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No, but I have tasted a dish that hits you with sweet, spicy, savory and tangy all at the same time… and somehow makes you want to take another bite. And that would be this Zesty Jalapeno Peach Chicken.
This dish is one of those “WOW” meals… you know, the ones that taste like restaurant food but are easy to make at home in a single skillet.
What’s better? It’s fast enough to make on a busy weeknight, and impressive enough to be worthy for guests! And trust me… people will ask you for the recipe!
So if you’re on the lookout for a bright new summer chicken recipe with bold flavor, this is it! Save this one now! You’re going to crave it over and over.
Ingredients
Equipment Needed
- Large nonstick skillet (or cast iron pan)
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Tongs (for flipping chicken)
- Knife & cutting board
- Spoon or spatula (for stirring glaze)
- Meat thermometer (recommended)
- Plate + foil (to tent chicken)
What you’ll love about Jalapeno Peach Chicken
Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with this dish in no time: Sweet + spicy combo that tastes fantastic Made in one skillet (easy cleanup, woo hoo!)
Juicy chicken thighs that don’t dry out Sticky peach glaze that gets all over every bite Perfect for weeknight or meal prep dinners Looks super fancy, but is super easy Classic flavors, with simple-to-find ingredients
If you’ve never tried peaches with chicken before… this recipe will change your mind fast.
What Does Jalapeno Peach Chicken Taste Like?
Let’s talk flavor—because this dish is NOT boring. The peach brings a natural fruity sweetness.
- The peach preserves gleam and coat everything in a thick, rich glaze.
- The jalapeno adds heat, but a fresh pepper flavor as well.
- The soy sauce deepens the savoriness. And the apple cider vinegar tang brightens everything.
You’ll get a little zing from the Dijon mustard The garlic, chili powder, and red pepper flakes keep it toasty and warm You’ll wind up with a plateful of sweet, sticky chicken with just a touch of heat. It’s bold, it’s exciting, and it’s seriously addictive.
How to Make Zesty Jalapeno Peach Chicken (Step-by-Step)
This is one of those “easy recipes that look fancy”, but my goodness are super simple. Let’s do it together!
Step 1: Peach Glaze In a medium sized bowl combine: Peach preserves, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine.
Tip: This glaze smells incredible uncooked, but don’t taste it yet—it’s tastiest once warmed in the skillet.
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken Pat chicken thighs with paper towels to dry thoroughly—the drier the chicken is, the better it will sear and develop a nice golden crust.
In a small bowl, combine: kosher salt black pepper chili powder Rub the seasoning all over the chicken thighs.
Quick Tip: Don’t skip drying the chicken. If it’s wet, it will steam rather than sear.
Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a very large nonstick skillet over medium heat. When heated, add the chicken thighs (in batches if necessary, being sure not to crowd the pan). Cook for 5 minutes. Turn the chicken, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook another 5 minutes until 165°F internally.
Remove chicken to a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm. Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer. This is the easiest way to avoid overcooked chicken.
Step 4: Cook the Jalapenos and the Peaches In the same skillet, raise heat back to medium.
Add the sliced jalapeños. Stir fry for 3 minutes. Add the sliced peaches. Cook until just soft, about another 3 minutes.
Note: they should be tender, not mushy; be gentle or they will fall apart.
Step 5: Add the Glaze Pour the peach glaze into the hot skillet over the peaches and jalapenos. Stir everything to coat the peaches and jalapenos in that glossy glaze. You’ll quickly notice that it’s getting sticky and thickening.
Step 6: Return Chicken to the Skillet Add the chicken back into the skillet. Spoon over the glaze and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, until chicken is hot again and nicely coated. Serve warm and enjoy every sweet sticky bite!
Pro Tips for the Best Sticky Peach Glaze Chicken
Tips for Making the Best Sticky Peach Glaze Chicken Want to knock your peach glaze chicken out of the park? Check out our tips: Use ripe, but very firm peaches so that they soften without becoming mushyDon’t skip the Dijon mustard; the balance it brings to your sweetness is key
Cook the chicken thighs on medium low and flipping them often so they remain juicy. If you wanted less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeno!
Allow the glaze to warm slowly, because if you cook it on too high a heat, you might burn the preserves. Add the chicken back only at the end, so it doesn’t over cook. Spoon the glaze over and over constantly for that sticky shine.
Allow the chicken to rest for a bit before serving, so the juices don’t run out. These little things make the difference.
What to Serve With Jalapeno Peach Chicken
This pairs nicely with so many sides, here’s a list of the best!
- Steamed white rice or jasmine rice
- Garlic or regular mashed potatoes
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Grilled corn on the cob Buttered noodles
- Quinoa or couscous
- A fresh green salad
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- Cornbread or dinner rolls
- Warm tortillas for a fun taco meal.
Personally, I love it over rice because the glaze seeps in and every bite is extra delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute chicken breast for thighs?
Yes, but chicken breast tends to cook faster and can dry out. Reduce the cook time and be sure to check the temperature carefully.
Can I use canned or frozen peaches?
Fresh peaches are preferred, but canned or frozen can be used. If using canned, drain well. Thaw frozen peaches first.
Is this very spicy?
It packs some heat, but not too much. For milder, remove the seeds from the jalapeno pepper and omit the red pepper flakes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook everything and store it. The flavor actually gets even better the next day.
What if I don’t have peach preserves?
Apricot preserves or mango preserves will work too. The flavor changes a little, but it’s still fabulous.
Final Thoughts: Super sweet, spicy, and super addicting!
If you’re in a dinner rut and need something fresh, exciting, and seriously flavorful, then this Zesty Jalapeno Peach Chicken is the recipe you need! Sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory are all in one dish—and made in just one skillet!
The succulent chicken thighs, ripe peaches, and heat-packed jalapeños cloaked in that syrupy peach glaze… this is the kind of dish that makes you feel like royalty in the kitchen.
Be sure to leave a comment if you try it — I’d love to know how you liked it! And if you enjoy feisty flavors like this one, be sure to bookmark it for similar meals down the road.
