Description
Jalapeño Peach Chicken is a flavorful Southern-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and topped with a sweet and spicy peach-jalapeño sauce. This skillet recipe balances spicy heat with natural sweetness, making it perfect for a comforting main course served alongside rice or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce
- 2 fresh peaches, sliced (or 1 cup canned, drained)
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons peach preserves or honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Peaches and Jalapeño: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, sliced peaches, and jalapeño. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the peaches soften and the garlic is fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in chicken broth, peach preserves or honey, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, and Dijon mustard if using. Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly and meld the flavors.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spoon the peach and jalapeño sauce over the top, then simmer for another 2–3 minutes to coat the chicken and heat through.
- Serve: Serve the Jalapeño Peach Chicken warm, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño according to your spice tolerance; removing the seeds reduces the heat.
- For deeper flavor, grill the peach slices lightly before adding to the sauce.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- This dish is naturally gluten-free, but always check preserves if using store-bought varieties.
- Serve with your favorite grain or vegetable side to round out the meal.
