Easy Jalapeño Peach Chicken
There’s something magical about the sweet-savoury dance of flavors when you combine juicy peaches and zesty jalapeños. Just imagine the vibrant sight of golden chicken pieces nestled beneath shimmering peach wedges and green jalapeño slices, all kissed by a sticky-sweet glaze. Each bite bursts with summer vibes, as if you’re taking a sun-soaked day outside, feeling the warmth on your skin and the gentle caress of a cool breeze. This Easy Jalapeño Peach Chicken Recipe | 7 Simple Ingredients is not only a feast for the palate but also a celebration of simple comforts.
Table of Contents
Growing up, my favorite family gatherings always had this unmistakable excitement in the air from the mix of flavors wafting from the kitchen. My aunt would whip up delicious dishes that paired fruits and spices in such a captivating way. It felt like a tradition, something to cherish along with family laughter. If you’re looking to create those kinds of memories around the dinner table—whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering—this enticing recipe will be your go-to. So, roll up those sleeves and let’s embark on a culinary adventure that will have your taste buds tingling with joy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can have this delightful dish on your table in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy evenings.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet peaches and a gentle jalapeño kick creates a mouthwatering glaze that’s simply addictive.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors and beautiful presentation will impress your family or guests.
- Flexible Serving: Serve it as a main dish or shred the chicken to use in wraps, salads, or tacos!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free and dairy-free diets with thoughtful substitutions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (2.1 pounds): Cut into bite-size chunks for even cooking; you can also use thigh pieces if you prefer dark meat.
- Fresh Peaches (3): Choose ripe but firm peaches for sweetness without being overly mushy; nectarines can work as a substitute if peaches aren’t available.
- Jalapeños (2): Thinly sliced with seeds removed for a milder heat; you can add the seeds back in for extra spice or swap with bell peppers for a milder version.
- Garlic Powder (1 1/4 teaspoons): This spice brings a depth of savory flavor to the dish; fresh garlic can be used instead, but reduce the amount to taste.
- Salt (1 1/4 teaspoons): Fine sea salt is preferred for an even flavor distribution; kosher salt is a great alternative.
- Paprika (1 1/4 teaspoons): Adds warmth and a lovely color; smoked paprika gives a beautiful smoky undertone to the dish.
- Chicken Bouillon Granules (1 1/4 teaspoons, optional): This boosts the umami flavor; you can skip it if you prefer a lighter taste.
- Dried Oregano (3/4 teaspoon): Crush it between your fingers to release the oils and enhance the flavor; Italian seasoning would work too.
- Black Pepper (3/4 teaspoon): Freshly ground is best for that aromatic kick; you can adjust the quantity to suit your spice preference.
- Peach Preserves (1 1/3 cups): Use smooth or lightly chunky preserves for the glaze; homemade peach jam is an excellent option if you have it on hand.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (1 1/4 tablespoons): This adds a balancing tartness to the glaze and complements the sweetness of the peaches.
- Soy Sauce (1 1/4 teaspoons): Low-sodium soy sauce keeps it from being too salty while adding savory depth; you can use tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Minced Garlic (3/4 teaspoon): Fresh garlic enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
How to Make Easy Jalapeño Peach Chicken Recipe | 7 Simple Ingredients
Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 420°F. This high heat will help to caramelize the peach glaze while ensuring that the chicken cooks thoroughly and stays juicy. While it’s warming up, grab a large baking dish and lay out your cut chicken pieces in a single layer. This step is essential for even cooking and browning.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, blend together the garlic powder, chicken bouillon granules, paprika, salt, oregano, and freshly cracked black pepper. This spice mix is the flavor foundation for our dish. Sprinkle this mixture evenly across your chicken pieces, ensuring every bite will be seasoned perfectly.
Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the peach preserves, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce until you have a smooth mixture. This sticky glaze is what brings your chicken to life, and the balance of sweet and tangy will make your taste buds dance. Pour this sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated.
Arrange Fruits and Peppers: Now for the fun part! Arrange the peach wedges and sliced jalapeños on top of the chicken and glaze. Make sure they’re dispersed evenly so that every bite is packed with flavor. The jalapeños will lend a gentle spice, while the peaches will keep everything sweet and juicy.
Bake to Perfection: Pop your baking dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 15–20 minutes. Check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden and bubbly, and the aroma fills your kitchen with that irresistible fragrance!
Rest and Serve: Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting time allows the sauce to settle and enhance its flavor. Serving warm, you’ll be amazed at how the sticky-sweet glaze clings to the chicken, perfectly complemented by the peaches and jalapeños.
Storing & Reheating
To keep your jalapeño peach chicken fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two hours. Otherwise, place it in the refrigerator, where it will stay good for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. The texture may change slightly, but a splash of water or fresh peach slices can help refresh the dish’s delightful juiciness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcrowding the baking dish, as this can lead to uneven cooking; always make sure to use a large enough dish.
- For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate in the spice mixture and peach glaze for a few hours or overnight.
- If you have time, consider searing the chicken in a hot pan for 3-4 minutes before baking to add a lovely golden crust.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley right before serving to brighten the dish up.
- If the glaze seems too thick, add a dash of water to loosen it up while cooking.
Enjoying this delightful dish is just around the corner, where juicy peach goodness meets a gentle jalapeño kick. You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds from the very first bite! This Easy Jalapeño Peach Chicken Recipe | 7 Simple Ingredients is a true testament to how effortless it can be to create an impressive meal that wows. Whether you’re treating your family or celebrating with friends, I can’t wait to hear all about your tasty creation!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken or peaches?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. As for frozen peaches, if they’re unsweetened and packed in water, you can use them directly; just be aware that they might release extra moisture.
What other fruits can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Nectarines, mangoes, or even diced pineapples can add an exciting twist to this recipe. Adjust the acidity of the glaze slightly if necessary, to balance sweetness.
Can this recipe be cooked on the grill?
Certainly! You can skewer the chicken, peaches, and jalapeños and grill them for a delicious smoky flavor. Just be sure to brush them with the glaze during grilling to keep them moist!
What can I serve with this dish?
This vibrant chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it wrapped in tortillas or over a bed of fresh greens for a colorful salad.
PrintMore Dinner Recipes
- Ground Turkey Egg Roll Bowls
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Corned Beef & Cabbage (Crockpot)
- Crockpot Reuben Sandwiches
- Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Easy Jalapeño Peach Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Jalapeño Peach Chicken is a vibrant dish combining juicy peaches and zesty jalapeños, topped with a sticky-sweet glaze. Ideal for quick dinners or festive gatherings, it’s bound to impress with its irresistible flavors and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (2.1 pounds)
- Fresh Peaches (3)
- Jalapeños (2)
- Garlic Powder (1 1/4 teaspoons)
- Salt (1 1/4 teaspoons)
- Paprika (1 1/4 teaspoons)
- Chicken Bouillon Granules (1 1/4 teaspoons, optional)
- Dried Oregano (3/4 teaspoon)
- Black Pepper (3/4 teaspoon)
- Peach Preserves (1 1/3 cups)
- Apple Cider Vinegar (1 1/4 tablespoons)
- Soy Sauce (1 1/4 teaspoons)
- Minced Garlic (3/4 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 420°F and prepare a large baking dish with chicken pieces in a single layer.
- Combine dry ingredients in a bowl and sprinkle over the chicken evenly.
- Whisk together peach preserves, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce; pour over chicken.
- Arrange peach wedges and jalapeños on top of the chicken.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
Consider adding fresh herbs right before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
