This Jalapeño Peach Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of peaches with the heat of jalapeños, creating a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. The juicy chicken thighs are smothered in a tangy, savory peach-jalapeño sauce, making this recipe a standout for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
📋 Ingredients
For the Peach and Jalapeño Sauce:
- 2 large yellow peaches , sliced
- 2 jalapeños , sliced into rounds (adjust to taste for spice level)
- ½ cup peach preserves or apricot preserves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Peach and Jalapeño Sauce
- Thinly slice the peaches and cut the jalapeños into rounds. Combine them in a medium bowl.
- Add the peach preserves , olive oil , Worcestershire sauce , apple cider vinegar , and Dijon mustard to the bowl. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Set aside.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Season all sides of the chicken evenly with sea salt , black pepper , and garlic powder .
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet (12-inch) over medium-high heat . Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the skillet.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the skillet, leaving space between each piece. Brown on one side for 5 minutes without moving to develop a golden crust.
- Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 4 minutes until golden brown on the second side. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
- Keeping the chicken in the skillet, pour the prepared peach and jalapeño sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Cook for 3 minutes , allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Gently stir the sauce and chicken together for 2 minutes , ensuring the chicken is thoroughly coated and heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy the bold, sweet, and spicy flavors of this dish!
Tips for Success
- Adjust Spice Level: Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños for a milder sauce, or leave them in for extra heat.
- Peach Substitution: If fresh peaches aren’t available, use canned peaches (drained) or frozen peaches.
- Preserves Swap: Apricot preserves work beautifully as a substitute for peach preserves if needed.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days . Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freezing: Freeze the sauce and chicken separately for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Jalapeño Peach Chicken is a celebration of bold, contrasting flavors—sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory—all coming together in one skillet. The tender chicken thighs soak up the rich, fruity sauce, while the jalapeños add a kick that keeps things exciting. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers big on flavor and simplicity. Dive into this sweet-and-spicy masterpiece and let it become a new favorite in your kitchen!
⏱ Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
🍽 Servings:
4 servings
🔥 Calories (Approximate):
~350 kcal per serving (varies based on portion size and sides)
