Jalapeno Peach Chicken

ByAileenrecipes

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Introduction

This Jalapeño Peach Chicken is a symphony of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that dance across the palate. Tender chicken simmers in a vibrant glaze made from ripe, juicy peaches and the distinct, fiery kick of fresh jalapeños. The result is a dish that is both comforting and excitingly bold. It’s a surprisingly simple yet impressive meal that transforms basic ingredients into something extraordinary. This recipe is the perfect answer for busy weeknights when you crave something beyond the ordinary, yet it’s elegant enough for weekend entertaining. You’ll want to make it for its unforgettable flavor profile that is guaranteed to become a new favorite.

Perfect for:
Summer BBQs and Grilling
Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Dinners
Meal Prep for Lunches
Dinner Parties and Special Occasions
Using Up Seasonal Peaches and Garden Jalapeños

Why You’ll Love This Jalapeño Peach Chicken Recipe

Incredibly Flavorful: The sauce creates a perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes. The natural sugar from the peaches caramelizes beautifully, while the jalapeños provide a manageable heat that builds with each bite.
Surprisingly Simple: Despite its gourmet taste, this is a straightforward, one-pan recipe. The process is uncomplicated, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt the heat level to your preference by adjusting the amount of jalapeño seeds, or swap the protein for pork chops or even firm tofu.
Great for Meal Prep: The flavors meld and intensify overnight, making the leftovers even more delicious for lunches throughout the week.

Preparation and Cooking Time
Total Time: 35 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 380 calories

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):
Calories: 380 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 22g

Nutritional Disclaimer
aileen recipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 jalapeños, sliced (seeds removed for milder heat)

  • 3 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced

  • 1/3 cup peach preserves or jam

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.

  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear for 5-7 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this stage. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

  3. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onion to the same skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften. Add the minced garlic and sliced jalapeños, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  4. Create the Sauce: Add the sliced peaches, peach preserves, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

  5. Simmer to Perfection: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the peach and jalapeño mixture. Spoon some of the sauce over the top. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

  6. Final Touch: If the sauce is too thin, you can remove the chicken and let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in half of the fresh cilantro.

  7. Serve: Garnish the Jalapeño Peach Chicken with the remaining fresh cilantro before serving.

How to Serve Jalapeño Peach Chicken

As a complete main course with a side of fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
Alongside a fresh green salad with a light lime vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
With roasted or grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for a healthy and colorful plate.
Topped with a dollop of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt to complement the spicy kick from the jalapeños.
Perfect for a potluck or family gathering, as it travels well and is universally appealing.

Additional Tips for Jalapeño Peach Chicken

For a richer flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Sear the skin until crispy and increase the simmering time to 20-25 minutes.
Don’t skip the step of searing the chicken, as it creates a fond (browned bits) on the bottom of the pan that adds immense depth and flavor to the sauce.
For the best texture and flavor, use peaches that are ripe but still firm. Overly soft peaches will break down into mush during cooking.
If fresh peaches are out of season, you can substitute with 1.5 to 2 cups of frozen peach slices. No need to thaw them first.

Recipe Variations of Jalapeño Peach Chicken

Pork Version: Substitute the chicken breasts with four boneless pork chops. Follow the same searing and simmering instructions, ensuring the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Spicy Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the jalapeños for an extra layer of heat. You can also include the seeds from the jalapeños.
Creamy Version: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk at the very end of cooking, just before serving, for a richer, creamier sauce.
Grilled Version: Grill the seasoned chicken breasts over medium heat until almost cooked through. Brush generously with the peach and jalapeño sauce (made separately in a saucepan) during the last few minutes of grilling.

Freezing and Storage for Jalapeño Peach Chicken

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
Freezing: This dish freezes reasonably well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the peach texture may become softer upon thawing.

FAQ Section about Jalapeño Peach Chicken

How can I make this recipe less spicy?
To reduce the heat, be sure to thoroughly remove all the white membranes and seeds from the jalapeños before slicing. You can also start with just one jalapeño and adjust to your taste.

Can I use canned peaches?
Yes, you can use canned peach slices in 100% juice. Be sure to drain them well before adding to the skillet to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.

What can I use instead of peach preserves?
Apricot preserves are an excellent substitute. Alternatively, you can use 2 tablespoons of brown sugar or honey, though the texture of the sauce will be slightly thinner.

Is the chicken supposed to be sweet?
The dish has a prominent sweet note from the peaches and preserves, but it is balanced by the spicy jalapeños, savory soy sauce, and tangy vinegar, creating a complex sweet-and-spicy profile.

Conclusion of Jalapeño Peach Chicken Recipe

Jalapeño Peach Chicken is a testament to how a few simple, high-quality ingredients can create a meal that is far greater than the sum of its parts. It delivers a restaurant-worthy experience from the comfort of your own kitchen with minimal effort and maximum reward. The captivating blend of sweet fruit and spicy chili is a combination that is both timeless and thrilling. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will earn a permanent spot in your culinary rotation. Don’t just take our word for it—gather your ingredients and experience the magic for yourself.