Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?

Yes, canned peach halves can work if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid adding excess liquid to the dish and keep in mind that the texture will not be the same as when using fresh, ripe peaches.

How spicy is this dish?

When removing all the seeds from the jalapenos, you’re left with more of just the jalapeno flavor than its spice. If you are sensitive to heat, you can use one seeded jalapeno instead of 2.

Is it possible to make this dish spicy without jalapenos?

Absolutely. I'm always a fan of "making do" with what you have on hand. But as with any substitution, it will change the recipe to some degree. You can substitute jalapenos with serrano peppers for more heat or use a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes in the sauce.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a flavorful alternative and my husband actually prefers thighs over breasts.

Jalapeno Chicken with Peaches

Description

Spice up your dinner plans with this bold yet flavorful chicken recipe! It’s no secret that sweet and spicy are a great flavor combination. This jalapeno peach chicken is a fusion of savory, tender chicken, sweet and tangy ripe peaches, and the subtle heat of fresh jalapeno peppers. It’s perfect for those moments when you want something easy to prepare but with a bit of a gourmet feel—plus, it smells pretty amazing while cooking.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
2 fresh jalapenos, seeded and sliced
1/4 cup peach preserves
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1.5 tablespoons soy sauce
1.5 tablespoons chicken broth
Cilantro, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Place the chicken in a large bowl and toss to coat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Rub the seasoning mixture into the chicken until it is fully coated.
Cover the bowl and let marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes – 2 hours.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the jalapeno peach sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the peach preserves, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, and soy sauce. Mix until combined, and set aside.
Heat a large skillet to medium-high and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add in your marinated chicken. Cook for 5-6 minutes on one side, then reduce your heat to medium low and cook the other side for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Peel and slice your peaches, and seed and slice your jalapenos. In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, place your peach slices, jalapeno slices, and prepared jalapeno peach sauce. Let cook on medium-low heat for 7-10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the peaches are soft.
Place your chicken back into the skillet with the sauce and let simmer on low heat for an additional 5-8 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken occasionally to allow the chicken to absorb all that flavor.
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with remaining glaze drizzled on top of the chicken. Enjoy!

Equipment

Large Skillet

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Mixing Bowls

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Sharp Knife

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Notes

Remove the jalapeno seeds and ribs to tone down the heat. If you want to control the heat level, take a moment to remove all the seeds and the white ribs from the jalapenos before cooking. This small step can make the dish less spicy without losing any flavor.

Use a meat thermometer as a great way to ensure your chicken is cooked to the correct temperature and avoid overcooking or undercooking.

Perfect Peaches. The sweetness of ripe peaches is really important for this recipe! Using peaches that aren’t ripe enough could result in a sour flavor.

Rest is best! Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into it. This helps keep it nice and juicy!

Grill the chicken! We love grilling in the summertime and it’s a perfect option for this recipe. Grill the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, then follow the remaining steps in the recipe for the glaze.

Prep Time: 5
Marinate Time: 30 mins - 2 hours
Cook Time: 25
Category: Main Dish
Cuisine: American