmine rice to soak up that delicious glaze.
- Roasted Veggies : Lightly roasted veggies, like Brussels sprouts or asparagus, add a great textural contrast.
- Quinoa or Couscous : For a heartier meal, pair it with quinoa or couscous for a healthy, grain-based side.
Storage and Leftovers
If you miraculously have leftovers (though, I doubt it!), Jalapeño Peach Chicken stores beautifully:
- Refrigerator : Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days . When you’re ready to eat it again, simply reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
- Freezer : For longer storage, you can place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months . Allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
There you have it—your ultimate Jalapeño Peach Chicken ! 😋 With that tantalizing balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, this is one dish you’ll want to make again and again. Plus, it’s quick, simple, and elegant enough for entertaining or a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Give it a try and savor that first bite! And don’t forget, you can always adjust the heat level depending on your spice tolerance—Jalapeño peppers can be as mild or as fiery as you like!
Enjoy your meal, and feel free to share your kitchen success or ask any questions in the future. Happy cooking!